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A newsletter of the Washington State Health Care Authority Office of Recovery Support. |
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Started in 1989, National Recovery Month was originally called Treatment Works! Month. “The observance is held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible” (SAMHSA).
It is an opportunity for people to educate themselves about the diverse recovery experiences from substance use disorder and even mental health conditions. People are encouraged to share their recovery experiences and celebrate their achievements. The ongoing theme “Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” affirms that recovery is possible for all.
"Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help" (NAMI).
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We've certified over 2,000 peers since July 1, 2023!
The ninth annual Peer Pathways conference held August 21 and 22 was attended by over 415 peers and peer allies statewide!
We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to Rainbow Makers and Jones Community Solutions for this wonderful event with its astounding turnout in Yakima. Additionally, we would like to thank each workshop presenter, and especially the diverse keynote speakers, who attended and filled out hearts with inspiration for the coming year.
Peer-O award winner, Tanya Moore
The Peer-O is awarded to a certified peer counselor for their outstanding work in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Nominees inspire hope, work toward social and systemic change, exhibit strong leadership, are actively engaged with their community, passionately advocate for equity, and have an impact on systemic change. Congrats to Tanya!
Read the Peer Pathways Committee's attribute to Tanya.
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Telecare:
Health Care Authority:
And don't forget to check out the Washington Peer Job database for more peer job opportunities.
Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) training
HCA’s Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) program supports peer supervisors, administrators, and organizations agencies who want to begin offering or enhance their current peer programs.
The OPS program is holding a free, two or four-day training to support organizations with the implementation and operationalization of their peer programs.
Participants should attend all sessions to best implement their peer programs effectively.
Topics will include the history of peer support, the peer role in Washington, laws related to peer services, peer supervision, and more.
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Option 1: September 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.
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Option 2: September 12 and 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch break
Crisis Awareness and Communication in Peer Support (CACPS)
Are you a certified peer working in a crisis setting? Join the crisis awareness and communication in peer support training! This training is 36 hours over the course of five days.
Beginning July 1, 2025, any entity that uses certified peer specialists as peer crisis responders, may only use certified peer specialists who have completed CACPS training.
Details:
- Attendees must be certified peer counselors.
- Peers working in crisis settings are given priority.
- Peers must complete the online prerequisite "Power of peer support in crisis services" training to attend this training and download a copy of the certificate to be offered as proof of completion to the hosting training organization.
- Peers must complete the post-traumatic growth survey (sent by the training organization) before the first day of training.
- Peers must attend the training in person.
- Peers must cover their own travel and hotel accommodations.
- Breakfast, refreshments, and lunch, will be provided during the training day.
Times, dates, and locations for CACPS trainings may shift and change in response to regional needs. Please reach out to Amanda Polley for more information.
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Join us in our monthly peer webinar. This month's topic will be barber and beauty shop community of practice, with North West Credible Messenger.
- Thursday, September 5
- 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.
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Current peer support supervisors can join to review the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Peer Supervisors.
- Monday, September 9
- 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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The Washington Recovery Alliance has created a survey to learn about how substance use disorder (SUD) providers use peers in both outpatient and residential settings, including any barriers experienced.
The goal of learning this information is to expand the use of peers in services across Washington state.
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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Crisis resources from NAMI
Peer support in the news
Washington Peer Network
The Washington Peer Network provides comprehensive and accessible training and support for peer counselors across our state.
Department of Health peer specialist licensing
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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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)
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