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Partner Program
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Everyone in Canada should have equitable access to the health care they need. But we know that this is not the case.

So, we're working hard to change this. Our Healthbox meets people where they are, with what they need for their health and well-being.

Helpful. Accessible.
Without judgement.

A 'smart', interactive dispensing machine that provides low barrier access to self-testing kits for HIV and COVID-19, plus essential harm reduction and sexual health supplies.

It's also a machine that provides health information, and a support services directory for people to find the health care they need – in their community.

Our Goals

Our goals are ambitious - but we're up for the challenge. This is what we'll achieve as a passionate team and community by the end of 2023.

10,000

Participants registered with Our Healthbox.

20,000

HIV Self-test kits dispensed through machines across Canada

50

Healthbox machines serving communities across Canada.

175

Community organizations participating with Our Healthbox

We're excited and so are they...

Our Healthbox can supply naloxone in a low barrier, stigma free-way while connecting vulnerable populations to life saving services. Over 140 individuals got kits to support themselves, and at-risk community members and their friends and family –this is real impact.
Chantale Bourque
Ensemble, Moncton
Our Healthbox has been a game changer for ENSEMBLE’s ability to provide harm reduction resources 24/7. During COVID people were having to re-use needles, but through our outreach (and media coverage) we were able to support many more people beyond those who normally accessed our Needle Distribution Service.
Deborah R. Warren
Ensemble, Moncton
We're very excited to be providing no-barrier and low-barrier access to health service options which has been a primary focus during these difficult times when support, supplies, and access are limited.
Brad Pommen
SMRT1 Health Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What populations are we trying to reach?

We want to reach everyone in Canada, including key populations, regardless of who they are or where they live - and to help to support them in their connection to care. There is a focus on reaching people with complex health and social needs and people who have barriers (e.g., due to racism, homophobia, stigma and discrimination) to accessing testing, harm reduction materials, treatment, care and prevention.

Key populations include gay and bisexual men who have sex with men, African, Caribbean and Black populations, people who use substances and Indigenous/First Nations/ Métis peoples.

What does an experience with Our Healthbox look like?

Participants will join the program by self-referring at their local Healthbox machine. At Our Healthbox, participants can dispense products, access education materials and healthcare services directories.

In order to join the program, Participants must meet the following criteria:
  • Must be living in Canada
  • At least 16 years of age in Canada (18 years of age in Quebec)
  • Must be able to read and understand English or French

When will Our Healthbox Launch?

Our Healthbox will launch in January 23, 2023, starting in New Brunswick.
‍
REACH Nexus is planning to launch 50+ machines nationally in the first year with a goal of 100 machines deployed over the next 3 years. We will be working with local community-based organizations, public health authorities, and health centres to host and maintain Our Healthbox program.

What supplies will be in the machine?

Our Healthbox will dispense supplies which include HIV self-tests, COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests, harm reduction supplies (i.e. naloxone kits, clean needles etc.) and sexual health materials (condoms, lube etc.). Harm reduction and sexual health supplies may vary depending on regional needs and supply availability.

What are the requirements for Community Based Organizations  to participate in the program?

REACH Nexus will work with your organization to complete the on-boarding process and formal contract procedures and development of technology. Sites are responsible for providing and re-stocking harm reduction, sexual health and wellness supplies sourced through health system/public health funding. REACH Nexus will provide HIV self-test kits and COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits (subject to availability) for each organization or agency.

REACH Nexus will work with your organization to complete the on-boarding process and formal contract procedures and development of technology. Sites are responsible for providing and re-stocking harm reduction, sexual health and wellness supplies sourced through health system/public health funding. REACH Nexus will provide HIV self-test kits and COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits (subject to availability) for each organization or agency.

How can I get Our Healthbox in my community?

REACH Nexus is committed on implementing Our Healthbox in Canada, particularly in areas where there is the highest need for people with complex health and social needs and people who have barriers to accessing HIV testing, harm reduction materials, treatment, care and prevention. Implementation for Our Healthbox must be partnered with a community-based organization, health centre or public health authority.
‍
For organizations or agencies interested: Please send us a message through the Contact Us form and provide some details about your organization/agency. REACH Nexus will be reaching out to discuss the opportunity to host Our Healthbox.

For individuals: Please speak with your local community-based organization, health centre or public health authority and let them know about our program. Please direct them to our website to learn more info about our program and contact us.

Where can I find Our Healthbox in the community?

REACH Nexus is partnering with community organizations and frontline agencies to host Our Healthbox machines across Canada over the next three years.

In January 2023, Our Healthbox launches the first machines in New Brunswick.

Participating sites:
‍
Ensemble
80 Weldon Street,
Moncton, NB
E1C 5V8
Tel: 506-859-9616

In partnership with Ensemble
Kent Drugs - Guardian Pharmacy
9385 Main Street,
Richibucto, NB
E4W 4B6
Tel: 506-523-4447

In partnership with Ensemble
Sackville United Church
110 Main Street,
Sackville, NB
E4L 1A1
Tel: 506-859-9616

Woodstock First Nation Health Centre
10 Turtle Lane,
Woodstock First Nation, NB
E7M 3B4
Tel: (506) 325-3570

Our Healthbox
News and Updates

View All Posts
Nov 30, 2023
 in 
News

An Innovation in Ottawa's Carlington Community Health

Nov 30, 2023
 in 
News

Quiet History in 2023 - Our Healthbox Launches in New Brunswick

About Our Healthbox

Our Healthbox is a signature program of REACH Nexus at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions and St. Michael’s Hospital.

We are building innovations in technology to reach and support people with what they need for their health and well-being.

We are partnering with community organizations to implement Our Healthbox across Canada to reach people where they live and support them.

Thank You

Our Healthbox would like to thank and recognize the following organizations who made Our Healthbox program and innovation possible.

OUR FUNDERS
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