ACNL provides nonjudgmental, compassionate, and confidential services for people living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and related STBBIs. Our goal is to engage, empower, and build the capacity of clients in navigating public, private and non-profit sector programs and services so they can live a better quality of life.
Who We Work With:
People Interested in HIV/HCV/STBBI Prevention and/or Testing Services
Regardless of your STBBI status, we can answer questions you may have about preventing the transmission of STBBIs, including HIV and/or HCV, or about STBBI testing.
Newly Diagnosed
If you are newly diagnosed with HIV/HCV or another STBBI and aren’t sure what to do, we can answer your questions! Contact us for information on treatment basics, what your rights are, who needs to know your status or even how to talk to your friends and family about your diagnoses. We can also provide referrals to community, medical and social supports.
Long-Term HIV Survivor
The needs of a person who has been living with HIV for many years are very different from those who have been recently diagnosed. We are here to assist you with a variety of issues you might be facing, including: counselling, strategies to re-enter the workforce, financial, or referrals to other appropriate agencies.
Affected by HIV/AIDS, HCV, or other STBBIs
We are also a resource for the friends and family of people living with HIV/AIDS, HCV, and/or other STBBIs. We can answer any questions you might have about transmission or prevention, support you in navigating your loved one’s diagnosis, and provide resources to learn more.
What We Offer:
Testing Information for HIV/HCV/STBBIs
Are you unsure of where to go, what to do, or even what to expect from the testing process? While we do not complete STBBI testing onsite at ACNL, we can help guide you through the process of testing and connect you with the appropriate clinics and resources. We also offer pre- and post-test counselling via drop in, phone or scheduled appointments.
Case Management
Case management is available to people living with HIV and/or HCV who have complex or multiple needs. Ongoing individualized support is offered to provide advocacy and assistance navigating health and social services system. After completing a needs assessment, the case manager will work together with you to set short and long-term goals.
Counselling
Maintaining good health also means learning to cope with stress, loss and grief effectively. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have been diagnosed with or are living with HIV.
ACNL provides one-on-one short term, supportive counselling for those experiencing crisis in their lives, including but not limited to: new diagnosis, disclosure, illness, grief and loss, and difficulty managing life situations. We provide free, confidential, anonymous counselling to anyone who is living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, HCV, and/or other STBBIs. Services include: couples counselling, grief/bereavement counselling, counselling for friends, family, loved ones and caregivers of those living with HIV, and referrals to long-term counseling, psychologists and social workers.
Counselling is available in person, over the phone, or virtually.
Referrals
ACNL provides referrals to people living with HIV/AIDS, HCV, or other STBBIs for a variety of supports, including substance use disorder treatment, clothing, food, shelters, housing, employment, and more.
