People in the Canberra region can now access free HIV self-test kits at any time through a CONNECT project vending machine outside Meridian’s offices in Turner.

“At Meridian’s core is the mission to end HIV transmission and serve people living with HIV until there is a cure for everyone,” said Meridian CEO Joshua Anlezark.

“We know that stigma remains a significant barrier to sexual health testing, especially for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. However, it is important to know your status and know it early, so you can access appropriate care and maximise your health outcomes.

“We are proud to be the first location in the ACT to have a CONNECT vending machine, with the goal to increase testing rates and reduce HIV transmission.

This initiative is in collaboration with the CONNECT project by Thorne Harbour Health.

Getting a self-test kit to use in the privacy of your own home is easy:

1. Go to https://hivconnect.org.au/ and click on ‘Get a Test Kit’.
2. Answer a few questions, including providing your mobile phone number.
3. Scan the QR code or enter the code you received through SMS to get your free test.

is straightforward and there is a detailed instructional video on the CONNECT website. Results are available within 15 minutes.

To support the roll-out of the vending machine, Meridian is holding free training sessions for community workers and allied health professionals in the Canberra region. These sessions will build awareness and confidence across the sector, both in understanding HIV and in practically supporting clients to access the CONNECT vending machine and self-test kits (with in-person and online sessions).

“Whatever HIV means for Canberrans living with HIV, Meridian will be there when they need it for information, connection, services and advocacy,” Mr Anlezark said.

“In partnership with Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Meridian delivers monthly free sexual health screening and access to PrEP. Meridian also provides free and low-cost safer sex products.”

Mpox continues to circulate in Australia. Meridian is encouraging people at risk of mpox to get vaccinated, know the symptoms to look out for and get tested if symptoms develop.

Meridian is encouraging people at risk of mpox to learn more about the virus, including symptoms, risk factors, prevention strategies and the importance of getting vaccinated.

La Trobe University research released today found 57.2% of more than 6,000 surveyed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people were experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress, while 41.9% reported thoughts about suicide over the past 12 months.

Meridian has been awarded full accreditation against the National Standards for Mental Health Services!

The National Standards for Mental Health Services (NSMHS) are owned by the Australian Government Department of Health and were developed in 2010 as part of the National Mental Health Strategy. The Standards are outcome oriented and reflect a strong values base, related to human rights, dignity and empowerment.

In the lead up to World AIDS Day, Meridian will host a Morning Tea event to engage as a community, to show solidarity with people living with HIV, and to remember those
we have lost to an AIDS-related illness.