F rom working with the LGBTQ+ youth community, to teaching harm reduction practices in relation to drug use, PEERS Alliance is such a critical part of our community, and supports Islanders in many ways. The valued organization offers educational sessions on sexual health and harm reduction, as well as sessions to organizations and institutions focusing on providing welcoming services to LGBTQ2S+ folks – an essential piece in creating safe and inclusive spaces in our community. With a large focus on Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Illnesses (STBBI’s), PEERS continues to break down the barriers and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and all sexually transmitted infections. Knowing your risks is very important, and getting tested regularly is a vital part of your health and wellness. PEERS Alliance strives to help make this easier, by providing navigation and support for getting tested. By working in tandem with other health organizations, they endorse and support many accessible services such as pop-up testing sites, and one-day sexual health testing clinics. These sites can be located anywhere from an ordinary walk-in clinic, to a downtown park. By providing these sites in unlikely locations, it gives an opportunity to reach many types of people, to share important literature and free safe sex protection options with passers-by, and to continue to be a seamlessly integrated part of our diverse community.
◀ Cybelle Rieber, Executive Director of PEERS Alliance
Sexual health clinics are offered free, monthly on Tuesdays, upcoming dates and times below:
Sexual Health Services are provided by Health PEI through the Women’s Wellness Program to Islanders of all genders, orientations and ages at various sites across Prince Edward Island. STI and STBBI testing available, no appointment necessary. For more information or to access safe, confidential and supportive services, call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free).
Summerside: Harbourside Health Centre 243 Heather Moyse Drive November 13: 4 – 8 p.m. Charlottetown The Polyclinic 199 Grafton Street, Suite 203 December 11: 4 – 8 p.m.
someone, so it is important not to share items such as toothbrushes, razors, nail and hair clippers, and scissors. If you are already infected with hepatitis C, make sure you keep your personal items, such as razors and toothbrushes, separate and out of reach from children. Choose tattoo and piercing parlours carefully. Only use a licensed tattoo and piercing artist who follows appropriate sanitary procedures. A new, disposable needle and inkwell should be used for each customer. If in doubt, inquire about their disposable products and sanitary procedures before getting a tattoo or piercing. Practice safe sex. It is rare for hepatitis C to be transmitted through sexual intercourse, but there is greater risk of getting hepatitis C if you have a sexually transmitted disease, HIV, or multiple sex partners or if you engage in rough sex.
Avoid direct exposure to blood or blood products. If you are a medical worker or health care provider, take precautionary measures to avoid coming into direct contact with blood. Any tools that draw blood in the workplace should be discarded safely or sterilized appropriately to prevent hepatitis C infection. Never share needles. Intravenous drug users are at greatest risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C because many share needles. In addition to needles, the virus may be present in other equipment used with illicit drugs. Even sharing a straw or dollar bill when snorting cocaine could lead to hepatitis C transmission. Bleeding in the nasal passages frequently occurs when taking cocaine this way, and microscopic droplets may enter the straw and be passed on to the next user, even if they can’t be seen.
HEPATITIS C – Know Your Risks
An estimated 44% of people living with chronic hepatitis C infection are unaware of their status. Hepatitis C can be cured, but no vaccine exists to prevent infection. This disease can affect anyone, and it’s important to know your status to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. Don’t share personal care items. Many items that we use on a daily basis will occasionally be exposed to blood. Often people will cut themselves while shaving, or their gums will bleed while brushing their teeth. Even small amounts of blood can potentially infect
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