About Us

Ned (He/Him) holds the position of Program Support at HEAL NS / ACNS.

Involved in the AIDS movement for over 30 years, Ned has provided support and sexual health education with Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men, conducted training and education sessions, and has worked with People Living with HIV/AIDS creating health promotion strategies. His ancillary work includes: HIV/AIDS Education in Jamaica Project, Mount Saint Vincent University; Peer Outreach Worker: Stepping Stone Association; Consultant: Prison Outreach, Counseling, Education and Resource Development, Correctional Service of Canada; Research Assistant: Promising Practices in the Engagement of People Living with or At-Risk for HIV/AIDS in Rural Canada, Thompson Rivers University.

He says “The greatest lesson I have learned here is this: I am not a salmon; I do not have to swim upstream. I have developed a strong passion about community-based work and as a result, I have learned to live life to its fullest. Carpe Diem!”

HEAL NS welcomes your inquires and feedback.

Whether you need information about our programs and services, volunteering, information for school, or just to say hello – we are here for you. Please know that all submissions are carefully considered and we maintain the strictest confidentiality.

Chris (He/Him) moved up to the Executive Director chair in December 2019 after having worked as the Gay Men’s Health Coordinator for over a decade.

An educator, writer and freelance designer, Chris has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, a diploma in graphic design, and broad community-based experience in cultural industries and social justice stretching back more than two decades. His work in social justice has included poverty and food security, and a wide range of 2SLGBTQ+ support, social and political causes. 

His current passion is working on rewrites for his first completed theatre script A Boy And His Dog which he workshopped at Queer Acts 2014. Chris loves dogs, dancing, and singing weekly with the Halifax Gay Men's Chorus!

Imagine…

• A world where people living with HIV have access to the programs and services they needed to help them become happier and healthier.
• The impact on their lives, their family members and those they love if they received all the support they needed.
• A place to find out answers to questions about HIV, HCV or other STIs so people with HIV, and those at risk, can make better, healthier decisions. A place where anyone can ask questions, get a referral, tell their story and receive support…

ACNS is committed to creating change by

• Providing support services programming for people living with and most affected and in doing so, we are empowering, informing and supporting.
• Helping people living with HIV to build support networks
• Providing education & skills building opportunities for individuals and communities so that others may be part of the solution.
• Disseminating resources, workshops and campaigns that seek to address misinformation about HIV, HCV and other STIs, and to combat stigmas.
• Delivering targeted prevention programs to meet the needs of unique populations, such as specific programming for street youth, health check lists for gay men, prevention campaigns for women as well as our African Black & Caribbean communities, and more. Check our Programs & Services section of our website. (link)
• Striving to influence the development of healthy public policy that fosters supportive environments for people living with HIV so they can easily access services and community supports.
• Collaborating with more than 50 other groups and organizations across NS to achieve our goals.

With your help, ACNS has played a strong role in reducing the negative side of how HIV can impact people and families.We have helped to inform hundreds of individuals each year through our targeted programs. We have distributed thousands of resources, received hundreds of calls and provided referrals.

It is by the generosity of our donors, and the work of our volunteers and staff, ACNS has great success and an impact in our communities.

There are many meaningful ways to get involved with HEAL NS. No matter how you show your support, you will make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve in Nova Scotia.

Take part in exciting fundraising events as a volunteer, or just join us for some fun. Volunteers and event supporters play an important role in our efforts to provide access to support for people living with HIV, HIV and STI prevention education programs and campaigns, broader health promotion work fpor 2S?LGBTQIA+ folk, and our commitment to reducing stigma and advocating for positive change.

Involvement as an individual, group or company, builds a sense of community and teamwork. Many volunteers say that HEAL NSevents are a favourite, or even their top pick, among their volunteer work. Make a difference, share what you have learned, develop your talents, connect with new people and be a part of a larger team.

The positive impact of your involvement will help improve the quality of all those we serve. We can’t do it without you!

• Vision & Mission
• Publications & Reports
• Become a Member
• Community Consultations

If you have recently tested positive, or even if you have been living with HIV for a few years, the concept of relationships – from choosing a partner to friends and family knowing your HIV positive status – can be challenging. We also know that each situation is unique and working through relationship pathways is complex.

First and foremost, know that we are here to help and that you can contact us by phone or email to ask questions or to talk more about your particular concerns and situation. Sometimes it’s easier to map out possible scenarios with another person to help arrive at your best solution. We can help with other resources or referrals as well, if needed. Sometimes we all just need another person to hear our story.  

Check Out: Living with HIV: Starting Points by Toronto People with AIDS Foundation & CATIE.
http://www.catie.ca/en/practical-guides/starting-points
http://www.catie.ca/en/healthy-living/newly-diagnosed

We can guess that you have clicked on this link for one of two reasons:

1. You are currently waiting for HIV test results; or
2. You have recently tested positive for HIV.

For many, this period can be stressful, and sometimes lonely if you feel you have no one to talk to. It’s important to have people to talk to about what you are going through. 

You are not alone, many people living with HIV (PLHA) have talked about the struggle when first diagnosed that was related to their fears of being judged and stigmatized. PLHAs commonly talk about how their own personal feelings impacted their ability to reach out. We know that there is a lot of misinformation “out there” and that we still have work to do in the area of removing the stigma that is associated with HIV.

We want you to know that you are NOT alone, and we can help you explore how to build social supports that will work for you. You can call us anytime between 10am to 4pm weekdays. If you leave a message, let us know if we can call you back and what we should say if we do call back. Our phone number shows up as “unlisted” so no one where you live knows it’s us.  Contact us by calling Chana Wielinga, Support Coordinator at 902-403-7169.  You can also email Chana at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We’re here to help and support you.

What we hear most from those newly diagnosed, or going through the testing process, is that they fear for their long-term health, their life is over and that they will never be the same. We can tell you that a HIV+ diagnosis is not the end – people are living full lives, living longer than ever before, are working, planning families and more. With the right treatment and planning, as with any other illness, you can do well. The first step is reaching out.

We will help you through the process by providing support, education and referrals – the things we know best. For those who are newly diagnosed and are looking for more information on what to do and how to live well with HIV, great information can be found at CATIE, below

• http://www.catie.ca/en/healthy-living/newly-diagnosed
• http://www.catie.ca/en/practical-guides/starting-points
• http://www.catie.ca/en/practical-guides/healthy-body

Starting Points is a great first step pamphlet originally from Toronto People with AIDS Foundation and later adapted by CATIE.

It is really good news to know that people living with HIV are living longer. We have moved beyond the point of not knowing what the future would bring to a place where HIV+ people are going back to work, planning retirement and working towards addressing other illnesses associated with aging. Sometimes it’s hard to make the distinction between new illnesses that are the result of HIV, a response to medications, interactions or simply the aging process.

The number of people 50 years and older who are HIV+ in Canada is expected to increase by 20% over the next decade. We also know that the number of people testing positive who are over 50 is also on the rise in Canada. Taking a look at the demographics of those served by ACNS, a large number of individuals are 35-45 years old, along with a group who are over 50. We are currently evaluating programs and services that will best fit the needs of older PHAs as we move forward.

Like everyone else, aging brings illnesses that make treatment more complex for persons living with HIV. High blood pressure, diabetes or cancers compound the challenge of living with HIV. In some ways, this is similar to challenges faced by those living with other longstanding chronic conditions. There are many health conditions that are associated with both age and HIV. To learn more there is a great Webinar on the CATIE website. Follow this link. Another great resource is the Managing Your Health: A guide for people living with HIV developed by CATIE. It offers a great section on HIV & Aging as well as many other areas of interest. You can download the PDF below.

It’s a good idea to bring questions to your next doctor’s appointment to discuss planning for your future and to explore ways to reduce potential health risks. Feel free to give us a call and set up an appointment, in person or over the phone. We would be happy to discuss your concerns or ideas for future programming to answer needs. While ACNS does not provide medical advice, we can help you make sense of the information and/or help you prepare questions for your next medical appointment.

http://www.catie.ca/en/webinar-series-building-blocks#aging 
Webinar on HIV and Aging, from CATIE.

http://hivandrehab.ca/EN/HIV%20and%20Aging/HIVandAging.php 
Information from the Canadian Working Group on HIV & Rehabilitation

http://www.thebody.com/content/40482/ask-the-experts-about-hiv-aids.html
HIV & AGING resource site, The Body

http://www.cdnaids.ca/hiv-and-aging
(HIV & AGING fact sheets developed by the Canadian AIDS Society

http://pwn.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/PG_on_Aging_2012_web.pdf
Pocket guide:for women aging gracefully with HIV, by the Positive Women’s Network

To access or inquire about any of our Support Programs, please contact our Support Servces Coordinator. Their contact information can be found in the Staff Directory on the Contact Us page.

Terry Martin Memorial Space
The Terry Martin Memorial space, is open every day from 10am to 4pm. People livig with HIV can come and relax, read, use the internet or phone, play cards or just be.

Supportive Counseling
We provides one-on-one, short term, supportive counseling for those experiencing challenges in their lives, including, but not limited to, new diagnosis, disclosure, illness, grief and loss, difficulty managing life situations and relationships. We can help you access long term counseling as well. Friends, family, loved ones, and caregivers of those living with HIV can also access supportive sessions at ACNS. They can be in person, over the phone or by email.

Advocacy
We advocates with and on behalf of PHAs to assist with better access to healthcare and community resources.Some of our past advocacy for PHAs has been: social assistance, special diet funding, Canada Pension Plan, medication coverage, home care, basic needs and housing. We can also refer people to organizations that may specialize in a specific area of advocacy, such as legal matters or homelessness.

Referrals & Systems Navigation
We provide referrals to PHAs to access a number of community supports, such as legal aid to assist with the completion of a living will, power of attorney or other legal matters, psychological and mental health services, addictions services, specialized food bank and housing organizations to name a few. We can also help you to figure out how to get the healthcare you need, the steps you need to take and what you can expect. Give us a call if you need some help, we may know where you can find what you are looking for.

Treatment Information
We approach HIV treatment from a holistic, harm reduction perspective and keeps an up-to-date information library on HIV,including available medications, adherence strategies, alternative treatments, inflammation, diet and nutrition, medication interactions and mental health. We can provide you with one-on-one treatment information sessions, access to the Internet and printed resources, and treatment information workshops. Please contact us to find out about upcoming workshops being offered.We would also love to hear your ideas for topics to offer as future information sessions.

Poz Gay Men’s Group
This is a monthly social support group for men who identify as gay, bisexual or trans-identified and are living with HIV. It is an opportunity to come together to have discussions, support each other and share experiences. This is a peer-lead group guided by group-identified boundaries with support of our Support Services Coordinator. Snacks are provided. To join this group please contact the Support Services Coordinator.

Poz Women’s Events
Each year we plan a positive women’s event (possibly more than one, depending on interest) where there is a social gathering, discussion and snacks.These events are planned in consultation with poz women who have attended past events with us. We welcome feedback and ideas.

Complementary & Alternative Therapy Programs
Many people use complementary (sometimes known as alternative) health treatments to go along with the medical care they get from their health care provider. These therapies are called "complementary" therapies because usually they are used alongside the more standard medical care provided, such as doctor visits and anti-HIV drugs. Most often, people living with HIV use complementary therapies to ease side effects of HIV drugs, boost their immune systems, or improve their overall health. These therapies can improve their quality of life, as they adjust to living with a chronic health condition. We currently have two registered practitioners who volunteer their time, offering massage and osteopathy to people living with HIV. 

Positive Dispatch
Our quarterly newsletter  for people living with HIV in NS covers relevant topics such as updates about what is new in HIV, as well as what is happening at ACNS. We welcome ideas from you for future newsletter content and even submissions. Send them along to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can make your submission anonymous if you would like.

Making Ends Meet
We offer hygiene products free-of-charge to those living with HIV who are in need because of low income. All the products are new but availability depends on donations. This program can be accessed on a monthly basis at our office. We welcome any information from clients about the products we could offer and request from donors in the future. Some of the typical products we offer are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, shavers, shaving cream, deodorant, etc.

Workshops and Retreats
We offer a variety of workshops on a range of topics throughout the year, in partnership with local and national organizations. One of our newest initiatives is a PHA retreat, to be held periodically. We would love to hear more from you about the topics that are of interest for workshop sessions and future retreats.

HIV/AIDS Community Vigil Ceremony
Each year, we lead a group of community partners together to offer a HIV/AIDS Vigil Ceremony on the evening of December 1, World AIDS Day, in memory of those we lost and in celebration of the lives of those here today. The ceremony involves a reading of the names of those lost since 1983 to today, lighting of the candle, music and sharing. 

Women

The AIDS Coalition wants 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.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, in 2011, women represented about one quarter, or 24%, of all new HIV cases. Of those women who tested positive, 77% of the cases were attributed to sex with a male partner. It is true that statistics are helpful in monitoring rates of HIV transmission and prevalence; statistics do not convey the social context in which women live. Women experience unique biological and social factors that may increase their risk of HIV, therefore, when providing prevention services for women, we utilize an approach that takes these unique factors into consideration. Similarly, when providing support for women living with HIV, we use a holistic approach that encompasses an individual woman’s experiences, needs, and desires. It’s impossible to talk about women and HIV and not talk about the diverse issues that affect the conditions in which women live and the choices they make.

Support and Programming

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.

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

We provide HIV/HCV/STI prevention information to women directly through one on one sessions when women drop into our offices or over the phone. We also provide information sessions, workshops and advise on the development of policy for organizations and health-related professionals that serve women. This may take the form of outreach, informational counselling and support, or more formal workshop presentation. We also take part in national sexual health campaigns as a local partner, and we always have free condoms and lube available at our offices for free, no questions asked.

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

https://www.cdnaids.ca/young-womens-hiv-prevention-toolkit/

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