PEI French Health Network helping people find health services in French

When a person can speak to their health care provider in their own language, stress fades and healing begins.

This is where the Prince Edward Island French Health Network (Le Réseau Santé en français de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard [RSFÎPÉ]) comes in. As a support network and registry, it helps French-speaking Islanders navigate health services that are available to them in their own language.

Founded in 2002 as part of a national movement, RSFÎPÉ became independent in 2012. Since then, it has worked closely with partners in government, education, and health care to help in the recruitment of French-speaking providers and assist Islanders in navigating health care services in French. 

“We asked ourselves what we can do to increase access to services for the French-speaking population,” director Elise Arsenault explains. “And you can’t increase access without having service providers in place.”

For many Islanders, having their language represented isn’t just a convenience; it’s essential for their health.

“When people meet with health care providers, they are often sick and vulnerable,” Arsenault says. “Imagine trying to explain pain or fear in a second language—it’s exhausting. Not being able to express yourself properly means crucial information gets missed, and that can slow down growth and healing.”

That’s why RSFÎPÉ built a database of bilingual health professionals and students, working with Health PEI to connect them to employment opportunities in the Island’s health care system. In 2025 alone, 66 students studying to become health care professionals registered, showing strong and increasing interest in serving French-speaking communities.

With help from the Health Innovation Fund, RSFÎPÉ was also able to modernize its website, making it easier for both health care professionals and the public to find health resources in French.

For French-speaking providers and students, the site highlights scholarships, career guides, and placement opportunities, while also allowing them to register in the bilingual database.

For the public, the site serves as a navigation tool, helping Islanders connect to self-referral services within the health care system and other community providers, access health information in French, and even nominate “Health Stars” who go above and beyond.

RSFIPE works behind the scenes as a support network, helping make bilingual providers and resources easier to find. Its registry and tools guide French-speaking Islanders toward the right supports in French, reducing any stress towards getting the care they need. 

The impact of these efforts is clear.

“People have expressed to us the sense of relief they feel when they discover their doctor speaks their language,” Arsenault explains. “It makes communication easier, breaks down barriers, and reduces stress.”

For those receiving care, being understood in their own language can mean less stress, better communication, and more confidence in their care. For providers, it’s a chance to build stronger relationships and deliver services that truly meet the needs of the community.

“To French-speaking communities, I want to say that we are here for you,” deputy director Sandrine Badini adds. “We know navigating the system in French isn’t always easy, but it’s possible, and we are working every day to make it easier.”

With a small but dedicated team, RSFÎPÉ continues to highlight that language matters in health care. By serving as a connector and guide, RSFÎPÉ helps French-speaking Islanders feel more supported, understood, and connected to their community.