In recognition of National Recovery Month, the Southeast Mental Health Technology Transfer Center will host a panel discussion featuring Certified Peer Specialists providing Peer Support to individuals in dual recovery (from substance use and mental health concerns) at Recovery Community Organizations and Respite Centers. Panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities that can present themselves when the focus is on the whole person, and not a primary diagnosis; the resources that are needed to build and maintain a successful community-based dual recovery program; and how communities and behavioral health providers benefit from the programs.
Learning objectives:
The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network believes in the ability of everyone living with mental health concerns to enjoy lives of purpose, meaning, productivity, and wellness. Since it was founded in 1991, this grassroots nonprofit organization has been led and run by mental health peers—people in mental health recovery. At its core, the basis of peer support—one person using their lived experience to support another—is not new; in fact, it is the basis of human growth and development. Mental health peers with special training are now able to use their lived recovery experience in clinical settings to provide something beyond a diagnosis or medication.
Roslind D. Hayes, BS, CPS-MH, CARES, WHWC is the Statewide Coordinator of the GMHCN's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. She is a trainer/facilitator for the Certified Peer Specialist Project, Peer Zone, and Intentional Peer Support.
Chris Johnson, MFA, CPS, CPS-AD is GMHCN's Director of Communications. He is responsible for sharing information about recovery and wellness opportunities to behavioral health peers and providers across Georgia.
