January 19, 2013
Certified Peer Support Specialists across the nation instill hope in others by serving as a role model using their particular expertise, which include his/her life experiences in recovery. In 2007, Peer Support Services became an evidence-based practice by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services. In 2012, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
developed the working definition of RECOVERY from mental disorders and/or substance use disorders, where individuals strive to reach their full potential in health, home, purpose, and community. Relational
2. Person-Driven 7. Many Pathways 8. Addresses Trauma
4. Holistic 9. Strengths/Responsibility
5. Peer Support 10. Respect
Presently there are 154 Hawaii Certified Peer Specialists (HCPS), certified by the State’s Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD) on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, the Big Island and the Mainland. Former AMHD Chief Thomas Hester, M.D. and the Appalachian Consultants brought Georgia's Certified Peer Specialist Project to Hawaii in 2003. The former Mental Health Services Research Evaluation and Training (MHSRET) with the University of Hawaii under A. Michael Wylie, PhD. assisted the program and developed the HCPS website and organized an Advisory Committee. In 2006, the Veterans Administration of the Pacific had their first class of HCPS, but continued trainings with DBSA. With the newest Trauma Informed Care Grant, the latest HCPS class members were trained in Trauma Informed Care and Mary Ellen Copeland’s Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) trainings. They were also placed in internship positions with various providers. With the upcoming changes in the President Obama’s insurance reform, Hawaii’s Department of Human Services is making HCPS positions to be Medicaid-reimbursable. A bill to support the Certified Peer Specialists program will be in this year’s legislative mental health package. With Hawaii’s Health Connector, there will be great opportunities for HCPS, as Advocators and Peer Navigators by January 2014. Besides www.amhd.org/Consumer/HCPS.asp
For more information, check out: www.samhsa.gov/recovery/ www.pillarsofpeersupport.org
Any questions contact: Ellen K. Awai, MSCJA, BBA, CPRP, HCPS, former State Coordinator Awai76@aol.com