Upcoming Program: Peer Support in Recovery

 Some rights reserved by ~diP

Peer Support in Recovery: 

Learning About and Celebrating Peers

March 4, 2011

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Highland Drive Division

A program on “Peer Support in Recovery:  Learning About and Celebrating Peers” (MC44) is scheduled to take place Friday, March 4, 2011 at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Highland Drive Division.  

This training will provide a broad overview of the role of peers in supporting consumers of health care, mental health care and homeless services.  Peers are individuals who have a mental illness and/or have been homeless who are trained to provide recovery services to other individuals who have a mental illness and/or are homeless.  Research on peers in health settings will be presented, as well as practical information on working with peers, working with staff, and developing new peer roles in health care settings.  The requirements of the VA Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook will be reviewed, along with strategies for optimizing peer contributions. 

The session is aimed at VA and community health care professionals interested in learning more about peers, those currently working with peers, and those who hope to add or increase peer support services.  Volunteer and employed peers are especially welcome. Continuing education credit will be available.

Details can be found on the website: http://www.wpic.pitt.edu/oerp/conferences

For additional information, please contact Sara Chapman, MS, OTR/L at sara.chapman@va.gov or call 412-954-5352.

To receive a brochure, please contact Nancy Mundy at mundynl@upmc.edu or call (412) 802-6900.

Want to keep up-to-date with mental health news?  Visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website, Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our blog's RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Support for Veterans - A Community Effort

On Oct. 21, VA Pittsburgh will be hosting the conference Support for Veterans - A Community Effort.  The focus of this conference is to help care providers and the religious community better understand some of the physical and behavioral health issues associated with reintegration into the community.  The conference is intended for care providers and the religious community who have contact with veterans, their spouses and children. 

Some rights reserved by US Army Africa

Event details:

Date:  Oct. 21

Location: VA Pittsburgh (7180 Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218)

Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

For more information, contact Kimberly Hall at 412-244-1244 or visit the Allegheny County Veterans Services home page. For more information about mental health and related services, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!