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A newsletter of the Washington State Health Care Authority Office of Recovery Support. |
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A universal month for human rights started in 1948, with Human Rights Day as December 10. According to the United Nations, it commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document enshrines the rights of all people. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said, “Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”
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We've certified 571 peers since July 1, 2024!
"Much like all peers, Jordan has faced challenges in life, but he has persisted and worked so hard in his short time as a peer. He continually keeps a smile on his face and chooses to bring joy to others, even when they are facing their worst days. He goes above and beyond for his clients, his program, and his fellow peers. He should be proud of himself, and others should recognize him for all he does!’"
Nominated by Alexandra Setchfield, Court Case Manager, City of Puyallup
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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.
New OPS training option
Starting January 2025, the OPS program will be offering a new training option designed to address rising demand.
The virtual 12-hour OPS training spreads across a three month period, with two hour sessions held twice a month with 30-minutes after the training to reflect and dive deeper into the content.
This flexible series, available quarterly, allows you to join any session in any order. However, for the most enriching experience, we recommend following the structured progression, as each session builds upon the last. Attendance will be tracked for those required to complete the OPS training and those who would like to receive a certificate of completion.
OPS training dates
- Option 1: December 3 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch
- Option 2: January 22 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch
- Option 3: February 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9 a.m. to noon
- Option 4: Two hour classes that cycle throughout the year on a quarterly basis
Quarter 1 OPS trainings
- January 6 from 8 to 10 a.m.
- January 27 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- February 3 from 8 to 10 a.m.
- February 17 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- March 3 from 8 to 10 a.m.
- March 24 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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.
CACPS training details:
- Attendees must be certified peer counselors. (If your name has changed since your initial peer certification, please let the training organization know to avoid being removed from registration.)
- 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, there is no virtual option.
- 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 will feature an end of the year wrap up with Amanda Polley.
- Thursday, December 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.
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Current peer support supervisors can join to review the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Peer Supervisors.
- Monday, December 16
- 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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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.
The Washington Peer Jobs database is an online platform dedicated to connecting individuals in the behavioral health and substance use recovery fields with employment opportunities.
The database:
- Provides a centralized resource for peer support roles.
- Offers listings for job seekers and recruitment tools for employers.
- Aims to enhance workforce development by promoting careers in peer support, ensuring that individuals with lived experience can contribute to recovery services and support others on their journey to wellness.
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Peer support in the news
Problem gambling
When gambling causes problems with life, relationships, financial situation, job, or school, help is available.
Call, text, or chat the Problem Gambling Helpline in Washington at 1-800-547-6133. Family members can also receive help.
Medicaid (Apple Health) now covers problem gambling treatment, and the State Problem Gambling Program is a low-barrier program that provides free treatment.
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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