About Us
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Jordan Parker
Jordan (He/Him) is the Executive Director at Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, and brings with him a wealth of experience in fundraising, communications and event planning. He started his career as a journalist and gained a Masters in Investigative Journalism from the U. of King’s College before dovetailing into Public Relations with his Advanced Diploma at NSCC Ivany. He ran his own film & television PR firm Parker PR, but has found his comfort zone in non-profit working for Cystic Fibrosis Atlantic Canada, Leave Out Violence (LOVE) Nova Scotia... and HEAL NS. Alongside his role at Craig's Cause, he also curently works for the Elizabeth Fry Society, at Yuk Yuks Comedy, and as a host of Eddie May Murder Mystery parties on weekends. As a queer community activist, and former employee (having worked at HEAL NS for three years as our Fundraiser), he’s so excited to be a part of the HEAL NS board to continue his close connection with the organization.
The Red Gala
The Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the RED GALA on November 15th, 2025 at the Marriott Harbourfront. It was a spectacular night that was made possible by our amazing sponsors, silent auction donors and incredible community of supporters. Your generosity allows HEAL NS to continue our work of providing free and confidential help to those living and affected by HIV, while also championing health equity for all 2S/LGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians.
Guests sipped on signature cocktails, enjoyed a full cash bar, and savoured light appetizers. Everyone explored the treasures that were in store at our silent auction, and experienced performances that put the spotlight on the brilliance of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. The stunning line-up of performers included: Halifax Gay Men's Chorus, Mz Vicki, Beef Pattie, Bibingkita, Elle Noir, SpiraLynn & Betty Leonardi, Kyann Pepper, Izzy Limpwrist, Proshenna Rett, Mya Foxx, Richard Rockhard and DJ PhAwks.
A special thanks goes out to the fabulous hosts of the Red Gala, Rouge Fatale and Deva Station, and to Cat MacKeigan for their tireless work as Stage Manager.
For more information about the Red Gala and partnership opportunities, please contact Fund Development Officer Zach Nicholson.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
Community Sponsors:
Silent Auction Donors:
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Supporters
Please note that the list of partners and supporters of HEAL NS changes frequently. If your name is missing please let us know. It is our goal to work collaboratively with others to reach success in a shared vision for the future.
Corporate & Business Supporters
Local Sponsors
Regency Salon and Spa (CBBC Career College)
Nova Scotia General Employee’s Union (NSGEU)
Without the generous support of corporate and business community members, HEAL NS would not be able to achieve such a high level of success. Thank you for your ongoing commitment.
Jordan Upshaw
Jordan (He/Him) is of African decent, born and raised in Three Mile Plains (Five Mile Plains) NS; one of the 52 historical African Nova Scotian communities in the province. Jordan is a Human Rights Officer with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, investigating allegations of discrimination. He spent several years working within fashion design, retail, and entrepreneurship, before transitioning to front-line community services and Human Rights. He has experience in informal counselling and crisis management, systems navigation, harm-reduction, peer-support, program development, sexual health, education, and Human Rights. Jordan has a degree in psychology from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax and has municipal/regional, provincial, and national board experience. He is committed and passionate about advancing equitable access to health as it relates to various intersecting communities, and upholding the principals of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, community advocacy, and justice.
Totally Outright
Totally Outright is a leadership program that brings together people living in Nova Scotia to learn about and discuss sexual and mental health. It takes participants through a set of workshops, talks, facilitated discussions, and projects to explore their own relationships to these topics, increase their knowledge of HIV, HCV, and other STIs and STBBIs as well as harm reduction and safer sex practices. The programming also teaches skills for participants to become sexual health leaders in their own communities and work. Totally OutRight is a free program (including lodging, food, and cost of travel to Halifax for the week).
In the past, HEAL NS has offered a version of this program for people who identify as queer men, as well a version for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse communities.
Our next offering will be for people identifying as queer men in the spring of 2026! Keep an eye on this page for applications opening this winter.
We are also preparing to offer our first Totally Outright for BIPOC communities - also in spring of 2026, and we can’t wait to share more soon!
Totally Outright is made possible in Nova Scotia (for queer men, as well a version for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse folk) through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The views expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views of PHAC.
Totally Outright for BIPOC communities is made possible by a grant from the Nova Scotia Office of Equity and Anti-Racism (Community Network Grant).
Ashley Martell
Ashley (She/Her) was born and raised in Halifax, however spent half her adult life living on the West coast, before moving back East. She attended St. Francis Xavier University, graduating with an Arts degree in 2007. Ashley has spent the past 10+ years working across a variety of leadership roles within TD Bank. In her current position, Assistant Market Manager – TD Private Wealth Management, she leads a team of Private Bankers across Atlantic Canada. Ashley is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within TD and the broader community – As Chair of TD's 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group in Atlantic, and as a member of the Wealth Forever Proud core committee, Ashley actively advocates for equality and representation. In her spare time, Ashley can be found skiing, cycling, running or enjoying the great outdoors with her wife and their two dogs.
Concerned about MonkeyPox?
What is MPox?
Mpox (aka Monkeypox) is a relatively rare virus that's primarily spread through extended periods of close physical contact with someone who has it. It can also be transmitted by droplets of saliva and mucus from coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Anyone can have and transmit monkeypox.
In Canada, a large number of cases are among men who have sex with men (MSM). It's important for everyone to be aware of their risks, symptoms, what can be done to help prevent it, and to stay up to date on new monkeypox information.
What to look for (signs and symptoms)
- fever or chills
- skin rash
- headache
- muscle aches or back pain
- fatigue
- swollen lymph nodes
- sores or blisters
Symptoms may appear 5-21 days after exposure and can last 2-4 weeks. Mpox symptoms can also resemble signs of some STIs like syphilis and herpes. Mpox is not as severe as smallpox, however, if you develop a fever and then a rash it's recommended that you seek medical attention.
Monkeypox and HIV
Mpox doesn't appear to be any more severe in people living with HIV, especially people on effective treatment with a suppressed viral load.
Prevention and Treatment
Some ways to prevent Mpox are by washing your hands, wearing a mask, covering coughs/sneezes, and limiting sex partners. If you have a sore or blister and suspect Mpox, isolate from others. Cover the sore up with a large band aid if you must be in contact with other people or do have sex. Virtual sex with no in-person contact can be a good alternative while you heal. Talk to your partner(s) about any recent symptoms or unexplained sores or rashes. If possible, exchanging contact information with sexual partners can help reduce or prevent the spread of Mpox.
The same vaccine for smallpox is effective against Mpox and may be given by a public health or health care worker. If you think you were exposed to Mpox or suspect you have it, please contact your health care provider or local public health department as soon as possible.
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For info about Mpox vaccines in NS (and other Mpox details) go to https://novascotia.ca/monkeypox
Donate to HEAL NS
Thank you for helping us foster a healthier, more supportive and knowledgeable Nova Scotia.
With knowledge and support we can help people living with HIV and stop new cases.
With our new name and expanded mission, we are also beginning to work towards developing programs to address broader sexual health and mental health issues for 2S/LGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians too.
BN: 898758768 RR 0002
Beyond financial contributions, HEAL NS will gratefully accept donations of non-perishables, snacks, tents, sleeping bags, winter coats and attire, new hygiene products (especially toothpaste and shampoo), and gift cards. To learn more please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
U = U / Undetectable HIV = Untransmittable HIV
“ It’s very,
very clear that the risk
is zero. ”
- Dr. Alison Rodger
Lead author of PARTNER study
What is U = U? *
The evidence is in: If you are HIV+, take treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load, you cannot pass HIV on to your sex partner – with or without condoms. In short, when HIV is undetectable, it’s untransmittable. Those words are long so the shorthand is “ U = U ”.
What is an undetectable viral load?
Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in the blood of a person living with HIV. HIV treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to a level too low to be measured by a viral load test. At that point, a person’s viral load is said to be undetectable. For most people, this occurs after taking HIV treatment for three to six months.
What are the benefits of having an undetectable viral load?
Starting treatment as soon as possible after becoming HIV positive decreases a person’s risk of developing serious illnesses and allows people to live long, healthy lives. Having an undetectable viral load can also prevent HIV transmission.
How do I know if I’m undetectable?
The only way to know is to have regular viral load tests. If your viral load becomes detectable again, there may be a risk of HIV transmission. An ongoing detectable viral load may also indicate that your HIV treatment is no longer working properly. If your viral load becomes detectable, talk to your doctor.
Where’s the proof?
Since the introduction of combination therapy for HIV in the mid-1990s, there have been no confirmed reports of anyone with an undetectable viral load sexually transmitting HIV. Not one!
This conclusion is based on the overwhelming force of real world and research evidence including five major international research studies. These studies (see sidebar) showed that not a single HIV transmission occurred between serodiscordant* sex partners when the partner living with HIV was on treatment and had an undetectable viral load. (*Serodiscordant means one partner was HIV negative and one was HIV positive.) Combined, these studies tracked more than 150,000 condomless anal and vaginal sex acts – and there were ZERO transmissions of HIV.
The Prevention Access Campaign—an international coalition of HIV advocates, activists and researchers who are spreading the word that undetectable HIV is untransmittable—has turned this scientific evidence into a simple message: U = U. Researchers from all the major treatment as prevention studies have endorsed it. In November of 2017 the Government of Canada also endorsed it.
What about other STIs?
Maintaining an undetectable viral load can prevent HIV but it does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs, so you might want to use HIV treatment and condoms. Also, as STIs can be symptom-free regular STI testing is recommended for all sexually active people a minimum of once per year.
How can I make U = U work for me?
Take your HIV treatment as prescribed and see your healthcare provider regularly. Your ongoing healthcare should include blood tests to check your viral load and ensure that it remains undetectable. Wait until you have had at least two consecutive undetectable viral load test results before depending on this strategy.
To make this strategy keep working for you taking your meds is key. If you have trouble taking them every day, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your doctor, pharmacist and/or counsellor.
If your viral load does not become undetectable or if it becomes detectable again, this can increase the risk of transmission. In that case, you may need to use other prevention strategies, such as condoms or PrEP (for your partner(s)) until your viral load becomes undetectable.
