Sunday, December 8, 2024
12/8/2024
Project Title: Supporting Underserved Peer Professionals in Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Proposed Program: The SUPPORT program is a multi-component program that is well-positioned to address the shortage of peer professionals who are trained and skilled to work with families experiencing Opioid and other Substance Use Disorders (OUD/SUD) throughout Michigan, a state wherein 37 of 83 counties are mental health professional shortage areas (HPSA). Participants will monitor their implementation of best practices in providing family support, professional development, and knowledge translation sites using Goal Scaling Solutions, an HRSA-funded digital platform. With capacity and expertise and successful completion of all objectives with previously funded HRSA Opioid Workforce Expansion Program (OWEP) and Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) programs, the SUPPORT team is prepared to offer this same expertise in supporting the paraprofessional workforce. Addressed Needs: Although Michigan was amongst the first states to certify both Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Coaches, recruitment and retention remain difficult. Up to 40% of peer professional positions are unfilled at community mental health organizations. Educational and career pathways for peer professionals are not always present. Programs that pair interprofessional training needed for all behavioral health professionals, didactic content for specific knowledge and skill development in OUD/SUD and mentoring for peer professionals to develop career pathways in partnership with organizations is needed. SUPPORT is intentional in incorporating these three components and engaging with professionals with lived experience in policy development to partner with families with OUD/SUD. Services Provided: SUPPORT will provide three main components to up to 30 Level I pre-service participants in each year: 1) Virtual coursework in Western Mich igan University’s Specialty Program for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA), 2) Specific on-demand trainings motivational interviewing, SBIRT, ethics and anti-racism in peer practice, and 3) peer professional mentoring from Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Coaches in career navigation. Following Level I completion, all participants will be eligible for Level II in-service training in Mental Health HPSA sites. Funding Preference Eligibility: As a new program, SUPPORT meets 6 of the 7 funding priority areas. SUPPORT curriculum and clinical training focused on MUCs, and the program’s clinical faculty have experience, physically work, and provide a substantial portion of programming in and for MUCs. Trainee assistance and a comprehensive Level II in-service and graduate job placement process is focused entirely on MUC placement to enhance the behavioral health peer professional workforce in Michigan HPSAs/MUCs.
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).
