Health Initiative for Men

What Health Initiative for Men does

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is a Vancouver-based nonprofit society and registered Canadian charity (BN: 827576612RR0001) founded in 2009 that delivers peer-led sexual health, mental health, and harm reduction services to gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men and gender diverse people across British Columbia. Core service delivery runs through five fixed health centres — HIM on Davie, HIM on the Drive, Surrey (reopened February 2024 with Fraser Health Authority), New Westminster, and Chilliwack — plus the PLUS! mobile testing initiative that brings HIV/HCV testing to rural, small-urban, and Indigenous communities. The service mix covers HIV/STI testing and treatment, PrEP/PEP navigation (including Apretude), HPV vaccination promotion via the GetGarded campaign, mental health counselling, harm reduction supplies, sex work supports, and community groups such as PnP & Me group counselling.

Technology footprint is deliberately minimal: HIM operates a content and service platform built around its checkhimout.ca website, the More Than Sex educational resource portal, and integration with the BC CDC's GetCheckedOnline digital STI testing service, with no proprietary software, AI/ML systems, or APIs disclosed. The HIMBO queer-designed merchandise line, launched in 2025 with artist Peter Zuk (Haus Zuk), and the Penny Pigs fundraising initiative are the only consumer-product revenue vehicles.

HIM's revenue model is a multi-source nonprofit funding stack: individual donations (monthly, major gifts of $1,500+, and legacy bequests), corporate sponsorships (with ViiV Healthcare as a recurring title sponsor and Gilead Sciences among event supporters), and government/health authority grants from Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, Interior Health, Island Health, Northern Health, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. All clinical and community services are provided free of charge to community members. The organization is led by Executive Director Aaron Purdie (in role since October 2021, succeeding Greg Oudman) under Board Chair Doug Leavers, with Simon Rayek serving as Program Manager of Health Promotion.

Name

Health Initiative for Men

Legal name

H.I.M Health Initiative for Men Society

Website

https://checkhimout.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is a Vancouver-based Canadian nonprofit charity, founded in 2009, that delivers free peer-led sexual health, mental health, and harm reduction services to GBQ men and gender diverse people across British Columbia through fixed health centres and mobile testing programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624), Health Care and Social Assistance (62), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Health & Health Equity Organizations (BPAGACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Health & Support Communities (BPAMABAL), HIV/AIDS Medicine (HLAKAGAB), Sexual & Reproductive Health & Family Planning (SRH/FP) Programs (BPADAIAD), Sexual Health & STI/HIV Prevention Health Departments (HLAJAAAL)

Keywords

• HIV prevention services
• Sexual health testing
• Mental health counselling
• Harm reduction programs
• Community health outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: HIM is a registered charity (BN: 827576612RR0001) that accepts individual donations including monthly giving, legacy gifts in Wills, major gifts ($1,500+ or $125 monthly), and general donations. Donations support developing and expanding health-based programming.
2. Corporate Donations and Sponsorships: Corporate goodwill donations from businesses that demonstrate genuine support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Corporate sponsorships for specific programs and events. Sponsors like ViiV Healthcare support events like Pride gatherings.
3. Government Funding and Grants: Funding from public health authorities including Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health Authority, Interior Health Authority, Island Health Authority, Northern Health Authority, and Public Health Agency of Canada to deliver HIV/STI prevention and mental health programs.
4. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise such as the HIMBO Jock. 100% of proceeds from HIMBO merchandise go toward supporting HIM programs. Collaboration with local artist Peter Zuk (Haus Zuk).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is a nonprofit health organization that provides free, peer-led HIV/STI testing and treatment, mental health counselling, harm reduction supplies, and sexual health education services to gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men and gender diverse people across British Columbia. It operates fixed health centres in Vancouver and Surrey and runs the PLUS! mobile HIV/HCV testing initiative across the province, reaching more than 10,000 community members annually.

Product overview

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) operates as a nonprofit health organization offering a portfolio of peer-led programs and services for GBQ men and gender diverse people in British Columbia. The core offerings include HIM Health Centres providing clinical sexual health services (HIV/STI testing, PrEP access, treatment), the PLUS! Testing Initiative expanding mobile testing across BC, and mental health counselling supports. The organization provides educational resources including the More Than Sex online portal and Get PrEPed and GetGarded campaigns for sexual health navigation. Supplementary services include harm reduction supplies, sex work supports, community groups, and capacity building programs. HIM also generates revenue through merchandise (HIMBO line) and accepts donations through various programs including monthly giving and major gifts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• More Than Sex: A comprehensive online guide about queer sex, diverse bodies, health and communities for GBQ men and gender diverse people in British Columbia, launched in 2021.
• GetGarded
• HIMBO
• Penny Pigs
• PLUS!

Products and services

• HIM Health Centres Peer-led health centres in Vancouver (HIM on Davie and HIM on the Drive) and Surrey providing HIV/STI testing and treatment, PrEP access, vaccinations, mental health counselling, and community programs in a sex-positive, stigma-free environment.
• Sexual Health and HIV Prevention Services Clinical services providing HIV testing, STI testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP access, and HIV prevention education delivered at HIM Health Centres and through partner clinics for GBQ men and gender diverse people.
• Mental Health Supports Professional counselling and support services addressing mental health concerns including loneliness, anxiety, coming out, racism, self-esteem, and substance use, delivered by registered clinical counsellors in a peer-affirming setting.
• PLUS! Testing Initiative All-genders peer-led HIV and HCV testing initiative that partners with healthcare agencies, peer groups, and local communities to deliver mobile testing events across British Columbia for sexual and gender minorities.
• Harm Reduction Supplies Distribution of condoms, lube, safer drug use supplies, and harm reduction resources to support community health, including drug checking services.
• Sex Work Supports Drop-in spaces, one-on-one support, workshops, and bad date report collection services for sex workers in Vancouver and Victoria, delivered in a non-judgmental, sex-positive environment.
• HIMBO Merchandise Limited edition apparel including jockstraps, speedos, beach towels, and accessories designed locally with queer artist Peter Zuk. 100% of proceeds support HIM community programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,000+ GBQ men and gender diverse people provided with HIV/STI prevention and treatment services annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Gilead SciencesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 August 2025Event sponsor for HIMBO Jock Tea Dance 2025, supporting community celebration and health resource access.
• Steamworks BathsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 August 2025Event sponsor and community partner, supporting HIMBO Jock Tea Dance and other HIM events.
• Pumpjack PubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 August 2025Event host for donor appreciation soirée 'Donors & Donuts' and event sponsor. Located at Davie Street, serves as a neighbourhood partner.
• Earnest Ice CreamminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 August 2025Event sponsor providing in-kind donations for community events like HIMBO Jock Tea Dance.
• The BirdhouseminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 August 2025Event host for HIMBO Jock Tea Dance, providing venue and hosting services.
• Pacific Crown Management Co.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Building management company that provided blessing and support to secure space for The Bush Queer Wellness Garden at 1033 Davie Street during Pride.
• The Basic EatscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Partner that helped secure the space for The Bush Queer Wellness Garden at Vancouver Pride Festival.
• Davie PharmacyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Sponsor for The Bush Queer Wellness Garden at Pride 2025.
• F212 SteamminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Sponsor for The Bush Queer Wellness Garden and ongoing community partner.
• MSK Health PerformanceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Sponsor for The Bush Queer Wellness Garden at Pride 2025.
• Fraser Health AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024Collaboration to reopen and operate HIM Health Centre in Surrey. Fraser Health Authority and HIM partnership for sexual health services in Fraser region.
• Vancouver Coastal HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting HIM's health centres and programs. Collaboration on health promotions and community health initiatives.
• Interior Health AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional health authority partner for HIM programming in BC Interior region.
• Island Health AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional health authority partner for HIM programming on Vancouver Island.
• Northern Health AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional health authority partner for HIM programming in Northern BC.
• Providence Health CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting HIM's community health initiatives.
• Trans Care BCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting delivery of equitable and accessible trans healthcare, surgical planning, and peer support across BC.
• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFNHA provides health and wellness programming for First Nations people in BC. HIM committed to engaging FNHA and exploring mutually intentional partnership to ensure collaborative work for Indigenous GBQ and gender diverse communities.
• Ribbon Community (My Sex Support)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIV Prevention Case Management team works one-on-one with people who do not have HIV to explore options for Apretude access, oral PrEP, and other harm reduction and sexual health choices for Indigenous peoples.
• BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial health authority providing public health leadership. HIM collaborates on mpox vaccination campaigns and other health promotions.
• BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial resource dedicated to improving health of British Columbians with HIV through research and treatment programs. Manages access to antiretrovirals including Apretude for First Nations people.
• Haus Zuk (Peter Zuk)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal artist collaboration to create HIMBO merchandise line including jockstraps, speedos, beach towels. Features iconic Vancouver and Davie Village landmarks. Queer-designed and locally made for all bodies.
• Little SistersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLGBTQ+ retail store in Vancouver, community partner donating prizes and in-kind support for HIM events. Retail location for HIMBO merchandise.
• Topped ToysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• EarlsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• FountainheadminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner pub donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• CottonMouthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• Matchstick Coffee RoastersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• Hope ForstenzerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• B Fit Personal TrainingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner donating prizes for HIM Volunteer Appreciation Party.
• Community Organizations (Mobile Testing)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHIM seeks partnerships with community organizations to host queer and trans-friendly HIV/HCV mobile testing events across BC to improve accessibility in underserved areas.
• CATIEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanada's source for HIV and hepatitis C information, connecting healthcare and community-based service providers with latest science.
• Chee MamukminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous program providing innovative and culturally appropriate training, educational resources and wise practice models in STIs, hepatitis and HIV.
• Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch organization promoting health of gay, bi, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men through research and intervention development.
• Local Health Authority Partners (BC-wide)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborations with local Health Authority partners across BC enable HIM Health Centres and PLUS! testing clinics to provide services province-wide.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT): ACT delivers HIV/AIDS support, prevention, and community programming in Toronto, directly paralleling HIM's HIV/STI testing, counselling, and community group offerings for sexual and gender minorities.
• RÉZO (formerly AIDS Community Care Montreal): RÉZO delivers sexual health and HIV prevention services targeting gay, bi, trans, and queer men in Montreal, mirroring HIM's peer-led, sex-positive service model for GBQ communities.
• MAX Ottawa: MAX Ottawa is a community-based organization providing sexual health, mental health, and social programming for GBQ men and gender diverse people in Ottawa, directly comparable to HIM in mission and service mix.
• QMUNITY: QMUNITY is a BC-based queer resource centre offering community programs, counselling, and health navigation for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, overlapping with HIM's community capacity building and mental health supports in the same province.
• Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC): CBRC promotes the health of gay, bi, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men in Canada through research and intervention development. It is explicitly listed as a HIM partner and operates in the same GBQ men's health space across Canada, making it the most directly comparable peer.
• AIDS Vancouver: AIDS Vancouver provides HIV/AIDS support, prevention education, and harm reduction services in the same Vancouver market as HIM, overlapping directly in HIV/STI prevention and GBQ community health.

Regional players

• Fenway Health: Fenway Health operates a community-based model of LGBTQ+ affirming primary care, behavioural health, and research in Boston. It is comparable as an established peer-led LGBTQ+ health organization but operates in the US, not directly competing with HIM.
• Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: Callen-Lorde provides LGBTQ+ affirming primary care, mental health, and sexual health services in New York. Comparable to HIM as a community-anchored LGBTQ+ health organization, though operating in a different geography.

Emerging players

• CATIE: CATIE is Canada's national source for HIV and hepatitis C information and a listed HIM partner. While focused on knowledge mobilization rather than direct service, it overlaps in HIV/STI information dissemination and provider training.

Others

• BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS: BC-CfE is a research and treatment organization that manages HIV antiretroviral access and partners with HIM on Indigenous HIV prevention. Comparable as a BC-based HIV infrastructure player but focused on research/treatment rather than community service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HIMtweets
• Facebookfacebook.com/HealthInitiativeforMen
• Instagraminstagram.com/instahim

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Health Initiative for Men