TheBulletin.ca Journal of Downtown Toronto
One look at the new building going up on the corner of Jarvis and Isabella Streets in Toronto and you know that Casey House is growing. Just as when June Callwood founded it in 1988, Casey House is a welcoming place for all people who need its services, but Casey House is expanding to meet an ever-increasing need for compassionate care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Casey House’s capital campaign, Rebuilding Lives has reached a milestone 95% of their $10 million goal. And now they’re asking for the public’s help to finish the job.
A respected HIV/AIDS specialty hospital with a pioneering spirit, Casey House cares for people living with HIV/AIDS who are also facing complex challenges such as poverty, mental health or substance use issues, discrimination and marginalization. “Our clients’ stories are markedly different than the story of a healthy person with HIV who has a support network and access to treatment,” says Gillian Stacey, chair of Casey House’s board of directors. The larger, purpose-built facility will allow Casey House to offer its customized, compassionate health care to more people who are HIV+ by bringing more specialized services together and introducing a day health program. There is tremendous urgency and need for this type of care because the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is growing.
The 58,000 square foot health care facility encompasses a Jarvis St. heritage house and has almost reached its full four-storey height. It was designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, who had clients’ needs front of mind: a central atrium will bring in sunlight and a view of outdoors, both essential components for healing; there will be welcoming homelike patient spaces and extensive community and education space; and the building will comfortably meet clients’ accessibility requirements and ensure privacy while being a proud part of the neighbourhood.
Casey House provides a full range of medical and wellness services to help people living with HIV/AIDS, from support with medications, managing mental health and early dementia to compassionate end-of-life care. Casey House has a holistic approach to health and well-being which focuses on partnering with other organizations and caring for the whole person, not just their diagnosis of HIV and is proud to be on the forefront of providing a new model of health care.
Casey House is asking for help to open the doors; and inviting Torontonians to invest in the future of health care. To donate, visit rebuildinglives.ca or call 416-962-7600. Help realize the dream of the most comprehensive HIV/AIDS care in our city.
Source: PR Newswire for Journalists | Casey House – Expanding the heart of inspired HIV/AIDS care
