About Us

We know people who are considering an HIV test or waiting for test results experience a wide range of thoughts and emotions around the anxiety associated with testing positive and what that might mean.Take a deep breath.If you can’t share this with a friend you can contact one of our staff team to talk about your situation, we won’t even ask your name.We might even be able to alleviate some of your concerns.If you would like more information on how HIV is transmitted and risk check out our section on safer sex, safer drug use and safer tattooing & piercing.

If your test comes back negative, it is also a good time to discuss testing for other sexually transmitted infections and ways to reduce or eliminate risk in the future with your healthcare provider. If this isn’t feasible, feel free to give us a call or one of our partner agencies.

If your test comes back positive for HIV, you can talk with your healthcare provider about how to cope with the news, where in the community you can find support, and how to keep yourself healthy.You can also set up an appointment to come in and see us or another organization in Nova Scotia.

Getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status or that of any other STI or HCV. Once you know your status, you can take the necessary steps to keep yourself, and your partner(s) healthy.

http://www.avert.org/hiv-testing.htm
AVERTing HIV and AIDS. AVERT is a UK-based webpage that offers extensive information on the types of HIV testing and testing options.

Tattoos and piercings are a fun and creative way for people to express themselves, but many people do not consider the potential risks associated with getting a tattoo or piercing.

When safety practices are not followed, tattooing increases the risk of getting or passing on Hepatitis C, HIV and other infections. While professional studios and parlours should follow all safety practices, make sure to ask them what they use for equipment and how they clean their tools.

When tattooing or piercing happens outside of a professional environment, like at someone’s home, in prison, or elsewhere, safety practices are almost never followed completely or correctly.

Reusing or sharing tattooing or piercing needles, equipment and ink makes it easier to get Hep C, HIV or skin infections. Hepatitis C is a strong virus, and it can live outside the body and on or in needles, tattoo machines, ink and ink cups and rags for several days. Even if it looks like there is no blood on the item, it can still contain the Hep C virus.

There are different steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting or passing on Hep C, HIV and other infections, such as:

• Use new needles, sterile equipment and fresh ink every time. If for some reason you cannot use new equipment every time, use your own equipment, including ink and ink cups, and do not share them with others. Marking your equipment will make it easier for you to keep track of it
• Use bleach, if you have it, to clean tattooing needles and machines. Full-strength bleach does NOT kill all the Hep C but cuts down the amount of virus in the equipment. It can greatly reduce your risk of HIV too.
• Make your workspace as clean as possible by using bleach or rubbing alcohol to clean your area. The best places are inside and have smooth work surfaces and equipment that can be cleaned easily.
• Make sure to cover you new tattoo with a clean, sterile bandage. If you can’t find a bandage, plastic wrap will work too. You can hold it in place with some masking tape or medical tape. Keep the area covered for a few hours. After that, keep your tattoo and surrounding area clean with a gentle soap and water.
• Use new packaged sterilized medical-grade steel jewelry for piercing where possible. If you can’t, use bleach to clean the jewelry before piercing
• Dispose of needles, pens, razors, ink, ink cups, gloves, cloths and other equipment immediately after the tattoo is done. A sharps container or other bottle with a tight fitting lid (such as a bleach bottle, pop bottle, ice cream container) can be used to dispose of equipment safely
• Drinking or taking drugs before getting a tattoo or piercing can cause you to bleed and feel sick during the process. Try not to do these things before hand.

If you have ever been tattooed outside of a professional setting (at someone’s home, in prison, on the street, etc.), consider getting tested for Hep C, Hep B and HIV.

Safer Tattooing And Piercing: https://www.catie.ca/prevention-prevention-methods/safer-tattooing-and-piercing

Tattoos/Piercing In Our Prison System: https://www.catie.ca/staying-healthy-behind-the-walls-tattooing-piercing-and-you

Tattoos, Piercing and Hep C: https://www.pauktuutit.ca/wp-content/uploads/Brochure_Legal_English_WEB.pdf

Hover and click images to find out more

Show your corporate support by sponsoring an ACNS event, and become part of a very select group– some of Nova Scotia’s leading (and most caring) businesses.

We are very grateful for the long-term corporate financial support of our events. Involvement on a corporate level demonstrates dedication and support forimportant public awareness activities,and helps raise thousands of dollars for our education and support programs in communities across NS.

Corporate commitment to ACNS enables us to reach more people, recruit more volunteers and raise more funds to enhance our reach in prevention, anddirectly impacts the quality of life of people living with HIV,and those at risk.

If you belong to an organization that wants to make a real difference in the awareness efforts about HIV, partner with us. Drop us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 902-240-7384.

Our unique sponsorship opportunities help you

• Build customer and employee loyalty
• Strengthen brand value in your customers’ minds
• Reach consumers across Nova Scotia
• Improve workplace morale and enhance team-building

To get involved, email or call us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 902-240-7384.

Hosting an event to raise funds for the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia can be easy! Your event can be anything – an aerobics marathon, a stair climb, bake sale, a bowling or golf tournament – or whatever else you can dream up. If you need some assistance, ask us – we have lots of ideas. Contact us today and we can talk more about it.

To inspire you, here’s some pastexamples of third party fundraisers: BBQs, Glam Delusion, an 80s Old School Dance Party, Wine and Cheese....

To register your event, please contact Chris This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We’ll need your name, and your fundraising idea. In return we’ll offer any help we can give!

Please note that the list of partners and supporters of ACNS 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.

National Partners in our work

• CATIE http://www.catie.ca
• Canadian AIDS Society http://www.cdnaids.ca
• Action Hepatitis Canada http://actionhepatitiscanada.ca
• Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network http://www.aidslaw.ca
• Canadian Treatment Action Council http://www.ctac.ca/
• Realize Canada (formerly the Canadian Working Group on HIV & Rehabilitation) http://realizecanada.org
• Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African & Caribbean Network http://www.icad-cisd.com
• PSAN – Prisoners Network http://www.pasan.org
• Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN) https://www.cppnrcps.ca

Atlantic Partners in our work

• PEERS Alliance (formery AIDS PEI) https://www.peersalliance.ca
• AIDS Committee of Newfoundland & Labrador http://acnl.net
• AIDS New Brunswick http://www.aidsnb.com
• Healing Our Nations http://www.hon93.ca
• African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes http://adamns.ca
• Health Association of African Canadians http://haac.ca
• Atlantic Interdisciplinary Research Network http://www.med.mun.ca/airn2012/home.aspx

Nova Scotia Partners in our work

• Northern Healthy Connections Society http://www.northernaidsconnectionsociety.ca
• Ally Centre of Cape Breton (formally AIDS Coalition of CB) http://aidscoalitionofcapebreton.ca
• NS Advisory Commission on AIDS http://novascotia.ca/aids
• HepNS http://www.hepns.ca
• The Youth Project http://www.youthproject.ns.ca
• NS Rainbow Action Project http://nsrap.ca
• prideHealth http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/pridehealth
• Mainline Needle Exchange http://mainlineneedleexchange.ca
• Mobile Street Outreach http://moshhalifax.ca
• Direction 180 http://www.direction180.ca
• Sharp Advice Needle Exchange (CB) http://aidscoalitionofcapebreton.ca/services
• Sexual Health Nova Scotia https://shns.ca/
• Stepping Stone http://steppingstonens.ca/
• Halifax Sexual Health Centre http://www.hshc.ca
• Transition House Association of NS http://thans.ca
• Gender & Health Promotion Studies Unit (GAHPS Unit) http://www.dal.ca/diff/gahps.html
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service http://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/dlas.html
• NS Legal Aid Youth Justice http://www.nslegalaid.ca/contact.php
• Community Health Boards of NS http://www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca

Main Funding Partners

• NS Department of Health & Wellness http://novascotia.ca/DHW
• Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/about/reg_atlantic-eng.php

Corporate & Business Supporters

Without the generous support of corporate and business community members, ACNS would not be able to achieve such a high level of success. Thank you for your ongoing commitment. (with links)

• ViiV Healthcare Canada https://www.viivhealthcare.com
  
• McKiggan Hebert Lawyers https://www.apmlawyers.com
• BMO Financial Group http://www.bmo.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
• MAC AIDS Fund https://www.macaidsfund.org
• 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
• Wilsons Fuels http://wilsons.ca/
• Rockingham United Church http://www.rockinghamunited.org
• Beaton's Towing https://www.beatonstowing.com

Things are definitely different now with all of the new treatments, new research and options available for people living with HIV. PHAs are planning families and managing the ups and downs that come with parenting. Below are a few online resources that may be of use if you decide being a parent is in your future. We have great information around ‘Disclosure on School & Day Care’ and ‘Disclosure, Privacy & Parenting’ at the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. They are available as downloadable pamphlets.

http://www.aidslaw.ca/site/kyr/ 
Disclosure on School & Day Care’ and ‘Disclosure, Privacy & Parenting’ at the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

http://www.catie.ca/en/practical-guides/pregnancy
You can have a healthy pregnancy if you are HIV positive, developed by CATIE in partnership with the Voices of Positive Network

http://librarypdf.catie.ca/PDF/ATI-20000s/26314.pdf 
Pregnancy Planning Information for HIV+ Women & Their Partners

http://librarypdf.catie.ca/PDF/ATI-20000s/26320.pdf 
Pregnancy Planning Information for HIV+ Men & Their Partners

Living with a chronic illness is not easy and requires lots of extra work and planning. That can lead to lots of stress, or even depression and anxiety. We understand that not everyone around you knows what you are going through, so it can be of help to talk with others living with HIV. We have various programs that may assist you and help you to get in touch with others also living with HIV. We also provide a supportive ear when needed.

There are some great online resources on Emotional Wellbeing. Check out Chapter 6 of the `Managing Your Health: a guide for people living with HIV' developed by CATIE, which focuses on emotional health, or the Canadian AIDS Society resource: 'Talking about Depression, Anxiety & HIV'.

http://www.catie.ca/en/practical-guides/managing-your-health/6
Managing Your Health: a guide for people living with HIV

https://www.cdnaids.ca/wp-content/uploads/Talking-About-Depression.pdf
Talking about Depression, Anxiety & HIV developed by the Canadian AIDS Society is a step by step resource that walks people living with HIV through with tips and even assessment tools.

Positive Women

The AIDS Coalition what to acknowledge the erasure of women from our history as it pertains to HIV activism. Despite often being at the front of many movements, women were left behind as progress was being made and support were being established, as they still are when we consider HIV/AIDS "a gay men's disease." We will continue to work to bring awareness to the importance of a history of HIV activism that includes women and work to support women at risk of and living with HIV.

Support

The large majority of the work we already do is open to our female clients and our support programs for those living with HIV apply to any and all genders. Our support groups have historically been gendered in a binary fashion; though they are currently inactive, this is subject to further change. If you would like peer support, we encourage you to contact our support services coordinator, who can be found in the staff directory or below.

The needs of women living with HIV will always differ to from other genders. Whether this is due to physicality, experiences of misogyny or general life expectations, we are here to help in any way you need. There is a lot of great information for positive women that speaks to the specific issues you are facing. We have a number of resources that we would like to share, including some physical resources in our office and some online resources. We can also help connect you to women-centred resources and supports outside of ACNS. If you do not find what you are looking for, please let us know. We’ll try to find it for you.

Chana Wielinga
Support Coordinator
902-403-7169 (phone+text)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

https://whai.ca/resources/ (Resources from the Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative)

http://www.chiwos.ca/ (Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study)
*Some resources are available on this website, along with information about a women-centred HIV care model created as part of the CHIWOS study*

https://www.thebody.com/content/art44411.html (TheBody.com - HIV/AIDS Resource Center for Women)

https://hiveonline.org/for-you/women-living-with-hiv/

https://www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/women-and-hiv/?lang=en

https://ns.211.ca/services/emotional-support-helplines/womens-helpline/

If it’s your first time looking for information or wanting to reach out, we know it’s a big step. You probably feel a bit nervous, at the least. Rest assured, we’re here to help. You do not have to give your name, and what you talk about is 100% confidential. We won’t ask you for yours, but we will give you OUR name, so that if you contact us again you can talk to the same person. We are able to offer referrals, for example health services and social supports, right over the phone if you ask.

Contacting us via email
You can also contact us via email and the same 100% confidentiality applies. For our staff directory, click here or chose from the list below

• Support for persons newly diagnosed or living with HIV: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Chana Wielinga, 902-403-7169
• Questions about HIV, HCV & STIs: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Chana Wielinga, 902-403-7169
• Speakers & Workshop Requests: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Chris Aucoin, 902-425-4882, ext 227
• For Trans-Specific Resources: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Hanley Smith, 782-234-5472
• Accounting & Financial: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ned MacInnis, 902-425-4882, ext 224
• Fund Development Events: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Jordan Parker, 902-240-7384
• Event & Compaign Marketing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Jordan Parker, 902-240-7384
  
• Media or Adminstration Requests: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Chris Aucoin, 902-425-4882, ext 227

Whoever you reach, your call or email is completely confidential. You can leave us a voice mail and we will do our best to get back to you quickly, if you ask. Please let us know if we can leave a message for you when we call. If you don’t explicitly say so, we won’t. We do not have Caller ID so we don’t know who you are or your phone number, and if you ask for us to call our phone number shows as “unlisted.”

We only accept collect calls from Provincial and Federal Institutions.

What can you expect if you drop in to our offices? 
One of us will greet you and ask how we can help you. We don't ask your name; anything you discuss will be kept confidential. We will answer your questions about HIV, HCV or other STIs and if needed, we can provide supportive counselling. We offer free HIV self-tests, condoms and lube. You may look through our resource library and we offer the use of internet/computer.