CAAT Receives Casey Award 2012

 

CAAT is proud to be one of the recipients of the 2012 Casey Awards, presented at the Casey House Snowball gala event on February 25th, 2012.

Created in memory of Casey House founder, renowned social justice activist June Callwood, the Casey Awards annually recognize Canadian individuals or organizations whose pioneering leadership and activism in the fields of HIV/AIDS and social justice carry on Callwood’s passionate life’s work.

“We are thrilled to celebrate some of Canada’s unsung heroes who quietly strive to improve the health, human rights and dignity of some of society’s most marginalized people”, says Jim Belshaw, chair of the Casey Awards. “We think that June would have been very pleased to share this award with such fine recipients.”

The 2012 recipients of The Casey Awards are:

• Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment (CAAT) – Formed in 1999, CAAT arose in response

to deep need experienced by vulnerable newcomer people living with HIV/AIDS who face

significant barriers in accessing HIV treatment and services. Since that time CAAT has played a

pivotal role in connecting services and educating other service organizations in the needs of people

living with HIV/AIDS. CAAT is being recognized for its leadership and capacity-building in

promoting the health, well-being and meaningful empowerment of newcomer people living with

HIV/AIDS who face barriers to treatment and services.

• Dr. Mark Halman – The founding director of the HIV Psychiatry program at St. Michael’s Hospital,

Dr. Halman has for 20 years been training and inspiring educators, physicians and health care and

AIDS service workers in the fields of HIV/AIDS and mental health. His innovative approach to

education provides excellent training experiences for students while ensuring that patients are

cared for with dignity and in an environment that affirms diversity. This award recognizes Dr.

Halman’s passion, innovation. dedication and collaborative leadership—locally, nationally and

internationally—in advancing the fields of HIV/AIDS and mental health.

The Wartman Family – When Moncton, New Brunswick native Michael Wartman made the brave

decision to publicly declare his HIV status in order to lessen stigma and discrimination in his home

community, his family rallied in support of his efforts. Michael passed away in 2000, and his family

continues their activism in his memory. This award recognizes the Wartman family’s pioneering

leadership in proudly advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS; and their

ongoing compassionate service in supporting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, and their

loved ones.

The Casey Awards 2012 are generously sponsored by Tiffany & Co. and RBC Royal Bank.