Support Services Outreach Programs

The Support Services Outreach Programs provides support to those living with HIV/AIDS and/or co-infected with Hepatitis C, their families and friends, and those at risk of infection. Services are specific to the needs of women, intravenous drug users, men who have sex with men and others who could benefit from our programs. All services are provided in the office or through scheduled home visits. Services include supportive counselling, referrals, access to treatment information, food bank (Tin Can Pantry) and food vouchers, assistance with transportation for medical appointments and in accessing prescribed medications. In-office supportive counselling, information and referral services are also provided to families and friends and those at risk of infection. For those who prefer accessing informal services on the downtown streets of Sudbury, the Support Services Outreach team can provide informal supportive counselling, injection kits, safer sex and prevention education.

All services are provided in an atmosphere of strict confidentiality.

Intake and Assessment
• A referral is not needed to access support, condoms, pre and post test counselling or to receive a referral to other programs and agencies
• A proof of HIV infection is required to access Financial Assistance
• Assessment/Intake is to be completed upon initial visit.
• New clients may be asked for a verification of income.

Practical and Financial Assistance

HIV positive clients can access the following services:
• Food vouchers *
• Bus tickets*
• The Tin Can Pantry
• Trillium Deductable*
• Assistance with Ontario Disability
• Support Program and Ontario Works paperwork

*proof of income required

Client Visits
• Support is available to individuals in office, home, hospital, jail and hospice

*We accept collect calls from jail

Resource Materials
Resource materials on a variety of topics are available
• HIV information/ disclosure
• HIV and women
• HIV/Hepatitis C co-infection
• Safer Sex
• Harm Reduction
• Treatment information
• Sexuality
• Nutrition
• Safe injection kits and condoms

HIV Testing?
Individuals wanting information and referrals for testing can contact Access AIDS Network

Support Groups
Support and social groups are offered through Access AIDS Network if numbers warrant. Please contact our agency for more information on groups.

Bereavement Support
Bereavement services are offered to clients, family and friends of palliative clients

Accessing Services
Support staff will assist individuals in accessing other services

Health Promotion
Clients will be offered:
• education regarding safer sex practices and other harm reduction practices
• information on nutrition and its importance to living a healthy lifestyle

Outreach Services
• The Outreach Staff provides education, referrals and support to reduce the harm associated with drug use, specifically the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C.
• Delivery of risk reduction tools such as clean needles, tourniquets, wipes, filters, water, cookers, and condoms.
• Information and education is available on Harm/Risk Reduction, Addiction Lifestyles, Substance Use