About Us

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 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:

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

• McKiggan Hebert Lawyers
• Kimball Law 
• Regency Salon and Spa (CBBC Career College)
• Gilead Canada
• Nova Scotia General Employee’s Union (NSGEU) 
• Tara MacDonald Inc.
• MAC Cosmetics 
• Nova Scotia Spirit Co. 
• Docaitta Design  
• WestJet 
• The Atlantica Halifax

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 (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.

Bio to come...

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).

Apply for Totally Outright

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. 

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.

- - -

For info about Mpox vaccines in NS (and other Mpox details) go to https://novascotia.ca/monkeypox

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.

To make a donation click here

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..

Michael (Nekm/Nekmow  They/Them) comes from a large family that holds its roots deep within the NS Black and First Nations communities.  Being an Indigenous Two-Spirited and Black Nova Scotian has been the driving force for Michael’s work within the Queer, First Nations, and NS Black communities.

With a media technical background through NSCC, NSCAD, and ACADIA, Michael has worked in visual art since the early 90s, and some of their works have crossed into how they view society and its use or misuse of gender. Having worked within advocacy and consulting they spends much of their time on unpacking social equity in policy and procedures defined within working groups.

Michael is proud to have been part of many queer organizations and boards during their work in advocacy. This work has seen inclusion in Transgender Health legal advocacy with researchers and publication in Indigenous 2S knowledge. They have a long standing connection to Queer advocacy within the Atlantic provinces and have been greatly involved in the past with Halifax Pride, NSRAP, the Youth Project and OutLaw to name a few. They are a member of the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, and a current Board member of NSPIRG.