HIV & Health Outreach

Our nurses provide confidential testing for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other bloodborne infections. We also offer ongoing support for people living with HIV, including case management, medication support, and referrals to additional services.

If you need help starting or accessing PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis) our team is here to guide you. We also provide education and resources to help you make informed decisions about your health

We strive to meet people where they feel most comfortable—whether that’s in the community, outdoors, online, or at one of our clinic locations. Our approach is grounded in respect, dignity, and reducing stigma, so you can access care in a way that feels safe and supportive.

To reach a Health Outreach Nurse:

• Call 1-866-778-7736 – Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST
• Email IHHealthOutreach@interiorhealth.ca

Ask for HIV and STI testing during your appointment.

Call 1-866-778-7736 to speak with a nurse about testing and other support services.

Available in Kamloops, Kimberley, and Nelson. Lets you create a secure account online, choose recommended tests, and get a lab form. You can print the form or show it on your phone when you visit a participating lab.

GetCheckedOnline

On Demand (drop-in testing) is offered at all Interior Health laboratories and Dynacare labs in the Okanagan. This option requires you to provide your name or Personal Health Number.

Rapid HIV testing uses a small blood sample from a finger-prick and provides results within minutes. Available through:

• A Health Outreach Nurse – call 1-866-778-7736
• Outreach Urban Health in Kelowna

If you want to complete HIV or STI testing without providing your name or other personal information, contact a Health Outreach nurse to discuss pseudonym testing.

Regular HIV testing is an important part of your overall health. The recommended testing frequency depends on your activities and personal health needs.

Testing is recommended for all people aged 18 to 70:

• Every 5 years as part of routine health care
• Every year for people who may have a higher chance of being exposed to HIV
• Once after age 70 if you have never had an HIV test before

Testing is also recommended at any age when:

• You have a medical issue that needs laboratory testing
• Your healthcare provider sees symptoms that may be related to HIV
• You think you may have been exposed to HIV
• You want an HIV test for any reason
• You are pregnant

To find the most up-to-date information on HIV testing, visit HIV Screening and Testing Guide.

In most cases, people who test negative will not receive a follow-up call. To confirm your negative result, call 1-866-778-7736 two weeks after your test. Local laboratories cannot share test results, so please do not call the lab where your test was done.

If your test is positive, a nurse will contact you to provide support, explain next steps, and help connect you with a doctor and follow-up care.

This toolkit provides practical guidance and tools to assist community-based organizations or groups to deliver social and emotional peer support services to people living with HIV and/or hepatitis (Hep C).

It includes four parts:

• Getting Started: a guide to develop and deliver peer support services
• Training Peer Mentors: facilitation guide
• Becoming a Peer Mentor: participant training guide
• Peer Mentor Policy and Procedure Handbook

Please also check out the section on HIV-related stigma, which is currently separate from the rest of the toolkit.

• HIV/AIDS - BCCDC
• British Columbia Centre for Excellence – Canada’s largest HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education facility
• HIV Testing Guidelines for the Province of British Columbia
• HIV PrEP - SmartSex Resource
• HIV PEP - SmartSex Resource
• CATIE - Canada's source for HIV and Hepatitis C information