Peer Programs
There are several peer-led programs, support groups, and outreach services available in Saskatchewan. Each program is unique and is created with input and guidance from its peer members.
Goals
Regardless of the program type, the goals of all peer programs are to:
There are 3 types of peer programs:
- 1
Support groups that are open to all people living with HIV and/or those at risk of getting HIV.
- 2
Outreach services that allow trained peers to go out into the community to provide support and information to people living with HIV and/or those at risk of getting HIV.
- 3
Peer-to-peer programs that match a peer mentor living with HIV with another person living with HIV (also known as a “mentee”).
Peer-to-peer programs provide a unique link for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, those that are admitted to the hospital or other facilities, as well as people that may require tailored support. Peer mentors are trained members of the community who are living with HIV and maintain client confidentiality. A match between the Peer Mentor and Mentee is made by considering their backgrounds, life experiences, and the Mentee’s personal preferences.
Peer support is tailored to meet needs. Some support may include:
Peer Programs, Support Groups, and Outreach Services in Saskatchewan
Regina Peer-to-Peer Program
A mentorship program where peer mentors living with HIV provide ongoing support to mentees who are living with HIV. Peer mentors use their lived experience to provide non-judgmental phone and in-person support.
Regina Peer Outreach Services
Drop-in services lead by peer mentors for all people living with HIV.
Monthly support meetings lead by peer mentors for all people living with HIV.
Regina Peer At-Risk Group
RANDU (Regina Area Network of Drug Users)
RANDU is a community of people who use drugs and people who formerly used drugs that strives to improve the lives of people who use drugs through grassroots, peer-led support, education, and distribution of harm reduction supplies. The project is in its early stages and the details below are subject to change as it continues to grow.
Saskatoon Peer-to-Peer Programs
Weekly group meetings for all people living with HIV.
Weekly Elder group meetings for people living with HIV.
Saskatoon Peer Outreach Services
Hospital visits, community visits, and one-on-one supports for all people living with HIV through PLWA.
Masterclasses
Prince Albert Peer Project
North Battleford Peer Hub
A peer-led site that offers drop-in and/or appointment services such as harm reduction, HIV/Hep C, empowerment education, referrals, and peer support.
Community-Based Organizations
The following is a list of community-based organizations that deliver programs and services to individuals living with or affected by HIV as well as those at risk of getting HIV.
Harm Reduction Programs
Harm reduction programs are part of a comprehensive public health disease prevention strategy to reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
Providing equipment and supplies to people who use illicit drugs is one of the simplest, most effective means to reduce the spread of these diseases. The distribution of supplies is intended to reduce the sharing of used needles/syringes and other injecting equipment, provide safer inhalation supplies, and encourage safer sexual practices. Harm reduction programs also serve as an important means of connecting with people and engaging them in care.
HIV and the Law
There are a number of situations where understanding how HIV is addressed in the provincial and federal legal systems is important for people living with or affected by HIV. It is also important for service providers, advocates, and policy makers to understand how the law impacts people living with HIV. Specific legal information related to HIV includes: HIV testing, disclosure of HIV status, discrimination, patient rights, insurance, travel, and immigration.
The resources below should not be considered as legal advice to be used in an individual case. If you have questions about a specific case, please consult a lawyer.
Helpful Websites:
Resources:
HIV Telephone Hotline
Want to talk with someone? Prairie Harm Reduction (formally AIDS Saskatoon) has a free HIV hotline that doesn’t charge you long distance or cell phone minutes in Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia). Call the number below to get answers to your questions about HIV.
1-800-667-6876
Sexual Health Textline
The Saskatoon Tribal Council has a new texting hotline service that will respond to questions related to sexual health topics including sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms, contraceptive methods, testing for STIs and other blood-borne infections, and where to access sexual health services.
The texting hotline is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
1-306-381-4529