Strengthening Peer Support in Alaska

Alaskans have worked to develop Peer Support for many years. The impact of peers providing services can be transformational for a behavioral health system. We have been excited to see a recent increase in the hiring of peers in our state.

Since 2017, the Division of Behavioral Health has made a concentrated effort with a diverse group of stakeholders to develop a Certification and Training Program for Peer Providers and also to promote a system of care that is based on the expectation of recovery.

With technical assistance from our friends at C4 Innovations and BRSS TACS, this group of Alaskan stakeholders laid out a comprehensive set of recommendations to guide the process. This webinar series will cover many of the issues that are key to strengthening recovery in Alaska.

To learn more about the presenters, click HERE.

The History and Power of Peer Support

July 7, 2020, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. AKST

This session will trace the history and power of peer support in substance use and mental health services. The presenters will share the history and rationale for involving people in recovery with planning and implementation at all levels of policy, systems, and services. (Moderated by Bruce Van Dusen, Polaris House)

Presenters:

• Tom Hill, National Council on Behavioral Health
• Harvey Rosenthal, New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Inc.

Building a Strong Peer Network

July 13, 2020 10:00–11:15 a.m. AKST

Come learn strategies for developing a strong peer network, based on the lessons learned from the development the Peers4RecoveryRI group, which supports and connects peers working in Rhode Island.

(Moderated by Eliza Eller, Ionia)

Presenter:

• Lisa Conlan-Lewis, Parent Support Network of Rhode Island

Bringing Peer Support to Scale: Lessons from the Georgia Experience

July 20, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. AKST

Georgia was the first state to obtain Medicaid reimbursement for peer support services and continues to lead the advancement of peer support. This presentation will share the Georgia experience, lessons learned, and recommendations.

(Moderated by Jenifer Galvan, Anchorage Community Mental Health Service)

Presenter:

• Emily Ribblett, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
• Brian Kite, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
• Pam Brooks-Crump, Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network

Best Practices for Recruiting, Retaining, and Supervising Peer Support Workers

July 29, 2020 10:00–11:15 a.m. AKST

Many peer support workers leave agencies due to a lack of support and misunderstandings about the unique value of peer support. This presentation will address developing effective supervision, as well as creating and nurturing an organizational culture that respects and effectively employs peers in a variety of roles. Topics will include the importance of establishing clear policies, encouraging respect, changing organizational culture, and providing peer supervisory support that promotes the health and well-being of the organization and individuals.

(Moderated by Shannon Harris, Set Free Alaska)

Presenter:

• Cheryl Gagne, C4 Innovations

Creating a Culture of Recovery and Assessing Agency Readiness

August 5, 2020, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m AKST

Recovery-oriented approaches, including peer recovery support services, have gained considerable traction in the last decade. Full integration of recovery support services, especially peer support services, requires a culture shift for many individuals, service systems, and organizations. This session will discuss how to create and sustain a cultural shift that lays the groundwork for the success of recovery-oriented systems, services, and supports.

(Moderated by Susan Musante, Consultant, Recovery and Rehabilitation Resources)

Presenters:

• Edye Schwartz, New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
• Marianne Farkas, Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Recovery Advocacy

August 12, 2020, 10:00 -11:15 a.m. AKST

This presentation will cover self-advocacy, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy and explain why all three are important for advancing recovery values, systems, and services.

(Moderated by Lee Breinig, Deep Roots Institute of Counseling Alternatives & Peer Support)

Presenter:

• Steven Samra, C4 Innovations