A Michigan harm reduction program terminated a peer staff member after they self-reported a return to substance use and sought help, highlighting issues in internal policies, procedures, and stigma. In response, the Harm Reduction Unit at MDHHS, supported by Vital Strategies, created a peer-led training program. This program aims to guide employers on how to hire, manage, and support PSLUE in a fair and consistent manner. A diverse, inclusive workgroup — including professionals and individuals with PSULE — developed the training through monthly meetings, with members compensated for their contributions.
Laura Hodson – Harm Reduction Analyst
Larry West – CPRC, Peer Coordinator Crisis Response Initiative
Hannah Meissner – CPRC, Youth Services Program Coordinator
The trend in decision-making is to help people get the support they need to make decisions without removing their rights with guardianship. This presentation will talk about ways to help people understand decision-making. People attending will learn about tools they can use to decide where they need decision-making support and how to get support in the least restrictive ways. Special focus will be given to how peer mentors can use these tools to support others through the decision-making process.
Mary Shehan – Community Inclusion Coordinator
Tonnieo Graves – Certified Peer Mentor
The goal of this training is to equip individuals and organizations with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to build and sustain a supportive recovery community. This program focuses on the importance of social support, peer-led initiatives, shared experiences, and long-term well-being, with an emphasis on recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, and other life-altering situations.
Nate Parish – CPRC Ingham County Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC)
Nelson Serrano – CPRC Muskegon County MDOC
Fred Fredrickson – CPRC Ingham County MDOC
Jennifer Oklad McFarland – CPRC Muskegon County MDOC
This session will focus on the essential function of recovery, coaches and aiding individuals grappling with SUD and mental health challenges who find themselves in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. It seeks to eliminate the ways in which recovery coaches can help clients overcome barriers, acts of crucial resources, and ultimately achieve lasting recovery. By addressing the needs of this population, recovery coaches can contribute to reducing recidivism and fostering healthier communities.
Amy Kern – CPRC
Caitlin Griswold – CPRC
Mike Wenzel – CPRC
Amy DiCicco – CPRC
Welcome to Recovery Coaching in the Emergency Department/Hospital Setting. Besides giving a general overview of what the position looks like, the training focuses on the unique qualities of the position, how to deliver a trauma-informed and person-centered approach and what skills a CPRC can build to effectively serve an individual in the medical environment.
Kara Trainor – CPRC, CPSS
Elaine Dimock
Social Security work incentives make it impossible to work, make more money, keep health insurance and either keep the Social Security disability cash benefit or stay connected to this benefit to easily restart it. This workshop will debunk the fears of working while receiving benefits.
Tracy Howard – BSW, CPWIC, WIPC-C
Ardith Brown – BSW, WIPC-C
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) is a self-directed wellness and recovery process designed to help individuals take control of their health and well-being. WRAP helps individuals create personalized plans to maintain wellness, and effectively manage crises related to mental health and addiction. This workshop provides an overview of WRAP, explores various ways it can be implemented, and outlines the requirements to become certified WRAP facilitator.
Deborah Monroe – CPRC, CPSS
