In 2017, Louisiana was still an abstinence-only state as far as any treatment options were concerned for those experiencing OUD. Taking up the SAMHSA State Targeted Response (STR) Grant meant a whole new approach was required as it funded MAT for the first time, and Peer Support was seen as essential from day one. Each of the state’s ten human services districts put a Peer on staff for the Grant, and each of the state’s ten OTPs hired a resource coordinator to liaise with them. In time, we realized that Peers needed to be more directly involved at the OTP level, and added Peers to that environment. With the SOR Grant, we further expanded the remit of Peers to ERs and in SOR 2.0, five harm reduction teams throughout the state. This presentation will encapsulate our experiences in setting these steps in motion, the mistakes we’d avoid in future, the teething troubles we’ve experienced, and more importantly, the successes and knowledge we’ve gained along the way. There is still a lot of stigma in Louisiana, and much more work to be done, but we’re very encouraged by what we’ve seen so far, and have set in place a strong framework for future growth.