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St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation brings Desmond Tutu to London
The Signature Speaker Series is a bi-annual event designed to reinforce public understanding of St. Joseph's new and evolving role within the Canadian health care community and far beyond. It raises critical philanthropic funds for the Spirit of St. Joseph's Health Care Fund, which supports the highest priority needs in care, teaching and research. Londoners should well remember the inaugural event in 2007 which featured former U.S. vice president, turned environmentalist Al Gore, who delivered, in person, his message of An Inconvenient Truth. Tutu will be focusing his London talk on the subject of HIV/AIDS both in Africa and in Canada and the London region, as well as the responsibility we all have to care for one another. St. Joseph's Health Care, London is actively involved in the battle against HIV/AIDS—both at home and in Africa. St. Joseph's infectious diseases care program treats people with AIDS from across Southwestern Ontario. And at Lawson Health Research Institute, Dr. Gregor Reid has become an international expert for his work with yogurt-based probiotics to improve the nutritional status and immune system of people living with AIDS in Africa and globally. "Archbishop Tutu's message is one of hope and a powerful reminder to all of us of the role we must play in the health of the global community," said Michelle Campbell, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. "As leaders in AIDS and other research that helps people live healthier lives, St. Joseph's is honoured to bring Archbishop Tutu and his important message to the region. The opportunity for Londoners to see and hear this global and historical figure right in our community is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience." It's expected that the recent selection of The University of Western Ontario as a possible Canadian site for an $88 million HIV/AIDS vaccine production facility will also help to highlight national attention on London in the area of HIV/AIDS clinical care and research leading up to the St. Joseph's event. Growing up in South Africa, Tutu's childhood dream was to become a doctor, but he was unable to afford medical school and became a teacher. When the South African government introduced an inferior education system for blacks, he joined the priesthood, fulfilling his passion for both healing and teaching. He was elected and ordained the first black South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa and primate of the Church of the Province of South Africa. He has chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is currently the chairman of The Elders. Tutu retired as Archbishop in 1996, and since his retirement he has worked as a global activist on issues pertaining to democracy, freedom and human rights. He has been a tireless campaigner for health and human rights and has been particularly vocal in support of controlling TB and HIV. He has served as the honorary chairman for the Global AIDS Alliance. In 2004, the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and Foundation was founded in Cape Town. Last year Tutu was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize. This is an annual award given to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods. Most recently, the U.S. State Department presented Tutu with the 2008 J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding. The prestigious Fulbright Prize recognizes Tutu's "tireless work for peace in South Africa and elsewhere, his courage in speaking out against injustice, his efforts to achieve a democratic and just society without racial division, and his initiatives to alleviate suffering caused by HIV/AIDS," the Fulbright Association stated in announcing the award. London's St. Joseph's is actively involved in the war against HIV/AIDS; both at home and in Africa. The infectious diseases care program meets the outpatient needs of HIV-infected and affected populations across southwestern Ontario. The program provides medical, psychiatric, nursing, social work, pharmacy, and nutrition services on an outpatient basis and is committed to helping educate professionals and the community about HIV/AIDS. Several team members have volunteered in Africa, providing education, diagnosis, care and treatment to people living with HIV/AIDS and their medical caregivers. Nearly 500 individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS receive care at the clinic. Unique in its approach, it was the first HIV/AIDS clinic of its kind in Ontario to treat patients of all ages. The May, 2009 event will feature a private reception with key supporters and a black-tie dinner with a presentation by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The evening will be moderated by CBC Morning anchor, Heather Hiscox. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact the St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation at 519-646-6085 or visit online (see link). WEB: The Signature Speaker Series |
| Surely St Joseph's has better uses for its money than this - like reducing the incidence of MSRA and other serious infections in Parkwood??? |
| By: Stephen Cooper on 01/07/2009 |
| Stephen- I think you must be an idiot. The work they are doing will change the future of the world. |
| By: Liz on 05/03/2009 |
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