Mobile tech brings free hepatitis C testing to Victoria shelter

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

By the way, if you're not already subscribed, you can fix that here.

Victoria Cool Aid Society and Telus Health for Good brought free hepatitis C testing to Rock Bay Landing shelter this month, making it easier for people to get tested who might not otherwise visit a doctor. Cool Aid staff provided rapid testing while Telus volunteers offered nutritional support, with plans for 700 total tests throughout 2025.

The program targets a real need – people experiencing homelessness are 10 times more likely to have hepatitis C than the general population. "Hepatitis C often has no symptoms, so you could have it without knowing," said Tamara Barnett from Cool Aid's Hepatitis C program. Her team has already tested over 1,900 people and helped more than 50 get treatment that cures the infection in just 8 to 12 weeks.

The mobile clinics use TelusHealth technology to deliver point-of-care testing and other services directly in the community. Since launching in 2021 and 2023, the two clinics have served over 40,000 patients, offering everything from wound care to mental health services. More testing events are planned around Victoria through the end of the year.

SPONSORED BY REED POPE

Reed Pope is a leading business law firm with longstanding ties to the Victoria tech sector, advising local start-ups, emerging companies, and investors on entity formation and structuring, financings, M&A transactions, and general corporate matters.

🤝 Islands in the stream: Chamber of Commerce CEOs from Tofino, the Alberni Valley and Gabriola Island joined the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce podcast to discuss their opportunities and challenges their regions face.

👊 I like to move it, move it: MaRS and the Toyota Mobility Foundation selected 10 global startups—including Victoria Hand Project—for the second cohort of the Mobility Unlimited Hub, backing innovations like 3D-printed prosthetics, smart exoskeletons, and AI-powered assistive tech aimed at transforming mobility and accessibility.

🌅 Beyond the horizon, behind the sun: The Government of Canada opened its 2025–26 call for proposals under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to fund community-based projects—many with tech components like computer literacy classes—that promote healthy aging, inclusion, financial security, and senior empowerment.

Find your next career:

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

August 13 | Geeky Girls Patio Party 2025

The annual Geeky Girls’ Patio Party brings everyone together to connect, share summer adventures, and discuss fall plans. This year, iWIST is also excited to announce three recipients of scholarships for women in STEM.

August 28 | VIATEC AI Meetup: Technology Track

Are you curious about how AI can transform your business and career? Join the VIATEC AI Meetup, where local thought leaders and innovators come together to explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and its practical applications.

Have something or someone we should know about?

Reply or email [email protected] so we can work together to spotlight the lesser-known stories of Victoria's tech ecosystem.