AIDS PEI rebrands to PEERS Alliance

AIDS PEIhas rebranded itself to PEERS Alliance,getting a new name to help it better meet the need of Islanders who rely onit, saysexecutive directorCybelleRieber.

The new name is an acronym for "prevent, educate, empower, respect and support."

The organization has also lauched a new website for the rebranding.

"When I began with the organization two years ago and I began to engage with our members and our clients and our stakeholders, what became very very clear tous was a lot of people were not accessing the organization because of the stigma associated with the word AIDS."

Riebersaid the term is outdated because people living with HIV are living with that, not with AIDS.

She said the decision was made to change the name tomake the organizationmore accessible.

"Our programming is opening up and becoming more diversified," she added.

Funding secured

Riebersaid the organization has secured five years of funding withHealth Canada to offer programming in fourareas to help those in need.

"One of the biggest gaps right now is services for those engaged in drug use but not engaged in recovery," she said.

Riebersaid another area is around sexual health, including dealing with issues of consent and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

The executive director said the women's wellness clinic will also continue and be enhanced.

"We're continuing to work with what we have," said Rieber, adding they want to do more to help men as well.

Riebersaid she is looking forward to moving forward with the new rebrandingso more people can access the organization's services.

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