Sunday, December 8, 2024
12/8/2024
George Mason University's innovative Peer Recovery Specialist Training Program is a 4-year initiative designed to respond to the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA-24-016) call to enhance the capabilities of the nation's healthcare workforce in addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD). This program seeks to 1) Expand the expertise of paraprofessional peer recovery specialists, 2) Integrate paraprofessional peer recovery specialists into interprofessional teams to deliver comprehensive support across three regions in Virginia, and 3) ensure the expansion and sustainability of peers in treatment delivery through strategic partnerships and continuous improvement in these regions. Our program aims to enroll 21 new trainees annually in Level I training, increasing enrollment by 10% each year, and ensure that at least 9 Level I completers' continue to Level II training, thereby augmenting their proficiency to aid individuals and affected youth and families grappling with SUD and OUD (Goal 1). We will train a total of 117 (90 Level I; 27 Level 2) peer recovery specialists in interprofessional teams and develop a family-centered care toolkit, aiming to enhance services for at least 300 families over the project period, with special attention to children impacted by SUD or OUD (Goal 2). We will cultivate at least 10 partnerships with local schools and organizations to identify and assist at-risk youth and adapt and scale our efforts based on real-time data (Goal 3). The program’s targeted curriculum, clinical training, and faculty commitment to underserved areas are designed to elevate the quality of care and address health disparities within marginalized populations. We request a funding preference under Section 756(d)(2) of the PHS Act as a New Program, having graduated less than three classes and demonstrably meeting the specified criteria to prepare health professionals for service in Medically Underserved Communities (MUCs). Our program’s targeted curriculum, substantial clinical training in MUCs, and dedicated faculty and resources effectively support our mission to address the pressing needs within these populations.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
