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A newsletter of the Washington State Health Care Authority Office of Recovery Support. |
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The human journey is one of struggle and triumph—and everything in between. It is a journey of self-discovery and community-building. Thankfully, we don’t do this alone; we have each other. Connection, gratitude, and positivity are three things that can help us along the way.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to take steps towards more connection, more gratitude, and more positivity by implementing gratitude and affirmations in your life. Your brain will thank you!
Maternal Mental Health Month
Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed May 2024 as Maternal Mental Health month in Washington State. This proclamation highlights the importance of maternal mental health and the need for increased awareness, education, and support for parents before, during, and after pregnancy.
During Maternal Mental Health month, we encourage parents and families to learn more about maternal mental health and the resources available.
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We have certified 1,399 peers since July 2023!
"Bryan Pippin has worked as a peer on the mobile crisis team with SeaMar for five years. He is the most senior employee of the team. Bryan is a competent and meets the individual in crisis where they are. He provides trauma informed care and always asks the question, 'What would you like to see happen today?' He has a positive caring disposition, is approachable, and cares for the community and individuals. Bryan works on the different co-responder teams and mobile crisis outreach. He is an asset to any team and a joy to work with."
-Laura Pippen, Washington Association of Designated Crisis Responders (WADCR) Association President and Clinical Director of crisis services at Columbia Wellness
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Poetry is a great avenue for self-expression and community-building. Every month, we feature poetry written by peers in the community.
To be considered for publication in the newsletter, submit a hopeful, resilience-inspired poem to Marie Marchand, our peer support training coordinator, before the twentieth of the month.
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Outreach Academy and annual PATH/Peer Pathfinder meeting
Register by May 16 to attend the annual Outreach Academy! This academy is designed to provide information, skills, and resources to outreach workers statewide.
- June 25 and June 26
- Tacoma, Washington
Say It Out Loud Conference
The Say It Out Loud Conference focuses on information sharing and networking to improve behavioral health services and decrease disparities faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals.
- May 19 and May 20
- Yakima, Washington
Save the date for the Peer Pathways Conference
We are pleased to announce that this year’s Peer Pathways Conference will be held in Yakima, WA on August 21 and 22. The theme is "Standing on the Shoulders of giants: The past, the present and future of peer support."
Crisis awareness and communication in peer support (CACPS)
Join the crisis awareness and communication in peer support training! This training is 36 hours over the course of five days aimed to enhance your abilities in crisis intervention. Email Amanda Polley for upcoming dates and locations.
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Thomas and Star from the Washington Peer Network will provide updates and discuss the peer employment database. Then, Ann Rider and Sam Captain will discuss the ethics of peer support.
- Thursday, May 2
- 9 to 10 a.m.
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Need support with your organization's peer support program?
Drop in to the Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) office hours to get help! No registration required.
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Peer support supervisors can learn the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Peer Supervisors.
This month, the topic is "Peer supporters are empathetic."
- Third Monday of every month
- 11 a.m. to noon
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Live event captioning available
Communication Access Real-time Transcription (CART) services, or live closed captioning, are available for events, on demand. Scheduling CART services requires a three-week lead-time.
To request this accommodation, please submit a request as soon as possible to Amanda Polley.
If you make your request less than a week in advance of the event, our language access manager cannot guarantee that a CART writer will be available.
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Peer support in the news
Read some recent peer news to stay up-to-date:
Washington Peer Network
The Washington Peer Network provides comprehensive and accessible training and support for peer counselors across our state.
Learn about the Department of Health's peer services work
Are you interested in knowing more about what the Department of Health (DOH) is doing to support the efforts of recent peer legislation (SSB5555) and moving forward with our Washington State Legislators and the future of licensing for peer services?
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Welcome B to the Peer Workforce Development team at Peer Washington!
"He comes to us from Peer Olympia and is our newest Program Manager. He will be managing our Department of Corrections Certified Peer Counseling program. We are very excited about the skill set and enthusiasm B brings with him. He will help shape the vision for a holistic reentry workforce development program."
-Stephanie Lane Peer Workforce Development Chief Officer, Peer Washington
Bilal “B” Willis, a 40-year-old Black/Native/West Indian (BIPOC) man affectionately known as B, is a multifaceted individual with a rich tapestry of experiences. Despite facing numerous challenges, including time spent in juvenile facilities, state and federal jails, and prisons, Bilal has emerged as a beacon of resilience and hope. From navigating the complexities of the justice system from the young age of 12 to emerging as a pillar of strength and inspiration, Bilal's journey is nothing short of remarkable. As a certified peer counselor, NAMA-certified anger management specialist, and recovery coach trainer, he is deeply committed to supporting others on their path to healing and transformation. Additionally, Bilal wears many hats as a podcast host, using his platform to amplify voices and share stories of resilience. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is also an artist, infusing his positive rap music with messages of empowerment and hope. Bilal's life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and creativity in overcoming adversity and creating meaningful change.
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Do you know a CPC or peer-run organization who you think deserves a little extra kudos? We want to highlight them in an upcoming newsletter!
Please email Amanda Polley as much information as possible:
- Name of person/organization
- Their location
- Why are you highlighting them?
- Their picture (optional)
Would you like to have more of an impact on what you see in the Peer-to-Peer newsletter? We would love to hear from you!
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