2022 Taiwan Lourdes Association Annual Report
(1)Stability
In 2022,Taiwan Lourdes Association(Hereinafter referred as TLA)completed its fifth five-year term of service, witnessing over two decades of continuous support for PLWHA(people living with hiv/aids) and their families as they face various challenges posed by HIV. TLA actively responded to the diverse needs of individuals at both social and psychological levels, continually striving to enhance their well-being through mutual aid and empowerment. Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the quantity of visits to prisons and outreach services was relatively low in the past year. However, in the latter half of the year, as various service domains gradually reopened, regular services continued to regain momentum. Overall, the 25th year saw robust progress in various services, providing the team with more time for reflection, organization, and further enhancement of professional capabilities.
(2)Adjustment
Specifically targeting groups such as the elderly, women, substance users, individuals in recovery from substance addiction, those in rural areas, and foreign PLWHA, TLA's dedicated support and interventions have allowed us to gain deeper insights into the structural issues underlying each welfare service.
For example, in the case of community care for the elderly, early in the year, through convening discussions with government and non-governmental entities, we recognized the future need for actively connecting resources within a friendly long-term care system for seniors undergoing blood dialysis or dealing with multiple comorbidities. Subsequently, the public sector launched online teaching courses on long-term care infection control and PLWHA care. TLA's team visited friendly long-term care institutions in central Taiwan, sharing general protective principles and practical experiences in caring for PLWHA and substance addiction.
Regarding cases involving substance use, through proactive learning about trauma-informed care and empowering families to cope with the challenges caused by addiction, we have witnessed tangible progress in relationship repair and accelerated recovery processes.
As for medication retrieval services, with the evolving pandemic situation, we discovered significant disparities in Taiwan's provision of HIV treatment resources for foreign PLWHA, highlighting an ongoing challenge that requires continuous dialogue and breakthroughs.
(3)Enhancement
Given the enduring stigma and discrimination associated with HIV or substance use, achieving visible results from interventions in the short term remains challenging. Despite the era of post-U=U, pragmatic harm reduction approaches, and ongoing interdisciplinary dialogues and collaborations, deeply ingrained binary values of right and wrong persist. For cases that diverge from mainstream values, there is a continual need to create platforms for more friendly conversations. The goal is to enhance mutual empathy and actively identify key individuals for more efficient intervention strategies.
The 2021 Quality of Life survey for PLWHA in Taiwan revealed a score of 68, prompting TLA, which has always championed the mission of improving the quality of life for PLWHA, to consider potential enhancements to its sustained services. Through interdisciplinary dialogues and within-team conversations, we discovered that existing services may require more substantial investments for breakthrough progress. Therefore, one of the urgent current issues is to strive for more concrete demonstrations of service effectiveness.This involves encouraging more dialogue and creating opportunities for mutual understanding, not only for the target audience but also for individuals beyond the echo chamber.
(4) Advocacy
In the next five years, TLA will be guided by the HIV and Addiction Community Care White Paper. Tailoring our approach to the unique characteristics of different target audiences, we will integrate with existing welfare systems and resource networks to deepen individual self-worth, enhance identity recognition, and foster a culture of mutual assistance. Given the emphasis on family relationships in Chinese society, interventions for family empowerment and relationship restoration will continue.
For the harm reduction and recovery of the substance use community, recognizing that addiction recovery is a lengthy process, we will further expand strategies for continuous care, sustainable development, harm reduction, and engage in diverse conversations with the public. The goal is to create a friendly living environment and contribute to a socially inclusive development that prioritizes equality and prosperity.
(5)Services Summary Table
This year’s services has reached over 400,000 people in total.
Project |
Content |
Achievement |
Direct services |
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Community Care |
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Financial Aid |
Life, Medical ,Housing and others(including referrals) |
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Counseling |
Telephone consultation, Counseling Sessions, Consultation, Advisory, Greeting and Care |
Through means such as phones and other contact media , 7,169 counseling services has been provided. Additionally, there have been 3,737 counseling sessions. |
Occupational Guidance |
Employment Advisory, job matching, work-for-relief programs, referrals |
148 times of occupational guidance has been provided. Of these, 80.8% have started working after our service ;furthermore ,51.9% of them have secured steady jobs. |
Referral |
Housing, financial, employment and other referral services |
62 referrals have been provided. Of these, financial referrals constitute the majority at 55%, followed by psychological counseling at 13%. |
Short-term Housing |
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We provided housing services for 42 people, 104 times. Among these, 9 individuals received halfway housing assistance 37 times , while 33 people received rental housing assistance 67 times. Among all the cased of moving out, 50% move out because their lease has ended, followed by 33% due to other housing sources and 17% because they can be self-sufficient. |
Senior PLWHA |
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We have served a total of 164 individuals. Among them, male constitute 82%, while females make up 18%. The primary needs are related to financial requirements and interpersonal support, followed by the occupational needs. The corresponding interventions are prioritized as follows: the most prevalent is support system network, followed by resources provision and advisory services. |
Female PLWHA |
We targeted female PLWHA with simple or multiple services ,offering specialized case management , social resource linkage, counseling as well as greetings and care. Additionally, we organize groups and empowerment camp exclusively for female PLWHA. |
We have served a total of 43 female PLWHA, with 8 being new member. The age distribution is as follows : 41-50 years old make up the majority at 39.5%, followed by 51-60 years old at 25.5%; The primary source of cases is self-referral, accounting for 62.79%, followed by referrals from medical and public health sources. The addiction status is divided equally between opioid addicts and non-addicts. In terms of needs, the highest priority is basic life needs at 46.42%, followed by support networks at 29.4%. The corresponding interventions are prioritized as follows: the most prevalent is support network at 60.5%, followed by advisory services at 14.9% and resources provision at 12.6%. We have organized 9 groups with a total participation of 88 people. Additionally, we conducted 1 empowerment camp with 13 participants. We have also established 4 LINE groups and communities, with a total membership of 57 people |
Outreach |
Services in hospitals, housed of clients or other places |
We have provided a total of 254 outreach services. Due to the impact of the pandemic, the quantity of outreach services has been reduced. We have adapted by developing diverse and flexible working models, such as utilizing communication software effectively. |
Telephone and Internet consultation |
Advisory through telephone, LINE App and Email |
Phone services: 1,038 times. Internet services: 2,419 times |
HIV Test |
Providing Anonymous HIV Test |
We have provided 61 HIV test services at offices in Taipei, Taichung and Hualien. |
Medication pickup service |
Assist Taiwanese PLWHA residing abroad in adhering to Antiretroviral Therapy(ART) |
A total of 56 PLWHA, accounting for 479 instances, were assisted in receiving medication abroad due to the inability to return to Taiwan for stable medication and treatment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We have served 20 foreign cases, offering a total of 301 services. Among these cases, 5 received financial support for medical and life expenses, totaling NTD $63,000. |
Community Center |
Support, leisure, socializing event |
We provide vis-à-vis services for 800 participants. |
Workshops |
Topics includes: Medical, Adaptation, Serodiscordant couples, Intimacy and coming out etc. |
We arranged 16 workshops for a total of 210 participants in Taipei, Taichung, Hualien and Taitung covering topics such as COVID-19 information , psychology, new medication knowledge, health maintenance, infectious decease control and self-exploration. |
Support Groups |
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Leisure/ Growth Activities |
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Internet Service |
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Prison Visits and Consultation |
Individual/group/correspondence counseling and visits and Scientific Evidence Group |
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Online Courses |
To enhance service effectiveness, digital courses are planned to be developed across nine major areas, addressing physiological well-being, injury prevention, trauma management, self and emotional care, interpersonal relationships, family education, sexual well-being, Chaolu courses, and social resources (including seven therapeutic community facilities, the Legal Aid Foundation, employment service stations, rehabilitation protection associations, and long-term care resources). These courses aim not only to address immediate needs in community service cases but also to provide knowledge and perspective broadening for incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities. |
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Substance users’ family support plan |
Beginning with mitigating the harm caused by substance use on the body, mind, and spirit, we offer services to help individuals and families reconnect with society and regain stability. |
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Hualian Harm Reduction Center |
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Staff Members Training and Supervision System |
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On Job Training |
Helper Workshops and various training courses |
Our staff has participated in 92 on-the-job training sessions, totaling 307.47 hours. We provide 3 in-service staff with undergraduate courses ,amounting to a total of 163 hours. |
Supervision |
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Intern Guiding and training |
Enhancing professional skills and enriching knowledge and techniques in issues related to HIV/AIDS and drug abuse |
7 College students are on internship |
Volunteers Recruitment and Training |
Volunteers Recruiting, training, supervising, service-learning |
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Publication of promotional materials |
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Education |
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Publication |
Publishing brochures, e-books & articles |
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Public Relations and Concept Promotion |
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Social Media Promotion |
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Media report |
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Further exploring the issue |
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TLA served as the author and committee member for the white paper, exploring stigmatization issues related to PrEP and U=U and proposing solutions. We also visited HIV-related organizations and therapeutic communities in Australia to gain insights into foreign service experiences and working models. |
International Interaction |
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Collaborative Research Project Beyond the Association |
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Alliance |
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Information System Development |
Including offices in Taipei, Taichung, ,Hualien and therapeutic community system |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to the need for remote work, we adjusted internal networks and equipment, facilitating colleagues to work from home. The construction of the therapeutic community system has been completed. |
Lourdes 25, Thriving with me, Witnessing for love, Cultivating positive strength |
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Fundraising for Extending Filming of “A Journey back to the Wishing tree, Flourishing with love in the storm”:A Documentary on life support for PLWHA. Promoting the Elimination of HIV Stigma and Advocating for Legal and Social Alignment with Scientific Treatment. |
In 2002, TLA took its members on a trip to Qingjing for the first time, providing a therapeutic escape. This journey allowed the separately coursing hearts to slowly converge into a river. Under the trees on the grassy hillside, they made wishes and agreed to return in 10 years to confirm their realizations. The common wish of PLWHA was to “live well”. In the autumn of the 20th year, 63 individuals returned to Qingjing Farm to revisit the tree of memories, witnessing the milestone of the 20th anniversary of the Lourdes Support Group. The documentary, “A Journey back to the Wishing tree : Taiwan PLWHA Support Group's Twenty-Year Journey,” is promoted on major social media platforms. |
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Taiwan HIV/AIDS community care action (advocacy) White Paper |
Organizing both internal and external focus groups, and conducting discussions on several key topics, including women, middle-aged and elderly individuals, Chemsex, diverse ethnicities of PLWHA , their quality of life, and decriminalization |
Conducted a total of 13 sessions with 78 participants in both internal and external focus groups. Throughout these sessions, we observed the profound impact of stigma on individuals who internalize it, as well as how societal discrimination leads to various life challenges and rights deprivation for PLWHA. TLA has compiled a white paper report, outlining plans for the extended and deepened development of services. This opportunity is also utilized to make relevant appeals. |
HIV and Addiction Community Care Action Strategy
(A)Middle-aged and Elderly (Long-term Care) |
(B)Female |
(C) MSM(Men who have sex with men)/LGBTQIA+ |
(D)Harm Reduction on Substance Addiction |
(E)Specific Service Recipients |
(F)Online Service |
(G) Enhance Professional Services |
A0. With a third-level prevention and care mindset, the goal is to manage aging health, slow down high-risk and sub-symptomatic conditions, and ensure that those with comorbidities can receive relevant care resources appropriately, avoiding elderly isolation and achieving a good end of life.
A2. Provide correct HIV, gender equality, and harm reduction education for long-term care personnel.
A3. Develop career choices in long-term care for PLWHA (People Living With HIV/AIDS).
A4. Establish the Northern, Central, and Eastern AIDS Long-Term Care Community Resource Case Management Center.
A5. Build an AIDS long-term care mutual assistance network.
A6. Regularly visit and accompany elderly cases.
A7. Palliative care and end-of-life services. |
B0. The goal is to promote the holistic development and uphold the autonomy and rights of women;
B1. Keep organizing female mutual empowerment assistance and self-help education,as well as relevant camps
B2. Specifically formulating concrete action tasks for gender equality aspects such as
B3. In sex health education, particularly for general females (non-PLWHA), especially young females, enhance the concept of self-protection.
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C0. Promote the overall well-being and safeguard the physical and mental health, as well as the basic rights, of gay and sexual minority communities.
C1. Addressing issues related to a) sexual orientation identity, b) social isolation, and c) past life trauma, actively cultivate service providers with the ability regarding ① trauma-informed and ② harm reduction.; C2. Advocate for mental health promotion services in LGBTQ+ health centers, encouraging individuals in the community to receive a) strong support, b) foster positive self-identity, c) promote sexual health culture, d) implement universal preventive principles, and e) promote U=U, PrEP & PEP.; C4. Continuously organize supportive and growth-oriented groups such as New Friends, aiming to empower individuals towards achieving mutual support and self-help. |
D0. Implement practical harm reduction strategies and diverse intervention services to assist individuals with substance use disorders and their families in achieving early recovery and reintegrating into society
D1. Continue providing counseling services within correctional facilities.
D2.Connect with associated support resources
D3. Assist with ex-offender rehabilitation
D4. Provide services for families of individuals struggling with addiction, including support groups and activities for maintenance and connection.
D5. Organize empowerment camps for families affected by addiction, facilitating mutual understanding between individuals struggling with substance abuse and their families. This aims to empower family members to become essential supporters and recovery partners in the journey toward rehabilitation.
D6. Collaborate with other organizations providing HIV or addiction-related services within relevant networks.
D7. Establish cooperative platforms that offer integrated resources and information to individuals struggling with substance abuse and their families
D8. Create a community environment conducive to the reintegration of individuals dealing with addiction |
E0. Provide services ensuring fair access to essential resources for those with relatively limited resources, based on humanitarian principles and resource equity.
E1. Assist foreigner PLWHA living in Taiwan to access affordable treatment medications.; E2. Enhance the accessibility of treatment medications.
E3. Review the current regulatory framework and advocate for timely amendments.
E4. Establish affordable methods for acquiring medications.
E5. Recognizing the challenges faced by rural areas or different ethnic groups in accessing information, actively conduct relevant workshops in remote areas.
E6. Develop diverse outreach services. |
F0. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of online information and service has been heightened.
F1. Building on past experiences with message boards, instant messaging, dedicated websites, health management apps, etc., continuously evolve and develop relevant online counseling or information services.
F2. Adapting to the rapid changes in the digital era, provide innovative online services tailored to the characteristics of the user base.
F3. Connect with information platforms in the network to become an extension of tangible services for the HIV/AIDS and addiction community care.
F4. Implement the spirit and concept of sustainable services under the SDGs, reflecting in the institutional image and across all service aspects. |
G1. In response to the intertwined trauma experiences or suffering complexities of PLWHA or struggling with addiction, actively cultivate the service team's ability in trauma-informed care and grief counseling.
G2. When addressing complex issues such as MSM or PLWHA involved in drug use, a)compile existing practical experiences, b) develop evidence-based discussions, c) promote harm reduction methodologies to community workers, d) collectively learn how to respond to drug use or complex trauma aftermath.
G3. Facing generational gaps, gender inequality, cultural diversity, and individuals who have experienced political or power-related trauma in the past, the cultivation of treatment knowledge and skills needs continuous improvement.
G4. Facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, connecting resources from various sectors to promote the sustainable development of services. |