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Programs & Services
Chris
Jamie Stewart
Jamie (He/Him) has joined HEAL NS as the Fund Development & Marketing Intern for the fall.
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program with a focus on marketing. With a rich background in event security and management, along with experience in digital marketing and design, he brings a unique perspective to his role.
Passionate about fostering inclusive and safe environments, Jamie is dedicated to carrying this commitment into all his future endeavors. As a corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, he understands the importance of community engagement in every aspect of his work.
Outside of work he is an avid sports fan cheering for teams like Baltimore Ravens and Washington Capitals. You can also catch him often playing video games such as Overwatch.
Chana Wielinga
Chana (They/Them) is the HIV+ Support Coordinator at HEAL NS.
They hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a BA with a specialization in counselling. With over five years of experience in social services, Chana's work has spanned front-line support, policy development, and research, focusing on improving health outcomes and advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, among others. Passionate about fostering inclusive care, Chana is eager to bring their diverse expertise and compassionate approach to HEAL NS, ensuring that all individuals receive the support they deserve.
Outside of work, Chana appreciates creative hobbies, such as theatre, crafting, and D&D. At home, they share their space with four cats, who provide endless cuddles... and cat hair!
Olivia Kerr
Olivia (They/Them) is a Health and Wellness Coordinator at ACNS.
Olivia is a non-binary, queer, and white person with a background in non-profits, community health initiatives, scientific research, and youth programming. They have a BSc from Dalhousie University where they studied Biochemistry and Neuroscience and obtained a certificate in Data Analytics. Olivia is passionate about building joyful and inclusive queer community and dismantling health inequities to create safer and more accessible care for Nova Scotians.
In their free time, Olivia loves to cook, enjoy the ocean and lakes around Nova Scotia, and cuddle their cats and dog.
HIV Self-Tests
HIV Self Test!
A new and easy way to get free, low barrier, and confidential access to HIV self-test kits at the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia (ACNS)!
ACNS is excited to be part of Community Link, the latest HIV self-testing project providing free HIV self-test kits to anyone in Nova Scotia and connecting them to the care they need.
We’re providing pickup and mailout options to make sure we get kits in the hands of everyone who needs them. When you’re ready to explore this exciting testing option, we’ll be right there with you!
What’s an HIV Self-Test?
The HIV self-test is fairly new in Canada, so it’s possible that you’ve never heard of it before now. We’re here to provide you with information to help you decide if this is right for you.
An HIV self-test is a test you do on your own that looks for HIV antibodies within minutes. The self-test needs 2-4 small drops of blood from pricking the top of your finger with a small needle. The self-test is not a confirmatory test. What this means is that it can’t fully confirm your positive or negative result. However, the self-test is 99% accurate in reading results!
The self-test is meant to be included as part of your regular HIV/STI testing, especially if there are long wait times to get an appointment, and empower more people to know their HIV status.
If you’d prefer to see a quick demonstration on how the self-test works before getting yours, please check out this video: https://youtu.be/1G1ia1S7uZo
Get Your Kits from ACNS!
We think it’s great that you’re taking steps to take care of your health. We’re happy to provide a variety of options for you to get your free HIV self-test kits. You’re not alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Pickup: You can ask for up to 5 kits with this option. We encourage sharing your kits with friends or sex partners!
- We’re located at 5516 Spring Garden Road, Suite 200 in Halifax (Sport Nova Scotia building).
- Let us know if you’d prefer to self-test on site. Our staff are trained to provide support, guidance and information before, during and after the self-testing process. We’re knowledgeable, happy to answer questions you might have, and most importantly, we care!
- Pickup at Libraries: Our HIV self-test kits are now available in five library regions totalling 35 locations! We recommend calling ahead to your local library branch to confirm they are still in stock before going to pick them up. You can grab self-tests from any of:
- the 7 Colchester-East Hants Libraries;
- the 7 Cumberland Public Libraries;
- the 7 Pictou-Antigonish Public Libraries;
- the 4 South Shore Public Libraries (plus their bookmobile library); or
- the 9 Eastern Counties Regional Library locations.
- Mailout: Please complete a quick and easy online mailout order form and we’ll gladly send 2 kits, along with a pre- and post-test information package so you’re supported, to you at no cost. We encourage people to still reach out to us if they need support, even if they’ve opted to go with the mailout option. You can complete the online mailout order form here: https://forms.gle/f1yCtQ5SXQkN5VFd7
- Outreach: You might find us set up out in the community from time to time with a supply of kits to distribute. Follow our socials to find out where we might pop up!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acnshfx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIDSNS/
For more information about the Community Link project or the HIV self-test, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 782-774-8178.
Info & Resources
Before testing, you can review the following:
After testing, you can review the following:
COVID-19
COVID Vaccines & HIV
3rd Vaccine Shot for PLHAs in Nova Scotia
In regards to people living with HIV, If you have a Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) of less than 200 you’re able to receive an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and it is recommended that you do so.
From CATIE`s website (see https://www.catie.ca/covid-19-and-hiv for additional info)…
It is important to consider getting vaccinated if you have HIV. Many people with HIV have or are at an increased risk for developing the underlying conditions that increase their chances of developing COVID-19 or severe disease if they become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. These underlying conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, lung disease, obesity and so on.
Experts consider COVID vaccines to be safe and effective for people with HIV. Clinical trials with the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines included a relatively small number of people with HIV, all of whom were taking ART and who were healthy and well. Further studies are needed to determine if the vaccine works as well for people with HIV as it does for the general population.
There is no information yet on how well the vaccine works in people living with HIV who have a compromised immune system. If you are not on treatment and have a very low CD4 count, discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider. Some experts recommend starting HIV treatment first to prevent HIV-related complications and to potentially improve vaccine effectiveness.
COVID Info & Your HIV Meds
Look after yourself and plan…
We encourage our HIV+ members to make sure they have an adequate supply of their HIV medications and all other necessary medications. At this time prescriptions filled by the 6 North Pharmacy (Victoria General Hospital) are ONLY being mailed or couriered. We recommend arranging for refills 3-4 weeks before you are to run out. Be sure to listen closely to the phone instructions when you call the pharmacy and to provide your complete mailing address when arranging refills.
Pay attention to reliable sources of info about the pandemic - like this Nova Scotia Government website and protect yourself: masking, physically isolating yourself and regular hand-washing are "your friends"! Taking your HIV medications daily is always important - and especially so at this time!
Stay tuned for more info and stay well!
Chris Aucoin,
Executive Director
Hanley Smith
Hanley (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS / ACNS
Hanley is a non-binary activist and community leader who has developed and implemented numerous queer youth and queer health-focused programs. Their award-winning contributions reflect years of volunteer service and professional experience, showcasing their passion for advocacy. With a strong interest in sexual health information and the evolving nature of prevention work, especially in relation to mental health, Hanley has collaborated with researchers to integrate trauma-informed practices into various initiatives and expand knowledge in these areas. As a musician and disabled artist themselves, Hanley has enjoyed being able to support the success of disabled artists within the community. Their work extends to other projects that intersect with their areas of expertise and interest.
Outside of their non-profit work, Hanley is an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons, with a special love for dice – their collection bag is larger than their head! They have been part of a home game that has lasted over four years and are always excited to share their enthusiasm for the game.
Jordan Parker
Jordan Parker (He/Him) is the Fund Development & Communications Manager at HEAL NS / ACNS. He has a Masters in Investigative Journalism from the University of King's College, and an Advanced Diploma in PR from NSCC Ivany campus.
A freelance journalist and owner of arts and entertainment firm Parker PR, Jordan is an award-winning writer and communicator. He works part-time doing event planning, and has worked on events including the Halifax Comedy Festival and the Halifax Buskers. He has a passion for non-profit and helping the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
He's a huge movie fan and owns 2,500 DVDs and BluRays. During the NHL season, you can usually catch Jordan rooting on his Toronto Maple Leafs.
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