The Power of Peer Support: A Gateway to Hope

  • 12/07/2018 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • True
  • Bill Shamblin
  • [email protected]

  • THE POWER OF PEER SUPPORT: A GATEWAY TO HOPE

    A program for health providers, educators, counselors, human resource managers, community agencies, and law enforcement

    Originally just a role in behavioral health, Certified Peer Specialists are becoming an important support in emergency rooms, school counselors' offices, faith-based groups, and community agencies. As the largest trainer and employer of peers in the tri-state, MHA of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio invites you to learn more about how peers are being used in health and community services.

    What is a Certified Peer Specialist?

    A peer provider (e.g., certified peer specialist, peer support specialist, recovery coach) is a person who uses his or her lived experience of recovery from mental illness and/or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to provide consumers support in self-management to promote trust, recovery, resiliency, personal growth, and whole health. 

    Why Certified Peer Specialists?

    Research has shown that peer support facilitates recovery and reduces health care costs. Peers also provide assistance that promotes a sense of belonging within the community. The ability to contribute to and enjoy one's community is key to recovery and well-being. Another critical component that peers provide is the development of self-efficacy through role modeling and assisting peers with ongoing recovery through mastery of experiences and finding meaning, purpose, and social connections in their lives.

    Where can Certified Peer Specialists be Used?

    Any situation where there is a need to foster trust and provide support to those with a behavioral health or substance use disorder, including: emergency rooms, hospitals, urgent care facilities, schools, universities, social/community agencies, faith-base organizations, and prisons.

    Keynote Speaker: Patrick Hendry, VP of Peer Advocacy, Supports, and Services, Mental Health America, National Office

    Patrick has worked as a mental health advocate for the past twenty-four years. His areas of expertise include peer provided services, self-directed care, recovery based trainings, organizational development, and management and sustainability. Patrick received MHA's highest honor, the Clifford W. Beers Award in 2012, and a SAMHSA Voice Award and Eli Lilly Reintegration Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Patrick is the former Executive Director of the Florida Peer Network and has assisted in the development of numerous peer-run programs and organizations.

    When: December 7, 2018

    Where: St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center, located at 3861 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger, KY 41018

    Cost: $35 per attendee, $300 for table of 10 ($350 value). Breakfast provided. 

    Sponsorship Opportunities: Show your support and leadership in Peer Support via event sponsorship! Please contact Bill Shamblin for information on sponsorship opportunities.

    Click here to register.