New study will see Nova Scotia pharmacies test for HIV
Eric Smith remembers when he tested positive for HIV in 1986. He said it was a process that ostracized people.
“There was a master list and your name actually went on a list of the Department of Health. There was always a record and that’s what scared a lot people off,” said Smith.
Now, a new process will be introduced which will make testing for sexually transmitted and blood borne illnesses like Hepatitis C and syphilis easier.
It’s a national program that will be seen in certain provinces across Canada, including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
“Pharmacies that were interested that were in the areas that the project was looking at were able to apply directly to the research team and go through the selection process,” said Alison Bodnar, CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia.
Ten pharmacies will be participating in the study. The goal is to make health care more accessible.
“We know from our INR program that patients like having access close to home, where it’s convenient, and in a private confidential area,” said Bodnar.
According to Health and Social Services, one in five people living with HIV in Canada do not know it. If left untreated, HIV leads to AIDS.
While there is no cure to HIV, treatment allows people to continue living a healthy life.
“People don’t even know they have this, which allows the spreading to happen even further. By giving people a place to come and be tested in a way that’s comfortable for them, we’re hoping that will contribute to better health,” said Bodnar.
In October, Nova Scotia Health reported an increase in people newly diagnosed with HIV in the province and emphasized the importance of getting tested to know their status and make informed decisions about their health accordingly.
Smith said having pharmacies test for HIV is a step forward. He hopes to one day see testing in even more pharmacies across Nova Scotia.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.