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A newsletter of the Washington State Health Care Authority Office of Recovery Support. |
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We've certified 1,497 new peers since July 1, 2024!
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 The first annual Peer Wellness Campout in Easton, Wash., was more than just a weekend getaway. It was a powerful experience of healing, collaboration, and community-building. Hosted in partnership by P.E.P., WPN, WRA, WSCC, and HCA, the campout brought together individuals and organizations from across the state for an unforgettable time of learning, reflection, and authentic networking.
From peer-led workshops to shared meals and late-night conversations around the campfire, this event created a safe, welcoming space where attendees could recharge, grow, and connect. The resource exchange and relationship-building that took place were not only impactful—they were priceless.
"The campout was so much fun and I’m looking forward to next year!" — Katy Coons
"First Peer Wellness Campout was refreshing. I took my bike and was able to find quite a bit of time to ride. Thank you to all those who made this happen. WPN, Peer Washington, Peers Empower Peers, WRA, HCA, and all the individuals there and not there that worked tirelessly to support us." — Caleb Steel
This event reminded us all of the strength found in peer support and the beauty of being present in a shared mission. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their energy, wisdom, and presence. Your participation made the event truly meaningful.
We can’t wait to see you—and even more new faces—next year as we continue to grow this incredible community.
-Thomas Jackson, Program Director, Washington Peer Network (WPN)
With the upcoming availability of the new Certified Peer Support Specialist and Trainee credentials on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) is hosting intermittent office hours sessions to answer questions regarding applications and forms, the credentialing process, and general questions about the profession.
This is a Q&A format with a brief overview of the website and a sample application at the beginning, with the majority of time spent answering your questions about peer support specialists. Beginning in September, these will occur monthly.
DOH summer office hours for Peer Specialists
- Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 1 p.m.
- Monday, July 29, 2025, at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10 a.m.
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Friday, August 22, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 222 878 291 021 5
Passcode: 9NX74cy6
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Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000, 477079388# United States, Olympia
I would like to nominate Teri Cochran-Fredrick. She is such a wiz at her job! Teri has great connections throughout the Peer community. Teri is our housing and administrative supervisor, and she has been with Capital Recovery Center for four years.
She is someone I can go to no matter what. Teri is always ready and willing to jump in when and where she is needed. She also is so empathetic. She is the epitome of a peer.
Capital Recovery Center is a Peer-supported nonprofit in Olympia that fosters recovery, healing, growth and community engagement through Peer services, housing resources, and more.
Nomination written and submitted by Certified Peer Counselor Sara Smith
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Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) training
HCA’s Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) program supports Peer supervisors, administrators, organizations, and agencies who want to begin offering or enhance their current peer programs. These trainings are for current administrators and supervisors of Peer Specialists only.
Through our virtual training, monthly webinar series, and technical assistance support, we equip agencies, organizations, or individual providers with the knowledge and resources to help develop, manage, and grow their peer support programs.
OPS Training
This 12-hour virtual training consists of evidence-based knowledge and leading practices that are essential for peer support supervision and administration. It also provides opportunities for an open dialogue, in a safe environment.
OPS training dates
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Tuesdays July 22 and July 29: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch
Attendance will be tracked for those required to complete the OPS training and those who would like to receive a certificate of completion.
To sign up, email OPS with your preferred dates.
Quarterly OPS trainings for administrators and supervisors of Peer Specialists
The quarterly virtual OPS training spans a three-month period, with two-hour sessions held twice a month with a 30-minute post-training segment available 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.
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Monday, July 7: 8 to 10 a.m.: (1) Peer Support in Washington State
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Monday, July 28: 8 to 10 a.m.: (2) The Peer Support Role: What it is and is not
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Monday, August 4: 8 to 10 a.m.: (3) How to Create a Culture of Recovery
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Monday, August 25: 8 to 10 a.m.: (4) Supervision of Peer Workers
To sign up, email OPS with your preferred dates.
Crisis Awareness and Communication in Peer Support (CACPS)
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.
- The training is 36 hours.
- 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.
This year, Peer Pathways celebrates its 10th anniversary! The event will occur Wednesday, August 13, and Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Lynnwood Event Center. This year's theme: Staying Peer in an Expanding Workforce.
Please visit the conference website, Peer Pathways, for details. The Washington State Health Care Authority’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) is pleased to sponsor this transformative and uplifting gathering hosted by The Rainbow Makers and Jones Community Solutions.
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The July Peer Blend is cancelled due to the holiday; please look forward to joining us in August!
August's Peer Blend features Tanya Moore and WELD. WELD supports those with legal system impacts and those in recovery from substance use and mental health. Tanya Moore (Program Manager and Evaluation Manager at WELD) is a CPC and DBHR-approved Trainer as well as a certified sexuality educator. She has over 25 years in the nonprofit world focused on social justice, reproductive health, and legal system impacted. She has lived experience from her mental health journeys and navigating the legal system.
Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 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: weekly Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m.
Washington Peer Network open peer support hours
Launched in February, WPN hosts an open, one-hour-long virtual meeting every weekday.
This is a space for Peer supporters to network, connect, and will be a safe and supportive space for Peers to receive the support they need.
The meetings are daily from 9 to 10 a.m.
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Join SPARK Peer Learning and HCA July 26 and 27, 2025, in an interactive two-day workshop in Wenatchee.
This summit is designed for young adults 18 to 35 and space is limited, so register early!
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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 Marie Marchand.
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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Washington peer jobs database
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.
This 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 journeys to wellness.
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New certified Peer specialist FAQ
Have questions about the changes related to the new legislation about certified Peer specialists?
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 Marie Marchand as much information as possible:
- Name of person/organization
- Their location
- Why are you highlighting them?
- Their picture (optional)
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.
Last month's featured poet was Nicholas Graham. Nominate a Peer poet or submit a poem of your own to be featured in our August newsletter!
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