About Us

HEAL NS offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities including Fund Development and Awareness Events, supporting Program work (PLHA services, HIV/STI prevention work, and border health promotion projects), and Board or Committee work. 

Make a difference. Volunteer Now.

Program work occurs during regular office hours - as well as evenigns and weekends. Fund development and awareness events usually occur in the evenings or on weekends.

We have various events occurring throughout the year. Our yearly schedule includes:

• Pride Bingo
  
• Halifax Pride Week
• The Red Gala
• Drag-Along Spectacular
• AIDS Awareness Week - Late November, ending December 1st
• Halifax World AIDS Day Vigil
  

PLHA Services includes our Complimentary and Alternative Therapies (CATS) Program. Registered therapists from differing modalities such as therapeutic massage, and osteopathy offer free appointments to our HIV-positive members; etc.

The Board composition reflects the involvement of people living with HIV, health professionals, community members and various other skill areas. The Board operates under a Policy Board model (CARVER). Board members are elected for a two-year term and participate in at least one of the board committees: (1) Human Resources & Governance Committee; or (2) Vision & Strategy Committee.

Part of our work is to provide community groups and health care professionals with information sessions, training, and resources. We offer several workshops and programs, on various topics, that can be scheduled upon request, and we are also able provide direction and support to organizations who are looking create supportive policy and practices around HIV, HCV & STIs.

For more information on workshops, resources, trainings and support, contact our Programs Staff.

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.

HIV Testing Information - 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 

Tattoos/Piercing In Our Prison System 

Tattoos, Piercing and Hep C 

At HEAL NS ...

...  we are always seeking passionate sponsors - whether they are individuals, businesses, or larger corporate partners - who want to create meaningful change in our community. Your support directly fuels our mission to raise awareness, promote education, and support vital programs related to HIV prevention and 2S/LGBTQIA+ health across Nova Scotia.

2026 Summer Pride Tour Sponsorship

This summer, we’re bringing our Summer Pride Tour to communities across Nova Scotia - providing access to HIV/STI self-testing through STI Care Now, sexual health resources and information, and stigma-free support at our booth at local Pride events.

Planned stops include:

• Cumberland / Amherst Pride (June 13th): Public Educational Presentation (no booth)
• Annapolis Valley Pride (June 22nd): Public Educational Presentation (no booth)
• Truro Pride (June 27th): Booth
• South Shore Pride (July 5th): Booth
• Halifax Pride (July 18th): Booth
• Cape Breton Pride (August 8th): Booth

We’re inviting local businesses to support a Pride stop in their community. Your contribution helps cover material and travel costs and directly supports our work promoting health equity across Nova Scotia.

If you are interested please fill out the Summer Pride Tour sponsor form.

Sponsor an Event

Thanks to our sponsors, we’re able to reach more people, recruit more volunteers, and increase the visibility of life-saving prevention and support resources. The ripple effect of your support is powerful and it helps reduce stigma, build community, and improve outcomes for those who need it most.

If you or someone you know are passionate about HIV awareness and 2S/LGBTQIA+ health, we invite you to become a sponsor today. Together, we can create lasting, positive change in Nova Scotia.

For information on how to get involved, contact our Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Host Your Own Event

Hosting an event to raise funds for the Health Equity Alliance 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 at 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 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.

Primary Funding Partners

• NS Department of Health & Wellness 
• Public Health Agency of Canada

National Partners

• CATIE
• Canadian AIDS Society
  
• Action Hepatitis Canada 
• Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network 
• Canadian Treatment Action Council 
• Realize Canada 
• Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African & Caribbean Network 
• PSAN – Prisoners Network 
• Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN) 

Atlantic Partners

• PEERS Alliance 
• AIDS Committee of Newfoundland & Labrador 
• AIDS New Brunswick 
• Healing Our Nations 
• Health Association of African Canadians 
• Atlantic Interdisciplinary Research Network 

Nova Scotia Partners

• Northern Healthy Connections Society 
• Ally Centre of Cape Breton
• NS Advisory Commission on AIDS 
• The Youth Project 
• NS Rainbow Action Project
• prideHealth 
• Mainline Needle Exchange 
• Mobile Street Outreach
• Direction 180
• Sexual Health Nova Scotia
• Stepping Stone 
• Halifax Sexual Health Centre 
• Transition House Association of NS 
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service 
• NS Legal Aid Youth Justice 
• Community Health Boards of NS 

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.

HIV Legal Network - Know Your Rights - 'Disclosure in school & daycare’ and ‘Disclosure, privacy & parenting'

Pregnancy and Childbirth

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 `Managing Your Health: Mental and Emotional Healthental and Emotional Health' developed by CATIE, or the Canadian AIDS Society resource 'Talking about Depression, Anxiety & HIV'.

Managing Your Health: a guide for people living with HIV and their care providers

Talking about Depression, Anxiety & HIV - a step by step resource that walks people living with HIV through with tips and even assessment tools.

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: HIV+ Support Coordinator Taylor Yeomans
• Questions about HIV, HCV & STIs: HIV+ Support Coordinator Taylor Yeomans
  
• Speakers & Workshop Requests: Executive Director Chris Aucoin
• For Trans-Specific Resources: Program Coordinator Hanley Smith
  
• Fund Development & Events: Fund Development Officer Zach Nicholson
• Media or Adminstration Requests: Executive Director Chris Aucoin

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.