Support: HIV Edmonton

Support

HIV Edmonton has qualified staff who are trained in HIV and AIDS Care and Support. Support is on a drop-in basis during our regular business hours. Our staff work within a solution-focused model, concentrating our efforts on maintaining quality of life for all individuals affected by HIV and AIDS.

Our staff are trained in support to a culturally diverse community and, as such, are sensitive to cultural differences as they impact attitudes in supporting those affected by HIV and AIDS.

HIV Edmonton also provides outreach to individuals and communities to provide support, information and education, for example; access to testing and treatment, accompany to appointments or court, stigma and discrimination issues and sexual health.

What is the Ross Armstrong Program?

The Ross Armstrong Centre (Drop-In space) is a safe space for those who are living with HIV to come in, make connections with peers, get support from staff, or simply grab a cup of coffee.

We offer programming for our community members. Some reoccurring programs include Paint and Create, Collective Kitchen, Student Counselling Services, Food Hampers and Ross Armstrong Week where individuals have access to hygiene supplies and grocery cards.

We also offer one-on-one support that centers on the needs of the individual to assist them in areas such as medication adherence, housing, income, physical and mental health, and access to services.

If you are living with HIV and interested in connecting with our services, please contact our Support and Outreach Team.

A welcoming room with a rainbow 'Positive Space' poster, bulletin boards, and a clock

Who was Ross Armstrong?

In 1984 Ross Armstrong was diagnosed with AIDS. Shortly after his diagnosis he became a part of HIV Edmonton's (previously known as the AIDS Network of Edmonton) team, and emerged as the public face of AIDS in Edmonton. Ross died on July 1, 1986, two years after his diagnosis.

The challenges and suffering Ross endured and the courage he displayed during those first years of the local epidemic led HIV Edmonton to name the support hub of our agency, where people living with HIV can access support, in his memory. At the Ross Armstrong Centre community members can connect with their peers, get housing and income support, help with medication access, and as always, a hot cup of coffee.

Learn more about Ross's story
Ross Armstrong

You are able to access medication through other resources, even if you get your testing done at HIV Edmonton.

Please see your other Testing and Treatment options here.

Our nurse wasn't available today! What the heck?

We have one nurse on site, and they are busy! We appreciate your understanding when it comes to appointments, sickness, and other interruptions to our hours. Please check our social media pages or give us a call to confirm testing services are available.

Walk-ins

Please note the following when accessing our walk-in services:

  • We have one nurse on-site. Check our FAQs to see if our service is right for you.
  • Wait times may vary depending on the volume of people waiting to be seen.
  • We triage testing based on priority concerns. You may not be seen first even if you were the first to arrive.

Hours

Mondays: 9–12PM, 2:30–4PM

Wednesdays: 9–12PM

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Appointments

Please note the following when accessing our appointment services:

  • We have one nurse on-site. Check our FAQs to see if our service is right for you.
  • Appointments are only scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays based on the schedule and availability of our nurse.

To book an appointment, text or call our nurse at 780-984-2241.

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Guys Into Guys

We offer evening testing every third Thursday of the month from 5–8PM for 2SLGBTQ+ men who have sex with men. Testing is by appointment only.

HIV Edmonton also provides testing at SteamWorks on "Men-Only Fridays", the first Friday of the month from 7–10PM.

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STBBI Services / Harm Reduction

HIV Edmonton prides itself on taking a harm reduction approach to service delivery, being trauma-informed and non-judgmental, to those who are at risk of contracting HIV and other STBBIs. This approach builds trust and overall reduces the transmission of HIV and STBBIs.

We provide safer sex supplies, safer substance use supplies, and other prevention and support strategies to individuals seeking services for their STBBI health.

Walk-in Hours

Mon & Wed: 9AM–4:30PM

Friday: 9AM–12PM (closed 12–1PM for lunch)

Sex Workers

We offer testing for sex workers every other month at a partnered agency. Contact our nurse at 780-984-2241 if you'd like more information.

We can also see you during our walk-in times or by appointment. If interested, ask our nurse about our anonymous testing option during your visit.

Other Testing and Treatment Options

Safer Sex Supplies

HIV Edmonton offers safer sex supplies including external condoms, internal condoms, oral dams, and lube, free to the public.

Come by during our office hours to grab what you need, or reach out to place a larger order.

Peer Support Services

You don't have to face your journey alone.

At HIV Edmonton, we understand that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from someone who has walked a similar path. Our Peer Support Services provide a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can connect with trained peers who offer understanding, encouragement, and hope through shared lived experience.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed, are navigating treatment, supporting a loved one, or simply need someone to talk to, our peer support team is here to listen, share, and help you access the resources you need, and guide you through activities like gardening, AA meetings, and collective kitchen amongst others.

Together, we'll help you build confidence, reduce isolation, and strengthen your connection to community because everyone deserves to feel supported, respected, and empowered.

Connect with us today

Testing and Treatment

Testing and treatment services are available at HIV Edmonton thanks to a collaboration with StreetWorks.

We offer low barrier testing for individuals who may have difficulties accessing other STBBI Services.

Counselling Services

Northern Alberta HIV Program

Multidisciplinary teams include nurses, social workers, pharmacists, psychologists and a dietitian with special interest and experience in HIV care.

780-407-8372 / 1-866-407-8371

11400 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB

Pride Centre of Edmonton

Peer Counselling

780-488-3234

9540-111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB

The Family Centre

Individual and Family Counselling

780-423-2831

#20, 9912 106 Street, Edmonton, AB

Catholic Social Services

Personal and Family Counselling: fee sliding scale.

780-432-1137

8815 99 Street, Edmonton, AB

Other Services

The Support Network

780-482-0198

The Native Counselling Services of Alberta

780-451-4002

10975 124 Street, Edmonton, AB

Cornerstone Counselling Centre

Family Counselling

780-482-6215

#302, 10140 117 Street, Edmonton, AB

Aboriginal Consulting Services Association of Alberta

Family & Individual Counselling

780-448-0378

#204, 10010 105 Street, Edmonton, AB

AADAC Counselling Services

780-427-2736

10010 102A Avenue, Edmonton, AB

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “low barrier testing” and what difficulties might someone have while trying to access testing?

Health inequities are differences that create unfair difficulties for individuals to access proper healthcare. This can include identity, sexual preference, occupation, access to housing, transportation, income and other stigmas people may face. “Low barrier testing” is a health equity strategy to make sure everyone has access to testing and treatment for STBBIs when they need it.

If you can access testing through your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or the STI Clinic, we ask that you do so to keep our services available for individuals facing barriers.

I think I was exposed to an STBBI, when should I get tested?

We recommend waiting three weeks after a potential exposure to get tested for STBBIs. If you test too soon, your results may not be accurate.

What counts as a potential exposure?

A potential exposure is when there is a realistic risk of STBBI transmission. Depending on the STBBI, this could be exposure to sexual fluids, blood, or open sores/infected area. If you have specific questions about transmission, please contact us.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring your Alberta health care number if you want your test results to be linked to your MyHealthRecords account.

Is testing free?

Yes!

Is testing anonymous/confidential?

Yes, testing can be completed anonymously upon request. However, some positive STBBI results (HIV, Hepatitis C) are reported to Public Health, in which case, your information would have to be shared with AHS. If you have further questions or concerns about anonymous testing and reporting to public health, please tell our nurse during your appointment.

What can you test for?

We can test for HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis & Yeast infections.

Can you test for UTIs?

Unfortunately, no.

What kind of test will I need to do?

Depending on what STBBIs you want to test for, your testing appointment could include: bloodwork, a urine sample, a throat swab, a vaginal swab, and/or rectal swab. Swabs are self-collected which means you get to swab yourself!

How long will my results take?

Results are usually available within 3–7 days. However, this can vary, we cannot guarantee you will receive results before a certain day.

How will I be contacted about my results?

Our nurse will contact you directly with your results. This can be done through a phone call, text, email, or through a private message on a chosen social media account. If you want a paper copy of your results, please tell the nurse before your appointment ends. Paper copies cannot be emailed. You must arrange for a time to come back to HIV Edmonton to pick them up from our nurse.

What if I need treatment?

We offer onsite treatment for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea and can support individuals in connection to HIV and Hep C care.

The antibiotic you receive for treatment depends on what kind of infection you have, and where it is located in your body. The antibiotics offered at HIV Edmonton are either pills that can be swallowed, or medication that gets injected into one, or both sides of your hips.

The medication can be provided anonymously in most cases, and there is no cost associated with receiving the antibiotics.