Upcoming Program: Peer Support in Recovery

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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

Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition Meeting

The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition, in conjunction with Peer Power Network, will be holding an initial meeting on Friday, Oct. 29!

This meeting will give an opportunity to:

- Meet current Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition regional representatives
- Meet representatives from The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association (PMHCA)
- Attend a presentation by author and post-trauma wellness coach Katherine F.H. Heart, M.Ed.
- Receive Certified Peer Specialist Continuing Education credits for participating in Ms. Heart's presentation

Meeting Details:

Date: Friday, Oct. 29
Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL)

For additional information, contact Charlene Saner at 412-378-8297 or at charlenesaner@peerpowernetwork.org.

For more information about mental health in southwestern Pa., visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition

Interested in peer support? Looking to use your skills to inspire recovery? Seeking information on becoming a Certified Peer Specialist?

Look no further!  The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition is a great resource for information about peer support activities in Pennsylvania. Visit their website for information on statewide peer support initiatives, job openings, training opportunities and much more.

For more information about other support options in southwestern Pennsylvania, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.