Stronger Together

New health services during COVID-19

We recognize the need for increased access to MAX’s community programming, particularly for vulnerable segments of GBT2Q guys into guys during the pandemic. 

Over the past few months, MAX Ottawa has launched new programs and services to address community mental health, harm reduction support, and healthcare access for older adults as part of our COVID-19 response strategy

Taking a virtual-by-default approach, MAX Ottawa’s new programs aim to better adapt to the changing needs of guys into guys in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Bilingual Peer Support Program

Feeling isolated or distressed? MAX Ottawa’s bilingual Peer Support Program is available to you for emotional or mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Available on Mondays and Thursday evenings, Peer Support Facilitators will provide a listening ear, equip you with community support services, and provide additional resources as needed. If you are experiencing mental distress, call the crisis line at 613-722-6914 or toll-free at 1-866-996-0991.

To book your appointment, register here.

peer support

Harm Reduction Supply Pick-Up & Delivery

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, MAX Ottawa will now offer delivery of free harm reduction supplies or by curbside pick up at our new office! Supplies include: injection, smoking or snorting tools; condoms, fisting gloves, and dental dams; hormone injection supplies; and naloxone kits. Curbside pick-up is available at our office on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00-8:00PM.

To order your supplies or see the complete list of supplies available, click here.

Harm reduction services

Senior Pride Online Program

In partnership with the Ottawa Senior Pride Network, MAX Ottawa’s Senior Pride Online Program lend’s free tablet with LTE network connection. The rental program will provide the necessary tools to improve 2SLGBTQ+ older adults’ access to virtual health care services and resources. Electronic tablets will be mailed-out to selected GBT2Q older adults and can be loaned out for up to four weeks at a time.

Prioritize your health and book your tablet here!

Senior Pride Online Program cover

While the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how we live our everyday lives, we know our community will come out stronger together – even six feet apart

At MAX Ottawa, we’re a community of GBT2Q guys, working with and for other GBT2Q guys. We’re resilient and stand shoulder to shoulder ahead of challenges. We will continue to look out for each other and get through this together.

For more information on recent updates at MAX Ottawa, see our COVID-19 response strategy.

These programs are made available through the financial assistance of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada Summer Jobs Program, and the City of Ottawa’s COVID-19 Social Services Relief Fund.