Please join the Southeast Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network as we continue our exploration of racism's impact in the recovery community on Tuesday, November 17th at 2:30 PM (ET). Certified Peer Specialists have a unique and comprehensive perspective of our recovery communities, not only providing but also receiving support in diverse settings that frequently reflect the values, beliefs, and practices of the communities where we live and work. In this discussion, we will further explore the findings of our recent listening session and discuss what steps we need to take to improve recovery and wellness outcomes in the Southeast.
1. Describe how race impacts recovery supports in the community and the behavioral health system.
2. Discuss how race creates barriers to recovery and wellness.
3. Identify actions peer support providers can take to improve recovery and wellness outcomes.
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-AD, 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.
