Programs & Services

Our teen years and beyond can be a difficult time oflife, and because of this youth aged 15 to 29 are at an increased risk for many sexually transmitted infections. According to 2011 Public Health Agency of Canada STI surveillance data:

• 81% of new cases of chlamydia were among youth
• 66% of new cases of gonorrhea were among youth
• 31% of new cases of infectious syphilis were among youth. NS STATS

Youth aged 15 to 29 accounted for 24% of new HIV diagnoses across Canada in 2013. Given these realities, we strive to work with populations of youth who are most at risk through partnership with local youth serving organizations across Nova Scotia.

Programming
We provide HIV/HCV/STI prevention information to youth through one-on-one sessions, in person or over the phone, as well as organizations and health-related professionals that serve youth. Our Sexual Health Jeopardy workshop is available to organizations throughout the year (given availability), as well as HIV/HCV/STI 101 Basics, or sessions highlighting specific topics requested by the organization.We have also provided workshops and advice on policy for staff of organizations primarily working with youth.

Creating Supportive Environments
Working with local organizations to provide information on sexual health, HIV, HCV and STI prevention has been a priority for ACNS over the past few years. We have created partnerships with several youth serving organizations in the Halifax area andacross the province to provide information sessions and workshops to youth annually. We often provide HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexual health information to teachers looking to enhance their curriculums, and partner with Teen Health Centers within schools to distribute information.

For more information about anything to do with our youth HIV/STI prevention work, or to book a workshop/information session contact the Support Coordinator at 902.425.4882, ext 226 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

http://www.scarleteen.com/
Scarleteen.com

https://youthproject.ns.ca/

The Youth Project

https://www.catie.ca/prevention-safer-sex/sexually-transmitted-infections
STI: Sexually Transmitted Infections

http://orders.catie.ca/product_info.php?cPath=14_181&products_id=26021
My Sex Life: info for young poz people – a great resource for young HIV+ youth about navigating their sex life

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.

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.

Dylan Samson
Support Services
902.403.7841 (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)

2SGBQ+ Men's Programs 

Our programs for Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, and queer men who have sex with men (2SGBQ+) work towards the prevention of HIV and related sexually transmitted infections (STIs). All of this work is in a broader context of overall individual sexual and mental health for all men; whether you are living with HIV, not living with HIV, or are not aware of your status. Sometimes we can be made to feel ashamed of who we are or what we find hot, sexy and fun, which can make it more difficult to make choices that bring us closer to the good health we deserve.

Our programs are tailored to address and respond to the unique needs of 2SGBTQ+ men's communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) community members, and aim to promote regular HIV/STI testing and prevention, equip participants with community leadership skills, and encourage knowledge sharing with peers and community members.

Sexual Health

Our programs provide HIV/STI prevention and harm reduction programming for 2SGBQ+ men directly, as well as organizations and health-related professionals that work with them.

This may look like outreach, information and supportive counselling, or formal workshops and presentations. We also take part in provincial and national sexual health campaigns as a local partner, and we always have free condoms and lube available at our office and community events. Our programs support 2SGBQ+ men to gain insight into the kind of sex they like and want to have, as well as learn effective ways to keep themselves, their partners and their communities safe as well.

Hot off the press! Our new and improved 'Tips' for Safer Barebacking pamphlet is here! View it now.

Cultivating Supportive Environments

Our programs offer a safe and inclusive environment to share ideas, stories and experiences, and to network with 2SGBQ+ peers and community members. These programs also engage in addressing larger social and community sexual and mental health. This happens through all the HIV/STI prevention work that we do, but includes being a partner in community projects and initiatives like International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), local Pride festivals, and similar projects. 

2SGBQ+ Men Living With HIV 
Our programs are open to all 2SGBQ+ men, regardless of their HIV status. We recognize the unique and powerful ideas and perspectives that those living with HIV have and bring to queer men's spaces. In these spaces, 2SGBQ+ men living with HIV may be able to pass down valuable knowledge on HIV to participants through lived experience and storytelling.

Now that HIV is a manageable illness for those who have access to modern treatments, and 2SGBQ+ men are living much longer, fuller lives, health issues typically associated with aging are becoming much more prominent. Our programs aim to support 2SGBQ+ men living with HIV at every stage of the diagnosis and on their journey to greater, more fulfilled sexual and mental health.

Additional information
For more information about anything to do with our programs for 2SGBQ+ men, please contact the 2SGBQ+ Men's Health and Wellness Coordinator, Shane Pope, at 902-425-4882, ext. 222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2SGBQ+ Men's Health & HIV/STI Prevention workshops;
Totally Outright & Check Me Out programs;

Monkeypox resources

*Please note that some/or all programs are subject to COVID-19 measures and may be on-hold until it is safe to facilitate them. To discuss current programs and services, please contact 2SGBQ+ Men's Health & Wellness Coordinator Shane Pope at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Check Me Out Campaign (sexual health checklist): https://acns.ns.ca/Check-Me-Out

The Sex You Want (Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance): https://thesexyouwant.ca/

Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance: http://w2sa.ca/

PrideHealth: https://www.nshealth.ca/content/pridehealth

Maybe you have come to look for answers because you are worried that you might need an HIV test, or you have already taken one and you are still waiting for the result. It’s natural to be worried about any medical condition. We are, after all, human. We also understand that there is another level of worry compounded with testing positive for HIV. It’s caused by misinformation, stigma and our own personal beliefs about what it might mean to be HIV+. This is a very common feeling and we want you to know there is support for you,so take a deep breath… and let us help you.

Give us a call and ask any questions, like why you think you might test positive or more information about HIV itself. We won’t ask you who you are or your status. You can also email questions to a member of our staff or even drop in. For information or support, reach out to Dylan Samson, Support and Program Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 902-425-4882, ext 225.

If you are looking for more in-depth information on risk or how HIV passes from one person to another, check out the information on this site about safer sex, drug use, tattooing, piercing and testing. These are all located in our "Information & Resources" banner at the top of every page.

We have talked with hundreds of people in this very situation, who are worried that if they did test positive that it would be the end of their world. It might feel that way right now, but believe us, it isn’t. Everyone is scared, and dealing with health fears and stigma you may be afraid of encountering makes it even harder. We can tell you that even if you did test positive, it does get better. We have seen it happen time and time again. People living with HIV today have access to new treatments, support networks, and are able to manage this chronic condition over time.

If you are still uneasy about contacting us, can’t immediately reach us, or you don’t feel comfortable sharing your situation with a friend or family member, you can call the Mobile Mental Health Crisis Team at 902.429.8167 or 1.888.429.8167 (toll free). They offer non-judgemental crisis support and are available 24/7.You can reach a nurse and ask health questions by dialling 811.

Just remember, you’re not alone.

What Is HIV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAgFgcwC_tI  

HIV and the Body: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4E-eIxHf0w  

HIV Testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9wie0NOV0g 

Seven Ways To Prevent HIV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKZ35RPPn7Q

Busting Myths About HIV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfBI4mbazTk