Support Counseling
ACNS provides one on one short term, supportive counseling for those experiencing crisis in their lives, including but not limited to, new diagnosis, disclosure, illness, grief and loss, and difficulty managing life situations. Referrals to long term counseling and physiologists and social workers are also available. Friends, family, loved ones, and care givers of those living with HIV can also access support through ACNS. This can be done in person or over the phone.
At the QEII HIV clinic you can be referred to Dr. Jennifer Hendrick, a psychologist who specializes in working with people living HIV/AIDS. Ask your nurse about this.
Advocacy
ACNS advocates with and on behalf of PHAs to help better access healthcare and community resources such as social assistance, special diet funding, Canada Pension, medication coverage, homecare, basic needs, and housing. WE can also direct you to other organizations that may specialize in the specific area of advocacy that you require or for legal issues.
Referrals
ACNS provides referrals to people living with HIV/AIDS for a variety of supports such as legal aid to assist people in the process of completing living wills, wills, power-of-attorney or other legal maters; psychology and mental heath services; addiction services; social workers; specialized food banks and housing organizations. We may know where you can go to find what you are looking for. Give a call or e-mail and ask!
Treatment Information
Support Services approaches HIV treatment from a holistic, harm reduction perspective and keeps an up to date Treatment Information Library on current HIV treatment issues including medications, adherence strategies, alternative treatments, diet, medication interaction, and mental health. We can provide you with one on one treatment information sessions, Access to Internet and printed resources and Treatment Information workshops. Contact us to find out about any upcoming workshops.
Workshops
In partnership with other local and national organizations, ACNS offers a variety of workshops on a wide range of topics about HIV, Living with HIV and HIV treatment issues throughout the year. Contact us to find out about any upcoming workshops
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
One hour massage appointments with registered massage therapists are available to PHAs as well as haircuts by a professional stylist. We sometimes have other alterative treatment available as well. Call to find out how to make an appointment and book ahead!
This program is made possible by the generous donation of time, talent and care of dedicated complimentary and alternative therapists.
HIV/AIDS Resource Centre
We provide over 1,700 books, 10,000 pamphlets, articles and reports, videos and CDs containing information about issues such as treatment, human rights, HIV prevention, nutrition, etc., to persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Most of the resources are available for loan across the province, and all may be photocopied by request. The centre is open from 10:00am-4:00pm daily. Internet service is also available for research.