About PEERS
PEERS Alliance supports those living with and at risk for HIV, Hep C, and all sexually transmitted infections in PEI by offering a variety of programs and services targeted to diverse communities.
Our organization strives to address the underlying issues affecting the health and welfare of our communities by countering stigma and creating environments where all are welcome. PEERS Alliance serves people of all genders and sexual orientations in the promotion of sexual health well-being. We support and promote harm reduction strategies to people who use drugs so they can work to reduce their risk of negative health outcomes. We are here to work with you!
Our Mission
To educate, engage, and support Island residents to build healthier, inclusive communities and to end stigma surrounding sexual health and drug use using a trauma-informed approach.
Our Vision
A stigma-free, sex positive, inclusive Island, free from drug-related harm.
History
PEERS Alliance began AIDS PEI in 1990 (when the organization first incorporated) in response the AIDS crisis that was impacting PEI along with the rest of Canada and the world. At that time, a group of caring and concerned citizens came together to form an organization to ensure that individuals, families, and communities had a place to find support as they were grappling with HIV/AIDS and the stigma that was, and still is, attached to HIV.
Over the next 26 years, AIDS PEI provided support and direct services to those living with and impacted by HIV including prevention programming, peer programming, and harm reduction programming and education.
In 2013, AIDS PEI began to diversify its programming to include Hep C, which was emerging as a major health issue for Islanders, along with all sexually transmitted infections (STBBIs). With HIV support and STBBI prevention as the backbone, in 2016 the organization recognized the need to re-vision its identity to better meet community needs in Prince Edward Island. We continue to work with and for those impacted by, and at risk for, HIV and Hep C infection, but the organization provides supports and resources around sexual health and harm reduction to all Island residents. After community and stakeholder engagement activities, and with generous help from FRESH MEDIA, the membership of AIDS PEI ratified the new name PEERS Alliance in May of 2017 and this name became official in October of 2017.
Funding for the organization has come from the Public Health Agency of Canada, various project specific grants, organizational fundraising initiatives, and private donations. As PEERS Alliance moves forward, we continue to place the lives of those living with HIV and Hep C at the forefront of the organization, ensuring their voices are an integral part of moving forward.