Black women are overrepresented in Ontario’s new HIV diagnosis. Living with HIV has changed. It’s time we change how we talk about it and end the stigma. Let’s start by having #PositiveConversations about testing.
Getting tested for HIV can feel daunting – from fear of stigma, negative interactions in the healthcare system, to simply not knowing where to start or who to talk to. The good news is that there are options and support systems in place to help you get started and stay with the process. Because your health outcomes matter too!
The Sexual Health Information Line Ontario (SHILO) maintains an updated registry of HIV testing sites across Ontario. They offer services in 13 languages and operate both a phone line and an online e-Chat service. You can call or go online to speak with a live counsellor from anywhere in Ontario.
Toll-free: 1-800-668-2437
Local: 416-392-2437
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: www.toronto.ca/health/SHILO
Statutory holidays: closed
If you feel comfortable, your primary health care provider can be a great resource in helping you navigate your sexual health, and the necessary testing for maintaining your self-care. Your health care provider can provide you up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS, refer you to local resources for testing and support, and support you to get on and stay on treatment where necessary.
The Care Collective is a coordinated campaign for and by Black women that encourages regular HIV testing as part of our radical self-care routines.
Self-care goes deeper than the skin
As Black women, our individual and collective self-care is critical. Getting tested and knowing your HIV status is an important step in any self-care routine.
The earlier you get tested and know your status, the better your health outcomes will be.
HIV testing is Ontario is free, confidential, simple, and accessible. Choose the best option for you and encourage others to get tested too. We can end HIV stigma in our communities by starting more #PositiveConversations about testing.
Rapid testing
There are two types of rapid HIV tests in Canada, the point-of care (POC) test and the self-test.
Point-of-care testing
Point-of-care tests can provide results within minutes, so you can receive the test result during the same visit. There is only one POC test approved for use in Canada, the INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 Antibody Test. This simple test requires a drop of blood from a finger prick to test for HIV.
Lab testing
Self-testing
HIV self-tests allow you to test for HIV in your home or other locations and can provide results within minutes. The first HIV self-test was licensed for use and sale in Canada in November 2020. The INSTI HIV Self Test uses the same technology as the POC test and requires a single drop of blood to test for HIV.
