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CPANJ Corner
On May 22, 2010, the CPANJ held its 10th Annual Meeting at the Rutgers University Student Center. Robin Weiss, President of CPANJ, opened the Annual Meeting describing the mission of CPANJ and the key roles of peer support. The consumers who attended the meeting felt a personal connection with CPANJ board members as they too are consumers, and it was clear that they were very receptive of what CPA has to offer. The meeting was informative, with good turnout by consumers who are working or who want to work in the mental health field. Read More
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Consumer Connections Alumni Reunion at MHANJ Walk for Wellness October 10th
Consumer Connections held its first peer training class in the Spring of 1997. Since that day, over 1,500 mental health consumers have participated in its comprehensive array of training and support services. Hundreds have become employed as peer specialists and providers in NJ's mental health system. Consumer Connections is asking all its former members to participate in the MHANJ Walk for Wellness on October 10, 2010. Become a walker and recruit your friends and family to demonstrate your support for the MHANJ. At the Walk, special events will be designed for Alumni, but more importantly, it will be a great opportunity to reunite with old friends, classmates and Consumer Connections staff. To register for the MHANJ Walk for Wellness, or for further information, contact Stephanie Knight at sknight@mhanj.org
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People in Recovery as Providers of Psychiatric Rehabilitation: Building on the Wisdom of Experience
This is an excellent resource regarding the growth of peer movement within the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. This publication provides a comprehensive picture of the development of the self/mutual help movements, creation of peer partnerships and collaborations and the latest development and implementation strategies for hiring people in recovery as employees of behavioral health treatment organizations. This volume was created by Margaret Swarbrick, PhD, OTR, CPRP and Lisa T. Schmidt, PhD, CPRP edited the work and Kenneth J. Gill, PhD, CPRP. To order a copy.
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Peer Workforce Conference Focuses on Integration within Agencies
Peer-to-peer services help prevent relapse and promote
long-term recovery; allow for intervention at an early stage of mental illness,
focus on building strengths, resilience and wellness; and bring hope to other
consumers by sharing common experiences.
These
benefits were highlighted by Margaret Molnar, Special Assistant for Consumer
Affairs, Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS), at the recent
"Building New Jersey's Mental Health Peer Workforce" conference. The
conference was a collaborative effort given by DMHS, the University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Health-Related Professions, Mental
Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ), Collaborative Support Programs of New
Jersey's Institute for Wellness and Recovery Initiatives, and New Jersey
Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). MHANJ and
NJAMHAA have an established Peer Workforce Work Group that is focusing on
identifying best practices in order to expand and strengthen New Jersey's
mental health workforce.Read More
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Consumer Connections JOB FAIRS Creates the  EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION
On July 8th, Consumer Connections conducted a "Job Fair" in New Jersey's Southern region for the graduates of its Spring Core Training. Eight provider agencies attended including Drenk Behavioral Health Center, Preferred Behavioral Health, St. Barnabas Behavioral Health, Collaborative Support Programs of NJ, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey and both the RITE and River Bend Self Help Centers. Positions were available in various service areas including Intensive Outpatient Services, Integrated Case Management (ICMS) Screening Centers, Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), Homeless Outreach, Peer Outreach Support Teams (POST), Supported Housing, Supported Education and Self-Help Centers. All of the 24 graduates attended the event, held at the Burlington County Human Services Building. Read about how employment connection happens!
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National Health Care Reform: Expanded Opportunities for Peer Specialists
As the nation moves toward the implementation of the "Affordable Care Act," as part of the National Health Care Reform in 2014, there is great potential for peer specialists and peer delivered services to play a major role is clear. In a draft SAMHSA policy paper, "Description of a Modern Addictions and Mental Health Service System," outlines it's vision and principles that values peer driven services focusing on outcomes, coordination of care, community integration, health promotion, prevention and the role of mutual and peers in the delivery of services. It envisions an expanded role for peer specialists and recovery organizations to address the demand for mental health and addictions services, leading the empowerment of consumers toward greater health literacy and access to care. The future of the peer workforce is a key element in the future of the mental health system, as it will evolve under health care reform. Read the full draft report.
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Subsidies Available for CMHA Certification FeesThe Mental Health Association in New Jersey, in cooperation with Consumer Connections and the Certification Board, is offering subsidies to consumers applying for the CMHA (Certified Mental Health Assistant) Certification. This peer certification is the only one issued and recognized by the state of New Jersey. Learn more about CMHA. For additional information on applying for the CMHA and the available subsidy, contact Ray Cortese at rcortese@mhanj.org .
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New Resources For Peer Workforce Development
A new publication from the National Mental Health Consumer Clearinghouse provides an updated report and extensive resource list on the evolving role of Certified Peer Specialists across the nation. Download a copy. New York's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant has released a report, "Building a Cross Disability Peer Employment Support Model." The report illustrates the case for a peer employment support model to address the issues of unemployment, under employment and poverty, that impact persons with disabilities. It stresses the importance of social capital for persons to obtain and maintain employment, as most individuals find and secure jobs through social networks. The findings suggest that peer support is an effective method to increase social capital which in turn increases employment outcomes. Download a copy of the report.
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Institute for Wellness and Recovery Initiatives Launches Website
The Institute for Wellness and Recovery Initiatives of CSP-NJ promotes and provides innovative, state of the art services aimed at enhancing wellness and recovery for persons living with disabilities. Through interactive and uniquely tailored trainings, seminars and consulation, we assist organizations in developing a workforce and service delivery system focused on recovery and wellness. The new website, www.weltacc.org provides services and resources for peer providers. The Institute's newsletter, Words of Wellness, current and past issues can be downloaded.
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Peer Connections is produced by the MHANJ and CSPNJ.
It is edited by Robert Kley, MHANJ and Peggy Swarbrick, CSPNJ.
Graphic Design by Renee Burawski and Lauren De Poto, MHANJ.
For further information:peerconnections@mhanj.org |
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