HIV Testing in Ontario

by Felicia Wickett
January 23, 2024

Ontario provides its residents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.

With the province’s effort to fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), accessing these services has become easier and more private than ever before.

If you’re looking to get tested in Ontario, here are the types of testing available for you.

Free HIV testing clinics in Ontario

Ontario has a network of clinics that offer free HIV testing and practice a confidential and non-judgmental approach to anyone seeking to know their HIV status.

With this, every resident can get access to testing, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Safer Six

Description
SAFER SIX is a safe space designed for allindividuals, regardless of gender and sexual orientation to encourage more sexual testing and normalizing treatment as a part of regular everyday health screening for all individuals. We have also expanded recently to include like-minded allied health practitioners to provide massage therapy, acupuncture, osteopathic therapy, and mental health therapy services.

Address
505-27 Roncesvalles Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M6R 3B2

647-657-4033

Ontario Prevention Clinic/ The PrEP Clinic

Description
We are Ontario’s original trusted service for PrEP and HIV care.

Address
401-344 Bloor Street W
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 3A7

416-420-1250
https://www.prepclinic.ca/

Moyo Health & Community Services

Description
For over two decades, Moyo (previously known as Peel HIV/AIDS Network) has provided a growing array of health promotion, education, social and support services for people living with, affected by, and at systemic risk of HIV.

Address
601-7700 Hurontario Street
Brampton, Ontario
L6Y 4M3

905-361-0523
https://www.moyohcs.ca/

AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area (ACNBA)

Description
ACNBA’s mission is to assist and support all people infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C and to limit the spread of the viruses through education, outreach and treatment strategies.

Address
101-147 McIntyre St W
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 2Y5

705-497-3560
https://aidsnorthbay.ca/

Trellis HIV & Community Care (was HIV/AIDS Regional Services (HARS))

Description
Welcome to Trellis HIV & Community Care (Formerly HARS), a safe space providing stigma-free HIV/AIDS education, harm reduction, and support services across Kingston and South Eastern Ontario.

Address
844 Princess St
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 1G5

613-545-3698
https://trellishiv.ca/

Pozitive Pathways Community Services

Description
Pozitive Pathways provides client advocacy, support, harm reduction, health promotion and education services for people living with, affected by, or at-risk of HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted blood borne infections (STBBIs) in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

Address
495 Pelissier Street
Windsor, Ontario
N9A 4L2

519-973-0222
https://www.pozitivepathways.com/

Positive Living Niagara

Description
We are a community-based organization made up of dedicated, caring, committed individuals. Staff and volunteers alike provide support, education, and advocacy in a safe and confidential environment for HIV-positive individuals, their families, and their friends.

Address
120 Queenston Street
St. Catherines, Ontario
L2R 2Z3

905-984-8684
https://positivelivingniagara.com/

Elevate Northwestern Ontario - Thunder Bay

Description
We are a community-based, not-for -profit organization that provides services, opportunities and programs to improve the lives and empower people living with, affected by or at risk of HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

Address
102-106 Cumberland Street North
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7A 4M2

807-345-1516
https://elevatenwo.org/

Regional HIV/AIDS Connection

Description
We are community inspired and dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals and diverse communities living with, at-risk for or affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

Address
201-602 Queens Avenue
London, Ontario
N6B 1Y8

519-434-1601
https://www.hivaidsconnection.ca/

How to participate for the free HIV testing

To get tested, visit any community health centre, sexual health clinic or public health unit offering free testing services. No referral is required, and many clinics offer walk-in services. If you’re interested in at-home testing options, kits can often be ordered online through various public health websites or initiatives.

HIV testing options in Ontario

Private clinic

Private clinics offer confidential HIV testing services, often with the option for anonymous testing. While some services at private clinics may come with a fee, they provide an alternative for those seeking a more private or immediate testing experience.

Local lab

Local laboratories offer another avenue for HIV testing, where your doctor can order an HIV test as part of a broader health assessment. These labs provide accurate and reliable results, with confidentiality being a top priority.

Community clinic

Community clinics are at the forefront of HIV testing in Ontario. They offer free and confidential testing to anyone who seeks it. These clinics often provide additional resources, such as counselling and support services, to help you before and after the testing process.

At home

At-home HIV testing kits have become increasingly popular since they allow you to perform the test in your own space and at your own pace, with support and guidance available online or by phone.

At-home HIV test

The at-home HIV test is a revolutionary step forward in making HIV testing more accessible. Since you can perform the test anywhere and anytime, this option reduces barriers to testing, such as stigma or lack of access to traditional testing sites.

Frequently asked questions

Why get tested for HIV?

Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know your HIV status. It allows you to make informed decisions about your health and sexual practices. Early detection of HIV can lead to earlier treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Who should get tested for HIV?

Anyone who is sexually active or shares injection drug equipment should consider getting tested for HIV. It’s also recommended for those who have a partner with HIV, are pregnant or have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI).

When should I be tested for HIV?

The timing of HIV testing should be based on individual risk factors. Generally, it’s recommended to get tested at least once if you’re between the ages of 13 and 64. Those with higher risk factors may need to get tested more frequently, such as every 3 to 6 months.

What if I test positive for HIV?

Testing positive for HIV is the first step toward taking control of your health. Ontario offers a range of services and treatments to help manage HIV effectively. Upon a positive result, seek medical care immediately. Healthcare providers can offer treatments that can significantly reduce the virus’s impact on your health and help prevent transmission to others.