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HIV Support: I’m Ready Self-Testing

PGCLL 203 (Inside PGCLL 201)

Program Types: Sexual Health.

HIV support and services can be found at the Student Wellness Centre across our medical, counselling and health promotion programming. 

Keep reading to: 

  • Learn about HIV support and services offered at the SWC
  • Learn about the I’m Ready program 
  • Learn about community supports and crisis resources 

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Student Wellness Centre 

At McMaster, the Student Wellness Centre offers HIV support and services such as: 

  • HIV testing is available through clinic appointments 
  • Students at higher risk can also access Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) 
  • Counsellors offer support for processing emotions related to HIV testing, results, or diagnosis 

Make an appointment with the Student Wellness Centre about the different HIV support you can access as a McMaster student! To speak with a healthcare provider, call 905-525- 9140 ext. 27700 and book an appointment. 

 

SWC Wellness@Mac Articles 

Breaking the Stigma Around HIV Testing 

 

‘I’m Ready’: At-Home HIV Self-Test Kits 

Free at-home HIV self-test kits are available through the ‘I’m Ready’ program in the Wellness Lounge. Order your kit to the McMaster Student Wellness Centre and collect it weekdays between 9am – 4pm from PGCLL 203 (in the Wellness Lounge).

Established in June 2021, I’m Ready is a national program that is implementing and evaluating low-barrier options for access to HIV self-testing. The goal is to reach the undiagnosed and give people choices about how to connect to the care they need. 

The Student Wellness Centre is a distribution location of the I’m Ready program.

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How it Works

 

 

Helpful Resources

  • Positive Health Network- Hamilton: Find individual, family and group counselling for people living with HIV, support for people with HIV, practical services including transportation for medical appointments and more.
  • Hamilton PrEP Clinic: 300-25 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton- 905-522-1155, xt 35053
  • CATIE: Canada’s source for HIV and Hepatitis C information
  • Freddie: Access free clinician consultations to see if PrEP is right for you.
  • Sexual Health Infoline Ontario: Call to speak with a counsellor about your sexual health questions or concerns. Toll-free: 1-800-668-2437 ; or 416-392-2437. You can also use the e-chat function on the website to speak with a sexual health expert.

 

Crisis Resources

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 to access 24/7 suicide crisis support.
  • Good2Talk: Access confidential counselling and referrals for mental health support. Available for post-secondary students in Ontario 24/7. Call 1-866-925-5454, or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
  • For more crisis resources, check out our Get Help Now page.