Wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and social distancing aren’t the only ways you can take charge of your health.
For the GBTQ2 community, COVID-19 hits close to home, reminiscent of the spread of HIV almost forty years ago. It was a shapeless power that stigmatized an entire community. In the first five years, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 38,401 cases of AIDS in 85 countries.
While we recommend getting tested regularly, it’s especially important during a pandemic. Find out your status by getting anonymously tested at your local sexual health clinic. With just a drop of blood, you’ll get your HIV test result within minutes.
MAX Ottawa and community partners continue to offer the following services:
Gayzone
179 Rue Clarence Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9
Thursdays between 4-6PM, by appointment only
Get a test- Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart, 455 Bank Street (at the corner of Bank Street and Gladstone)
Clients will be screened over the phone and seen as appropriate, following these easy steps:
- Call the pharmacy at 613-238-9041 ext. 3, 3
- Ask to speak with Ben or Lisa
- Ben/Lisa will ask screening questions, including COVID-19 screening, and provide pre-test counselling over the phone
- If applicable, an appointment will be made and further instructions will be provided
This pilorwill be available until September 30th, 2020 until
HIV self-test delivered to your home
MAX Ottawa has also partnered with Ottawa Public Health and the University of Ottawa to deliver a pandemic-friendly HIV testing option. You can get a free HIV self-test delivered to your home. Regardless of your results, you will be provided the appropriate resources to maintain your sexual health. Take advantage of this easy and convenient option by visiting www.getakit.ca.
PrEP ACCESS
Practice safer sex by getting yourself and your sexual partner(s) informed about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and incorporating other prevention strategies. Both PrEP and PEP have been proven to prevent HIV from staying in the body. Interested? Ask your local sexual health clinic for more information or request support from our PrEP navigation service.
Your sexual health is always a priority. Engage in safer sex – even during a pandemic.
Find out more about MAX Ottawa’s programs and services for guys into guys as well as our COVID-19 strategy. When it comes to health and wellness, we are here for you.
