Updates
Join us this World AIDS Day!
We are pleased to be hosting an event for the upcoming World AIDS Day at PEERS Alliance on December 1st, 2023. The event aims to commemorate World AIDS Day, honouring both the individuals living with HIV and those we have lost to AIDS.
Event Details:
Date: December 1st, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: 250B Queen St, Charlottetown, PE
The event will feature insightful speeches, including remarks by Dr. Heather Morrison who will provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, and care. Additionally, Our Poet Laureate, Tanya Davis, will present a thought-provoking spoken word poem, adding a creative perspective to the evening.
Part of the event is the unveiling of a mural, paying homage to the legacy of AIDS PEI and symbolising our organisation's commitment to progress and inclusivity. We greatly appreciate Innovation PEI's help in funding this project.
Programming
Advisory Meeting: Kings County Rainbow Youth Club
There will be a Kings County Rainbow Youth Club Advisory Meeting and Get-together on December 19 from 6 - 8pm at Lucky Bean in Montague!
2SLGBTQ+ Youth and allies aged 12 - 18 can get together and give us feedback on what they would like to see in Kings County for programming. Drinks and snacks provided! Contact Rachel with any questions.
Roots & Shoots is in Summerside!
Are you a parent or caregiver of a transgender or gender-creative child? Join us at Roots & Shoots! This is a free support group for parents and caregivers of trans or gender-creative youth. We will be meeting on November 21 and December 5 from 6 - 8pm, at 57 Central Street, in Summerside.
Register here!
MSM Focus Group: Shaping the Future of STBBI Prevention Outreach!
Join us on Thursday, December 14, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm at 250B Queen St., Charlottetown, PEERS Alliance Office, for a pivotal MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) Focus Group. This gathering is dedicated to creating and determining a robust outreach strategy for STBBI (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections) Prevention.
Qualify and Contribute: If you're a member of the MSM community, your insights are invaluable. Your participation in this two-hour focus group not only contributes to a healthier community but also qualifies you for a $100 cash honorarium.
Travel Assistance: For those outside Charlottetown eager to contribute, travel assistance is available to ensure your presence.
RSVP Today: To secure your spot and be a part of this impactful session, please reach out to Scott Alan at scott@peersalliance.ca. Let's shape a brighter, healthier future together!
Dried Blood Spot Testing Clinic
We're thrilled to announce that, starting in January, the DBS Clinic will be open to walk-ins on the following dates. Your health and well-being matter, and we're here to make the testing process as easy and accessible as possible.
Join us on the following dates at 81 Prince St:
- January 9th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- January 23rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
At the DBS Clinic, we provide discreet and convenient confirmatory testing for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and screenings for Syphilis. Our goal is to empower you with the tools you need for early detection, which can be vital in taking control of your health journey.
Appointments are not essential, but we do tend to fill up quickly, however if you would prefer to book your appointment we will do our best to accommodate the requested time. To book your appointment, simply reach out to us at dbs@peersalliance.ca. We're here to support you every step of the way, and your well-being is our priority.
Stay tuned for more updates, and the schedule for February 2024!
Harm Reduction
Winter Wear for Folks on the Street
Homelessness is a growing issue across our province; PEERS Alliance is currently working with several dozen community members who spend long periods of time outdoors without proper winter clothing.
PEERS Alliance needs funds to help purchase winter gear for folks living on the street. Please consider donating specifically to this fund—100% of your donation will go directly to helping those experiencing homelessness in our community get through the winter.
Donate via our CanadaHelps page or e-transfer to director@peersalliance.ca with "Winter Wear Fund" in the memo line. if you choose to send an e-transfer over $50 and would like a tax receipt, please email info@peersalliance.ca to request one and include your legal name and mailing address.
You can also directly drop items off at the Community Outreach Centre at 241 Euston Street, or email Amber to set up a drop off time. The items we are looking for are:
- Winter jackets
- Boots
- Mittens / gloves
- Socks
- Winter Hats
- Winterized Sleeping Bags
- Handwarmers
Naloxone
PEERS Alliance is proud to offer naloxone training to community members interested in learning how they can help respond to a drug overdose.
Naloxone is a medication used to reduce the effects of opioids; when a person's respiratory functions have been depressed because of opioid consumption, naloxone prevents death by enabling the body to breathe. Importantly, because of the cross contamination of drugs in the unregulated market, people who consume ANY street sourced substance are at risk for opioid overdose.
In PEI, the people best positioned to respond to a drug are those likely to observe one—that means people who use drugs, and people who spend time and share space with people who use drugs. If that's you, consider contacting PEERS Alliance to book a brief training (15 minutes) with our harm reduction team—they'll happily provide you with a free naloxone kit when you're done.
Donate
Make a year-end donation to PEERS Alliance!
PEERS Alliance relies on your donations to continue to offer lifesaving services to 2SLGBTQ+ Islanders, people who use substances, and people who are experiencing homeless. Please consider setting up a monthly donation or offering a one-time donation!
What happens when you give to PEERS Alliance?
- Our resources for harm reduction in the community expand;
- Our organization becomes more sustainable and we are able to offer more programming for marginalized communities;
- We can offer more community workshops on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity to businesses on a sliding scale;
- We can provide safe sex supplies and safer substance use supplies to folks in need;
- We can offer more direct low-barrier supports to folks experiencing homelessness through the Street Outreach project;
- Every dollar donated impacts our ability to assist the most marginalized communities on PEI.