Global Peer Supporter Recognition Day

PRA Celebrates Global Peer Supporter Recognition Day

The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) and Foundation (PRF) is a proud supporter of Global Peer Supporter Recognition Day. Organized by the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS), Thursday, October 15th, represents a day to increase awareness of who peer supports are, what they do and the many valuable contributions they make to human services. 

“Peer supporters are individuals who are well along in their recovery journeys from mental health and/or addiction challenges who help others on their journeys,” according to Steve Harrington, Executive Director of the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS). “This is a relatively new profession that has quickly proven to be cost effective in the treatment of these disorders.” 

There are more than 10,000 peer supporters in the U.S. and more in Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and other countries. They work in hospitals, human service agencies, governments, and jails and prisons. Peer supporters often facilitate support groups and meet with individuals one-on-one. They also provide community education about mental health and addiction disorders to combat the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help for these conditions. 

Peers are an integral part of the community of PRA and PRF. Celebrate Global Peer Supporter Recognition Day with the following: 

Join the People in Recovery Advisory Council
The People in Recovery Advisory Council is a committee of individuals from across the country with varying backgrounds, experiences, and roles. Chaired by Steve Miccio, Executive Director
of PEOPLE, Inc. and current PRA Board of Director along with Peter Ashenden, Director of Consumer and Family Affairs, Optum Health Behavioral Solutions and past president of PRA, the Advisory Council advances the opportunities for persons in recovery both within and beyond the PRA. 

Over the past decade, the committee has conducted surveys, written position papers, reviewed workshop proposals and scholarship applications, hosted events and conducted workshops at the conference, and served as representatives of persons in recovery on various other PRA committees and task forces. The Advisory Council meets to ensure that the peer perspective remain an integral part of the PRA organization, develop products and resources, and participate in various PRA initiatives and activities. With additional members, the People in Recovery Advisory Council can do even more!  

Please take this opportunity to give back and become engaged in PRA. It’s not just an invitation to join a committee; it’s an opportunity to become a part of something bigger than us. It opens many doors personally and professionally, expands networks, fuels passion and compassion, and molds us into better and stronger individuals and advocates.

To join, please contact Amy Lestition, COO, at alestition@psychrehabassociation.org or 703-442-2078. 

Earn Your CPRP (if you are already a CPRP, please pass the email along to your colleagues)

Join a distinguished group of more than 2,700 individuals who demonstrate how psychiatric rehabilitation positively changes the lives of individuals with serious mental illness to one of hope, self-determination, empowerment and recovery.  The Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner credential (CPRP) is a test-based certification that fosters the growth of a qualified, ethical, and culturally diverse psychiatric rehabilitation workforce through enforcement of a practitioner code of ethics. Currently there are CPRPs with PhDs to GEDs, occupational therapists to peer specialists, social workers to caseworkers and so many more, all of whom share a commitment to the fundamental principle that recovery from serious mental illness is possible.

CPRPs incorporate the most successful and cost-effective practices for adults with severe and persistent mental illness and have mastered the principles, skills and knowledge necessary to carry out those practices.

A specific pathway is available for qualifying Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) to earn the CPRP credential. A qualifying Peer Specialist credential is defined as a certificate/certification program containing 45 or more hours of training directly related to the 7 practice domains of psychiatric rehabilitation as outlined on the CPRP exam blueprint. A CPS can take the next step in his/her career by earning the CPRP. Learn more about becoming a CPRP and how it can enhance your professional status and skillset.

Purchase the People in Recovery as Providers of Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Delve into this informative and enlightening publication which collects new and previously published articles to give the reader an up-to-date appreciation for how people in recovery are establishing themselves within mutual support organizations, as well as psychiatric rehabilitation service settings. 

Topics include:  
•    The Evolution of Persons in Recovery as Providers of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
•    Peer Operated Services and Self Help
•    Peer Partnerships
•    People in Recovery as Employees: Peer Providers 
•    People in Recovery as Employees in Traditional Roles
•    Challenges and New Opportunities

Purchase Your Copy Today! 
 
Training Opportunities within the Academy of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery

The training opportunities are endless with the Academy and investing in your own professional development is essential to work effectively with the psychiatric rehabilitation community. The Academy’s in-person programs, certificate programs, online courses, on-demand courses and webinars, are designed for CEOs, senior and mid-level staff, those new to psychiatric rehabilitation, and future leaders – offered at levels to match your knowledge and experience. The Academy faculty are leading experts in psychiatric rehabilitation to ensure the recovery workforce receives quality training and education through a combination of positive learning experiences and exceptional content.
 
Whatever your preference might be, the Academy is equipped and ready to deliver upon your needs, so learn more and get involved today.  
 
Nominate a Person in Recovery for the Isaiah Uliss Award Nominations will be accepted beginning in 2016

The Isaiah Uliss Award will be presented to an individual who is or has been in recovery from a psychiatric disorder, whose leadership is exemplary in the advocacy for, operation of and/or sustaining of community programs and supports. The selection shall be based on contributions that have been recognized at the local, state, and national level; significant contribution(s) to other people in recovery, particularly in regard to promoting opportunities for rehabilitation and recovery; and include public policy initiatives, new program development, and promotion of partnerships among people in recovery, family members and providers. 
 
The Isaiah Uliss Advocate Award is presented in recognition of Isaiah Uliss, a revolutionary advocate for recovery. PRA strongly values the incredible contribution people in recovery make to the advancement of psychiatric rehabilitation. Each year PRA recognizes a person in recovery for their outstanding leadership.
 
Read more about the Isaiah Uliss Advocate Award and keep an eye out for the Call for Nominations beginning in 2016.