Programs & Services

Get ready for a fabulous night of fun at Pride Bingo, happening July 22nd at Garrison Brewing Company (1149 Marginal Road) from 7 PM to 10 PM. This 19+ event is all about celebration, community, and high-energy entertainment! 

Expect a lively evening filled with bingo games, awesome prizes, and tons of giveaways, including a special door prize. The evening will be hosted by the sensational Anna Mona-Pia, with special guests Mike Hunt and Steph Peaks. These dynamic entertainers will be serving up unforgettable performances throughout the night. ASL interpretation will be available.

Tickets are just $20 online (plus fees) or $25 at the door. Tickets are non-refundable. Want more chances to win? Grab an extra booklet of bingo cards for just $10. Don’t miss this vibrant night of games, drag, and celebration—come play, cheer, and party with us!

Get your tickets now!

Anna Mona-Pia 

Anna Mona-Pia (they/she) is a triple-threat performer/producer with the goal of creating a more inclusive and diverse drag community. They strive to make space for queer artists to explore and thrive while also tackling gender and sexuality issues through their art. She holds a B.Ed from Acadia University specializing in Drama and English. She is the Gold Winning Best Drag Performer of 2024 in the Coast, the Silver winner for Best Drag Performer of ‘'22/’23 & and the Silver Award winner for up-and-coming Community Leader of 23/‘24.  

 Mike Hunt 

A captivating performer at the forefront of Halifax's entertainment scene, it's Mike Hunt. A seasoned member of Halifax Drag Kings and Blue Lobster Burlesque, Mike defies gender norms with every mesmerising performance. Whether serenading with smooth vocals or dazzling with slick moves, Mike leaves audiences spellbound and craving more. Experience the magic firsthand and let Mike Hunt transport you to a world of unbridled passion and artistry.

 Steph Peaks 

Steph Peaks is the pop princess of the runway, blending flawless stitching with fierce attitude. Known for her impeccable sewing skills and killer pop-inspired style, she’s always sewing the competition into the past. Whether it's a dazzling gown or an unexpected twist on classic glamour, Steph is all about making sure her looks rise to the occasion. With a sharp eye for detail and a heart full of diva energy, she’s a queen who’s always ready to mix things up and leave a lasting impression.

For more information, please contact our Fund Development Officer, Zach Nicholson,

Zach Nicholson (He/Him) is the Fund Development Officer at HEAL NS.

He has a strong background in nonprofit leadership, event coordination, and community engagement that he is excited to bring to HEAL NS. Zach is committed to uplifting the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community and currently serves as the Board President of the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus. He previously worked for Unison Choruses Canada as the Event Coordinator for the 2023 Unison Festival, Canada’s largest 2S/LGBTQIA+ choral festival. Zach holds a BA from St. Thomas University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Brunswick.

When not at work or singing with HGMC, Zach enjoys camping, hiking and listening to history podcasts.

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 (They/Them) is the HIV+ Support Coordinator at HEAL NS, and our Programs Manager.

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 (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.

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.

Hanley (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.

They have 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.

Cole (He/Him) is back once again with HEAL NS as the Fund Development & Marketing Intern for the winter term.

He is a current student at Saint Mary’s University, and expects to graduate in 2025 with an undergraduate degree in Commerce.

Cole loves to stay active by playing sports such as Hockey and Baseball, and explores nature during walks and hikes.

HIV prevention, testing and treatment have all changed so much. 

Are you up to date?

 

For 2021 AIDS Awareness Week ACNS invited some community members

to demonstrate the HIV self test. Chris Cohcrane (aka Elle Noir),

and MLA Lisa Lachance stepped up! Check out their videos.

 

FACT #1 

There's no shame in looking after your health.  Getting an HIV test is a key part of that and recommended for everyone.  That test can now be done by you in your own home. 

 

ACNS has a limited supply of free HIV self-tests.  Phone 902-403-7841 to find out more.  You can also access 1-3 free HIV self-tests by being part of the "I'm Ready" study.  You can also order you own from the manufacturer and have it shipped to your door.

 

For anyone who has not ever had an HIV test it is recommended that you get one.  For those who are sexually active - even if only involved with one long-term partner, OR if you inject drugs - getting tested for HIV once per year is recommended. 

 

If you have more partners within any 12 month-month period testing more frequently should be considered.  One test per 5 partners with whom you've had anal or vaginal sex is one guide to consider.  Testing more often than every 3 months is likely of little benefit.

 

NOTE:  There is a time-lag between when you might have been infected with HIV, and when the test can confirm that you are HIV+.  This is called a "window period", and reflects a limitation of the testing technology currently available.  The window period for HIV screening tests used in Nova Scotia can exceed one to three months in some individuals. However, in the majority of people these tests can detect HIV within one month of infection.  So, if you have had a potential HIV exposure, get tested after at least 3 weeks (the soonest you might know), and again after 3 months (to be sure).

 

 

 

FACT #2  

It's estimated that 13% of Canadians who are HIV+ are unaware of that fact.  Regular testing is crucial if we are to end new infections, and have the best health outcomes for those already living with HIV. 

 

Today's treatments for HIV work very well with minimal side effects.  If diagnosed early, the typical prognosis is that, about six months after you start HIV treastment, your infection will be fully controlled and your HIV viral will be "undetectable".  So long as you keep taking your medication to control it, you should have minimal health impacts from HIV.

 

  

 

FACT #3  

If your HIV is fully controlled - and your HIV viral load reaches and remains stable at "undetectable" for at least six months - from that point forward it is impossible to pass on HIV to your sexual partner(s).  An undetectable HIV viral load means your HIV is also "untrasmittable".  This is often abbreviated as "Undetectable HIV = Untransmittable HIV" or U=U.

 

Click here for more about U=U.

 

 

FACT #4 

Research in the US tells us that those who are undiagnosed (15% of those liviing with HIV in the US) account for 38% of new HIV transmissions there;  those diagnosed but untreated (23% of those liviing with HIV) account for 43%;  and those in treatement but not virally suppressed (not undetectable - 11% of those liviing with HIV) account for 20% of new HIV transmissions.  People who were virally suppressed accounted for 0% of new HIV transmissions (U=U). 

 

We don't have the data in Canada to assess these same impacts directly. However, in Canada, access to treatment is considerably better than in the US, so we have:

- fewer people not on treatment at all: 23% of those liviing with HIV in the US vs 15%  in Canada

- far fewer people on treatment but NOT fully suppressed: 11% of those liviing with HIV (US) vs just 6% in Canada

 

Those in the US who are diagnosed but not on treatment, OR not virally suppressed, (combined making 34% of those with HIV there) account for 63% of new transmissions in the US.  The percentage of people in Canada who fit into those categories is far less than that of the US.  So, we expect their impact on HIV transmissions is proportionally less as well, which means the proportion from those who are undiagnosed is also proportionaly much higher in Canada than 38%.    

 

 

 

FACT #5  

Taken as directed, one pill containing emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (aka Truvada and it's approved generic equivalents) for oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%.   Click here for more details about PrEP. 

 

For more information about U=U click here.

 

 

 

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

 

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The HIV is Different campaign is supported by a grant from