Maine Statewide Consumer Network - Amistad, Inc. will continue to recruit and develop an active Statewide Consumer Network in Maine, made up especially of people working in Peer Services. The project will advocate not only for the continued expansion and integration of Peer Services into current health reform efforts, but will also advocate for standardization of Peer Services across service delivery settings, and widespread recognition of the value, effectiveness, and professional nature of Peer Services. The grant project will coordinate and partner with state government to implement this project, as well as with numerous provider and advocacy groups. Collaborators include the state Office of MaineCare Services, the Certification as an Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) training program of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Mercy Hospital, and Maine Quality Counts, among others. As part of this project, Amistad, Inc. will create a Quality Assurance Council (QAC) to increase consumer participation, voice, and oversight of the grant project. Proposed activities of the project include training, education, networking opportunities, and information for peer service workers and for traditional providers who now must hire Peers; negotiate to insert governing language into state contracts that is consistent with best practices in Peer Services, and advocate for consumer concerns during a Health Care Reform process which thus far has been largely provider-driven.
