The Casey Awards to Recognize Canadian Leadership and Activism in HIV/AIDS and Social Justice

Awards to be presented at Casey House's SnowBall 2012 | ELEMENTAL on February 25

TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Casey House today announced the recipients of The Casey Awards 2012, recognizing and honouring Canadian individuals and organizations that have made exemplary contributions and demonstrated leadership in the fields of HIV/AIDS and social justice. The awards will be presented at Casey House's annual fundraising gala BMO Financial Group presents SnowBall 2012 - ELEMENTAL, taking place this year on February 25 at luxury design showroom AVENUE ROAD.

Created in memory of journalist and renowned social justice activist June Callwood, a founder of Casey House, 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're 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

ABOUT CASEY HOUSE: Founded in 1988, Casey House was the first free-standing HIV/AIDS facility in Canada. A specialty hospital with community programming, Casey House provides exemplary treatment, support and palliative care for people living with HIV/AIDS. www.caseyhouse.com

or to arrange an interview:

Kathleen Sandusky, Communications Specialist, 
Casey House 416-434-7763 (cell) / 
[email protected]

Deb McCain, Deb McCain Communications 
416-402-5681 / [email protected]