Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador – May 6, 2026 – Residents of Stephenville, Nfld. can now access the OraQuick HIV Self-Test free of charge through the newly launched Our Healthbox at the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre (PDIFC). This marks the first Our Healthbox in Canada to feature the oral swab HIV self-test and represents an important step forward in expanding low-barrier, community-based healthcare access in the province.
Located at 35 Carolina Avenue, the Healthbox offers a range of free health and wellness supplies, including, naloxone kits, harm reduction, drug checking supplies, sexual health items, traditional medicines, snacks, nutritional drinks, and period packs. The PDIFC Healthbox is supported by Staples Canada through its Even the Odds partnership with St. Michael’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions.
The addition of the OraQuick HIV Self-Test is a key milestone in improving access to HIV testing in rural and underserved communities.
OraQuick is Canada’s first oral HIV self-test and a rapid point-of-care antibody test that detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. Using a simple oral swab, individuals can learn their HIV status in as little as 20 minutes—privately, discreetly, and on their own terms.
PDIFC is a non-profit organization providing culturally appropriate programs and services to Indigenous people, regardless of status, living in urban communities. The Centre supports individuals navigating challenges related to employment, health, education, justice, and housing.
“We are very excited to be the first Healthbox to offer Canada’s first oral HIV-self test for free, for individuals while letting them choose how to engage with the resources and supports most essential to them,” Patrick Park-Tighe, executive director of People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre.
“We’re proud to be part of this evolving healthcare initiative, breaking down barriers and expanding access to care for those who need it most.”
Our Healthbox was developed by Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Director of REACH Nexus at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto).
These innovative units integrate interactive touchscreens into commercially available vending machines, transforming them into accessible hubs of community wellbeing.
Supplies are available free of charge, without stigma, judgment, allowing people to get what they need for their health.
“This is another transformative step in expanding access to HIV testing across Canada,” said Dr. Rourke. “By making the OraQuick HIV Self-Test available through Our Healthbox in Stephenville, we are helping to close the gap for the more than 7,000 people in Canada who are living with HIV but remain undiagnosed.
"When people can access a free, private, and easy-to use oral self-test in their own community, we remove stigma, eliminate barriers, and connect more individuals to the life-saving care and treatment they deserve.”
The Stephenville unit is one of eight across Atlantic Canada supported by Staples Canada. There are now 24 Our Healthboxes operating nationwide, with recent expansions in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
To date, Our Healthboxes across Canada have reached +19,000 people, improving access to essential health resources and services. Through the program, 1,866 HIV self-test kits were distributed to support individuals in knowing their status, 8,127 sexual health items, 42,229 harm reduction supplies, and 4,620 lifesaving naloxone kits.
As the exclusive distributor of the OraQuick HIV Self-Test in Canada, St. Michael’s Hospital ensures timely, reliable, and equitable national access to testing across healthcare and community settings.
For more information about ordering OraQuick tests, contact www.reach4testing.com
About REACH Nexus at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions
REACH Nexus is a national research group focused on addressing HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Canada. Based at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, REACH works to reach the undiagnosed, expand testing options, connect people to care, improve access to prevention (PrEP and PEP), and reduce stigma. Learn more at www.reachnexus.ca
About MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions
MAP is Canada’s largest research centre focused on health equity and the social determinants of health. Internationally recognized for groundbreaking science and innovation, MAP develops and implements real-world, evidence-driven program and policy solutions that disrupt cycles of socioeconomic exclusion and poor health. For more than 25 years, MAP has partnered with communities and policy makers across the country to take on complex issues such as homelessness, intimate partner violence, inequitable access to healthcare and the prevention of opioid-related harms. MAP is based at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto). Learn more at maphealth.ca.
REACH Nexus Contact
Andrew Russell
Senior Communications Specialist
REACH Nexus - MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions
📧 andrew.russell@unityhealth.to
📞 416-268-7642
