Frequently Asked Questions
We want to reach everyone in Canada who is underserved, regardless of who they are or where they live - and to help to support them in their journey to care. We are particularly focused on reaching people with complex health and social needs and people who experience barriers (e.g., due to racism, homophobia, stigma and discrimination) in accessing testing, harm reduction supplies, treatment(s), culturally appropriate care and prevention.
Participants join the program by signing-up at their local Healthbox machine. They can dispense any items they need (for free), access health education materials and a healthcare services directory to connect to the care they may need.
In order to join the program, persons must meet the following criteria:
- Must be living in Canada
- Be at least 16 years of age in Canada (18 years of age in Quebec)
- Must be able to read and understand English or French
Once a person joins the program, they will create a unique log-in ID, anonymously answer an optional short survey (to help us understand who we are reaching), and access items they need for their health. Persons do not need to sign-up or sign-in to access educational information or the local services directory. Along the way, participants can also anonymously share their experiences to help us evaluate the program. The data collected is shared with the host agency for their program planning and decision making.
Our Healthbox will dispense supplies which include HIV self-tests, COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests, harm reduction supplies (e.g. naloxone kits, new needles etc.), sexual health (e.g. condoms, lube etc.) and other wellness items (e.g. menstrual and hygiene products, seasonal items like hats and gloves, food items etc.). We support each community to help determine what supplies to stock in their machine.
Agencies should be keen and have a dedicated team to implement the Healthbox. REACH Nexus works with each organization to complete the on-boarding process. This includes a formal contract with procedures, responsibilities and accountabilities.
Sites are responsible for the following:
- Provides staffing to stock supplies including harm reduction, sexual health and wellness supplies typically sourced through health system/public health funding. REACH Nexus will provide HIV self-test kits (subject to availability) for each organization or agency;
- Provides consistent internet (Wifi or Ethernet connection) and an unshared, standard power outlet for two plugs (120 volts, 15 amps) with regular supply, which the Healthbox requires for the interactivity, dispensing of items and provision of the mapped service directory;
- Provides a secure and accessible location for the Healthbox. The machine is approximately 190cm H x 105cm W x 105cm D (75” x 42” x 42”) and weighs around 700kg (1500 pounds). If the Healthbox is to be located outdoors, there are specific requirements for the enclosure (e.g. a concrete slab or levelled equivalent base to put the machine on, vestibule with appropriate air gaps and/or temperature control in colder areas with an overhang to protect from the weather).
Reach out to us! We are committed to implementing 100 Healthboxes 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 of Our Healthbox must be partnered with a frontline 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. We will be in touch 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 to contact us.
REACH Nexus is partnering with community organizations and frontline agencies to host up to 100 Our Healthbox machines across Canada over the three-year
implementation.
Initial implementation milestones:
- In January 2023, Our Healthbox launched the first 4 machines in New Brunswick. The Atlantic Region scale up of is made possible with the generous support from
the Even the Odds initiative (a partnership between Staples Canada and MAP). - Ontario’s first Healthbox was launched in Ottawa in October 2023.
- In March 2024, Manitoba’s first Healthbox was launched in Winnipeg.
We are working with agencies across the provinces and territories to implement more Healthboxes in communities where there is greatest need. Check out our Community Champions to find the Healthbox closest to you!
