Stigma and prejudice around issues of sexual orientation still exists within the community and often prevents individuals from disclosing their sexual orientation. The Gay Men’s Sexual Health program seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of those living with HIV or those at risk of HIV. Supportive counselling, peer group support, referrals and access to primary care, HIV/Hepatitis C/STI testing and other health care services is facilitated. Access to the Gay/MSM services and health Clinic is facilitated through the Sexual Health Coordinator.

Clinics are held on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of the month. Book an appointment by calling 705-688-0500 ext 216, email [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/sudburymsmclinic and send message to book online.

Hepatitis treatment services are available to those living with Hepatitis C and who meet all criteria necessary for the treatment. The care provided is intended to ensure that a greater number of individuals infected with hepatitis C virus have access to treatment which can help prevent or mitigate serious liver disease such as cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Access to Hep C treatment and related health care clinical services is facilitated through the Hepatitis C Treatment Nurse.

Fear of stigma and judgement can make someone hesitant to get tested for Hep C. Réseau ACCESS Network provides services that are free of stigma and discrimination. Connect with one of the nurses to learn how we can help you. 705-688-0500 ext. 225

For some considering hepatitis treatment, mental health issues can be a major barrier if the proper supports are not available. Timely access to mental health supports can be crucial in addressing some of the side effects that can arise from treatment. Réseau ACCESS Network offers a regular psychiatric clinic as part of its Hepatitis C Treatment Program. The clinic is limited to those living with Hepatitis C and accessing treatment services.  Access to psychiatric services is facilitated through the Hepatitis C Treatment Nurse.

Case management builds on an individual’s strengths and capabilities, and does not focus on one particular issue, but tries to take the whole person into consideration. A highly trained direct member/patient services team networks with community partners on behalf of members/patients to assist with access to a continuum of care. Case management services are available to those living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C or at risk of HIV|HCV. Access to case management services is facilitated through a member of the Direct Member/Patient Services department.

Supportive Counselling uses a Brief Solution focused member/patient centered approach meant to assist individuals with issues of day-to-day living. Concerns are dealt with in a supportive and respectful manner. Confidentiality is assured. Supportive Counselling can be offered on a one on one basis or in a support group. Access to supportive counselling services is facilitated through a member of the Direct Member/Patient Services department, or the Sexual Health Coordinator.

Supportive Practical Assistance, in the form of access to Food Pantry, transportation to medical appointments and accessing drug benefits, are available to those living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. Proof of HIV/Hepatitis C status is required. The intake process requires the collection of information to determine eligibility to participate to the Supportive Practical Assistance Program.   As a requirement, applicants need to demonstrate an active involvement with their continuum of care by actively participating to the Agency’s programs and other health care services within the community. Access to supportive practical assistance is facilitated through a member of the Direct Member/Patient Services Department.

For those not living with HIV or Hepatitis, but may be at risk, Réseau ACCESS Network can provide you with supportive services from a Social Service Worker. These services are meant to assist with day-to-day living, harm reduction, accessing and navigating other resources within the community, and brief counselling. 

Not sure if you qualify? Speak with the case manager call 705-688-0500 ext. 228

There are a variety of unique challenges and needs faced by people who use drugs. Services are provided to address these needs in a comprehensive, harm reduction based approach. Services are non-judgemental, stigma-free with a focus on reducing the harm from drug related activities. Services include Education; Outreach and Harm Reduction Services; Safe injection/inhalation supplies; Referrals to treatment centres; drug testing services, Sexually Transmitted Blood Born Infection (STBBI) Screening ; Hepatitis C (HCV) Treatment; Referrals for HIV Treatment; Support and counselling; Advocacy and accompaniment.

View Outreach services to learn more

Réseau ACCESS Network believes all barriers to testing need to be eliminated and has partnered with ground-breaking initiatives that offer free self-testing kits to anyone wanting to test at home.

Low barrier and annonomus self tesing kits are also available at the agency, with in-agency supports.

There are also two great programs that offer support systems through online programs:

I’m Ready to Know

I’m Ready to Know provides kits that can be delivered to your home or picked up at a partner location. The Agency is a pick-up location for the I’m Ready to Know program.

Learn more about I’m Ready by visiting www.ready.ca (will link to https://www.readytoknow.ca/)

Get-a-Kit

Get-a-Kit provides free self-test kits that can be delivered to your home (applies to most of Ontario). You can learn more about Get-a-Kit by visiting https://getakit.ca/ottawa/

Referrals to the GAS can be made by a primary health-care provider or individuals can self-refer. Please complete the form here and email it to [email protected] or fax it to 705-222-5276
For more information on Réseau ACCESS Network Gender Affirming Services: 
https://reseauaccessnetwork.com/gender-affirming-services