About Us

The AIDS Coalition of Cape Breton (ACCB) is a harm-reduction based organization that provides services and education to people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and people at risk of contracting HIV. We believe everyone benefits from reducing the spread of HIV & Hep C in our community. Our services are available to every Cape Bretoner and we are especially focused on providing a safe place for gay, lesbian, queer, 2spirited & bi-identified people, trans people, street-active people, injection drug users and PHAs

Mission & Mandate

The AIDS Coalition of Cape Breton is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to prevent the spread of HIV in the community and to create a supportive environment for those infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. In pursuit of this, the Coalition uses a community development approach in providing education, support, and advocacy on HIV/AIDS and related issues for the people of Cape Breton Island.

What is Harm Reduction?

Using drugs or having unsafe sex is a norm for some people due to poverty, unemployment, poor access to education and other social determinants of health. Harm reduction is an approach to health that takes a stance of non-judgment & compassion to people who engage in risky behaviours and seeks to reduce harms (like HIV transmission) associated with them.

Governance & Funding

ACCB is an independent non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors with a devoted staff handling the day-to-day operations. ACCB administers the Sharp Advice Needle Exchange (SANE) and Anonymous Testing. We receive core funding from Health Canada’s AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP) and NS Department of Health and project funding from foundations and private businesses.