About Us

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

• McKiggan Hebert Lawyers https://www.apmlawyers.com
• Gilead Canada https://www.gilead.com 
• Nova Scotia General Employee’s Union (NSGEU) http://nsgeu.ca
• RBC http://www.rbc.com/canada.html
• Tara MacDonald Inc. https://taracmacdonald.com
• Nova Scotia Nurses' Union https://www.nsnu.ca
• MAC Cosmetics http://www.maccosmetics.com
• Nova Scotia Teachers Union https://nstu.ca
• Nova Scotia Spirit Co. https://novascotiaspirits.com
• Docaitta Design  http://www.docaittadesign.com
• Westjet https://www.westjet.com
• The Atlantica Halifax  http://www.atlanticahotelhalifax.com
• Jeffrey Cowling & Associates https://www.jeffreycowlingfuneralurns.com
• Halifax International Airport Authority https://halifaxstanfield.ca/airport-authority/who-we-are/
• Virgin Radio 101.3 FM http://www.iheartradio.ca/virginradio/halifax
• Rockingham United Church http://www.rockinghamunited.org

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.

Bio to come...

Bio to come...

Bio to come...

 ACNS invites you to ... The Red Gala! 

We're changing our name  -  and expanding our mission to broader queer health...  So 'Come Out' with us on April 20th, 2024, at the Light House Arts Centre to find out more!

This marquee cocktail social event will feature a bar, light aetizers, a silent auction, and variety-show-style performances, all co-hosted by drag performers Rouge Fatale and Deva Station.

It's a semi-formal affair that will celebrate the three-decade legacy of ACNS, and will serve as an introduction to our future. We will unveil name and brand changes to the organization during the night.

Tickets are $95, or you can reserve a table of 10 for $1000. Get your tickets at www.tinyurl.com/ACNSRedGala

For more information contact Jordan Parker at 902-240-7384 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

And ... we invite you to wear something RED!

              OTHER SPONSORS INCLUDE: 

Tara MacDonald Inc. https://taracmacdonald.com          

Nova Scotia Nurses' Union https://www.nsnu.ca

Nova Scotia Teachers Union https://nstu.caNova          

Nova Scotia Spirit Co. https://novascotiaspirits.com

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. 

Pride lasts all summer in Nova Scotia, and we use this as our opportunity to connect with the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community across the province and raise awareness of our services and programs. HEAL NS is planning an expanded Proud Summer Tour this year, with the goal of having a presence at 10 Pride festivals across Nova Scotia.

At each festival, HEAL NS will participate in the local community market or other cornerstone event with a resource booth. Staff of HEAL NS will be on site to provide information on, and answer questions about, the programs and services we offer. Visitors will also be able to pick up sexual health kits and sign-up to receive at-home STI and HIV test kits through STI Care Now.

2025 HEAL NS Proud Summer Tour

• Pictou County Pride (06/20)
  • Market and Fun Day, Pictou Waterfront, 3-8pm
• Annapolis Valley Pride (06/28)
  • Artisan Market, Kentville Centre Square, 12-5pm
• Truro Pride (06/28)
  • Fun Day, Truro Civic Square, 12-4pm
• Annapolis Royal Pride (07/05)
• Lunenburg Pride (07/06)
  • Big Gay Get-Together, Shipyards Landing, Bridgewater, 4-6pm
• Halifax Pride (07/19)
  • Community Market, Garrison Grounds, 1-5pm 
• St. Margaret’s Bay Pride (07/26)
  • Pride Fest Market, Hubbards Barn, 10am-12:30pm
• Pride Cape Breton (08/09)
• Eastern Shore Pride (08/17)
  • Pride Market, Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum, 10am-2pm

* dates and locations subject to change

Thank you to our Tour Sponsor, ViiV Healthcare.

 For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Our Peer N Peer Pilot is Now Closed 

We're are leaving this web content up for informational purposes.

If you have questions please contact Hanley @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 782-774-8178 (phone/text).

- - - - -

What is Peer N Peer?

Peer N Peer is a peer-led queer substance use and sexual health program.

Rooted in harm reduction principles, the Peer N Peer project meets people where they are at on their substance use and sexual journeys. 

The Peer N Peer team is here to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people in using substances more safely, improving their sex life, changing how substances affect their sex life, and reducing or abstaining from substance use if that’s their goal. The Peer N Peer team is here to help with whatever goals individuals may have around sexual health and substance use.

Supports and services offered by the Peer N Peer team include:

• Screening and Referrals
• Peer Support
• Access to Harm Reduction Supplies
• Education & Outreach
• Flexible hours

Harm Reduction Supplies offered by the Peer N Peer Project include:

• Condoms
• Silicone lube
• Safer fisting kit
• Safer snorting kit
• Safer injection kit
• Safer crack/meth kit
• Fentanyl testing kits
• Glass stems 
• Brass screens
• Wooden push sticks
• Vitamin C
• Matches
• Bubble pipes
• Rubber mouth pieces
• Syringes 
• Filters
• Tourniquets
• Sterile water
• Cookers
• Alcohol swabs
• Naloxone Kits
• Hormone Replacement Therapy Kits

We also offer sharps disposal.

Supplies can be delivered via Canada Post if you are unable to come into the project office. The Peer N Peer office is located at 5516 Spring Garden Road, Suite 203, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Peer N Peer program is funded by Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program through national program partner, Vancouver-based CBRC.

Info & Resources

These resources were created through the Peer N Peer program and are being kept up for informational purposes. They were created in 2022 and some of the included information may be out of date.

Having trouble accessing these resources? Try a new browser, or clear your cookies. 

Addictions Resources For The 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

What is Chemsex or PnP?

Chemsex or PnP Party Tips

Anal Douching Guide

What is Sex Addiction?

How To Access Hormone Replacement Therapy

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