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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca