Sexual Health

HIV Self Test Kits

HIM provides free HIV self-test kits by mail to gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse folks anywhere in BC. You can request several kits, which are sent in discreet packaging from HIM headquarters. You can even pick them up at different HIM events. To order them online click here.

Mpox

Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) is a viral infection. It is related to smallpox, but less severe.

Although the global outbreak has been declared over by the World Health Organization, mpox transmission is still of concern for gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse people in certain geographic locations around the world where access to the vaccine may be limited. HIM would like to remind community members that a complete series of the mpox vaccine requires two doses, and to acquire both doses of the vaccine ahead of any pride festivities or travel plans abroad.

Click here for vaccination info.

Testing for HIV and STIs

HIV and STI testing is a powerful tool in our sexual health toolkit. Testing gives us information and access to treatment that limits the impact untreated STIs can have on our bodies. Knowing our status and treating any STIs we might have reduces the chances of transmitting STIs to our sexual partners.

Testing options in the Okanagan

Kelowna

HIM PLUS – On the Go

Connect confidentially with a HIM Staff member who will connect you directly to a local Health Outreach Nurse. Health Outreach Nurses provide free HIV and STI testing, treatment, information, and can help link you with services that might be right for you. If you can’t get to their office or if confidentiality in your small community is of concern, Outreach nurses offer services that are 100% mobile

Call us at 236-688-4153 for a confidential conversation to learn more and to connect with a Health Outreach Nurse near you.

HIM PLUS – Upcoming Testing Events in Kelowna

Testing events by appointment are being held in Kelowna as follows:

When: Monthly
Where: LPRC 255 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna
How: Call 778-753-5830 ext. 101 to book your free appointment or to get connected to other testing options. All conversations are kept private and confidential.

Outreach Urban Health

This is one of ten Primary Health Care Centres available within Interior Health communities.

Each centre has an interdisciplinary healthcare team that provides a range of services in a single site – i.e. a checkup with your family doctor, a visit to a physiotherapist, pharmacist, or public health nurse. The selection of services offered in each Primary Health Care Centre reflects the unique needs of its community. Call to book an appointment for testing.

Valley Medical Labs

All Valley Medical labs in the Okanagan offer on-demand HIV testing. Walk-ins accepted. No appointment Required.

Options for Sexual Health

Options clinics provide birth control counselling, low-cost contraceptives, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, cervical screening, pregnancy testing, pro-choice pregnancy options counselling, and general sexual health information and referrals. Services are LGBTQ2S+ friendly and for all ages in most locations.

Penticton

HIM PLUS – On the Go

Call us at 236-688-4153 for a confidential conversation to learn more and to connect with a Health Outreach Nurse near you.

HIM PLUS – Testing Events

Need confidential HIV/STI testing, treatment, or want to talk to a friendly nurse about sexual health?

HIM PLUS is hosted by and for GBQ guys and gender diverse people, and is a program that offers the affirming sexual health services we deserve. This includes those of us who aren’t out, or don’t like to label ourselves.

Upcoming HIM PLUS testing events in Penticton:

When? January 12th 2023, February 9th 2023, March 16th 2023 and more to be scheduled soon!
What time? 7pm-8pm
Where? Penticton Health Centre, 740 Carmi Ave.
How? Make your free appointment or learn more about the program by calling or texting HIM at 236-688-4153.

All conversations are kept private and confidential.

Penticton Urgent and Primary Care

This is one of ten Primary Health Care Centres available within Interior Health communities.

Valley Medical Labs

All Valley Medical labs in the Okanagan offer on-demand HIV testing. Walk-ins accepted. No appointment Required.

Options for Sexual Health

Vernon

HIM PLUS – On the Go

Connect confidentially with a HIM Staff member who will connect you directly to a local Health Outreach Nurse. Health Outreach Nurses provide free HIV and STI testing, treatment, infromation, and can help link you with services that might be right for you. If you can’t get to their office or if confidentiality in your small community is of concern, Outreach nurses offer services that are 100% mobile

Call us at 236-688-4153 for a confidential conversation to learn more and to connect with a Health Outreach Nurse near you.

Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use

This is one of ten Primary Health Care Centres available within Interior Health communities.

Valley Medical Labs

All Valley Medical labs in the Okanagan offer on-demand HIV testing. Walk-ins accepted. No appointment Required.

Options for Sexual Health

Testing options in Thompson – Caribou

Kamloops

HIM PLUS – On the Go

Call us at 236-688-4153 for a confidential conversation to learn more and to connect with a Health Outreach Nurse near you.

Get Checked Online

GetCheckedOnline is a free and confidential online sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing service offered by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

Kamloops Primary Care Centre

This is one of ten Primary Health Care Centres available within Interior Health communities.

Options for Sexual Health

Salmon Arm

HIM PLUS – Upcoming Testing Events in Salmon Arm

Testing events by appointment are being held in Salmon Arm as follows:

When: Monthly
Where: Essies Place
How: Call or text 236-688-4153 to book your free appointment or to get connected to other testing options. All conversations are kept private and confidential.

Testing options in the Kootenays

Nelson

HIM PLUS – On the Go

Connect confidentially with a HIM Staff member who will connect you directly to a local Health Outreach Nurse. Health Outreach Nurses provide free HIV and STI testing, treatment, infromation, and can help link you with services that might be right for you. If you can’t get to their office or if confidentiality in your small community is of concern, Outreach nurses offer services that are 100% mobile

Call us at 236-688-4153 for a confidential conversation to learn more and to connect with a Health Outreach Nurse near you.

HIM PLUS – Testing Events

HIM and Interior Health and ANKORS partner to offer regular, 1 – day, testing opportunities at various events and locations throughout the Interior of British Columbia with our local community partner, ANKORS. Reach out to them at 18004212437 to learn more about an upcoming event in the Kootenay region.

Options for Sexual Health

Cranbrook

HIM PLUS – On the Go

Call us at 236-688-4153 for a confidential conversation to learn more and to connect with a Health Outreach Nurse near you.

Options for Sexual Health

PrEP for HIV

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention strategy we can use if we are HIV-negative that usually involves taking a pill every day to prevent ourselves from getting HIV.

To learn more about accessing PrEP in your community you can call our Interior Health Promotion Coordinator 236-688-4153.

Tele-Prep

HIM, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and Interior Health are running a pilot program to help individuals in the Interior access PrEP without a local doctor/prescriber.

The physician team at the BCCDC STI/HIV Clinic in Vancouver offer online virtual health visits to eligible individuals. The initial appointment is booked by calling the BCCDC STI Clinic reception. A nurse will then up by phone to review the process and provide any necessary documents prior to the virtual appointment with the physician. The program includes: