The Peer Recovery Center of Excellence exists to enhance the field of peer recovery support services. Led by those with lived experience, peer voice is at the core of our work and guides our mission. Peers—people in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) or substance use challenges—serve a valuable role in helping persons with substance use challenges in achieving and maintaining long-term recovery. We are here to offer help from those who have done this work to those wanting to enhance or begin peer support services in their communities! Below is a library of reports, toolkits, previous trainings, and other products we have created for the field.
We are still in the midst of uploading the recordings of our previous trainings onto this page. If you're not finding what you are looking for here, check out our Vimeo page.
If you would like to check out other resources from the field, please see our Resource Library.
Report
From our partners at the Technical Assistance Collaborative, this report provides a comprehensive review of how different states align with SAMHSA’s national standards for peer support certification. These standards aim to enhance the quality and consistency of peer support services across the country. The report highlights the variability in how states approach certification, from the criteria for lived experience to the structure of training programs and the barriers posed by differing state requirements. It also discusses the need for greater reciprocity between states, which would allow peer workers to practice across state lines more easily. Finally, the report outlines recommendations for improving alignment and supporting the peer workforce, such as creating more standardized curricula and facilitating regional collaborations.
To view and download the report, click the image to the left.
Additional Resources:
States' Alignment with SAMHSA Model Standards for Peer Certification Video
States' Alignment with SAMHSA Model Standards for Peer Certification Video Transcript
States' Alignment with SAMHSA Model Standards for Peer Certification Slide Deck
Report
As part of the PR CoE’s supplemental funding provided in 2023 to increase the number of Recovery Community Organizations able to bill insurance and be reimbursed for peer recovery support services, this report was developed to provide a state-by-state analysis of Medicaid reimbursement specifically for peer support services, including peer recovery support services for substance use disorders and mental health peer support services.
This report provides a national overview of:
Check out our webinar overviewing the report here!
*Updates to this report have been made on 7/29/2024.
Curriculum or Toolkit
Demonstrating the value of peer recovery support services is important on multiple levels – for the program itself as well as for the larger peer support field. Although it is important to show the value of peer recovery support services, it can be challenging and resource-intensive to measure in a meaningful way. In partnership with OMNI Institute, we've published the Measuring Peer Recovery Outcomes Toolkit to help guide your program or organization through a values-driven process, resulting in an evaluation plan highlighting the most important aspects of peer recovery support. Information, worksheets, and resources are provided for each phase of the process, which includes identifying program values and related outcomes, choosing evaluation tools, plan implementation, and sustainability strategies.
Other
Sustainability: A Resource for Recovery Community Organizations was developed by a group of dedicated current and former RCO leaders who wanted to equip other leaders with the invaluable tools and resources they themselves wished they had during their organization's formative years.
This comprehensive resource is specifically designed for RCOs that have already secured their nonprofit status and are eager to strengthen their foundation, expand their programs and services, or move their organization into the next exciting phase of development. At this time, the resource is available exclusively in a digital format to ensure that the content and linked resources remain current and relevant as the field evolves.
Link to the guide - Sustainability: A Resource for Recovery Community Organizations
Report
This report presents an overview of the number of certified substance use and mental health peer support specialists across the U.S. Data was collected from state-approved certifying entities and state behavioral health agencies between August 2023 to July 2024. The report details the types of certifications available (substance use, mental health, or integrated) and provides per capita figures for peer support specialists in each state, district, and territory. This analysis helps illustrate the distribution and availability of peer support specialists nationwide.
For questions or to provide updated information, please contact us at info@peerrecoverynow.org.
Note: Updates made August 28, 2024
Curriculum or Toolkit
This toolkit by the Association of Recovery Schools is an essential guide for communities seeking to establish a high school focused on supporting students in recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders. This comprehensive resource offers step-by-step guidance on strategic planning, school organization, recovery practices, and educational frameworks tailored to the unique needs of these students. With a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and academic excellence, this toolkit equips schools with the tools needed to foster a supportive environment for both students and their families.
Series
We are thrilled to bring you a special podcast series called "Amplifying Diverse Voices.” In these episodes, Wardell Royal III of our Health Equity team hosts discussions with featured guests from various backgrounds within the recovery movement. Our aim is to engage in dynamic conversations about their personal journeys and highlight the incredible work they are doing in their communities. Stay tuned as we amplify diverse voices and continue our mission to provide hope, support, and valuable insights for all those affected by substance use challenges.
Curriculum or Toolkit
This toolkit offers a comprehensive guide for integrating Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) in HIV treatment and prevention settings. It provides evidence-based resources and practical tools for organizations to support people living with HIV and substance use challenges. By focusing on the intersection of HIV and substance use challenges, the toolkit emphasizes the unique role peers can play in enhancing care outcomes. It includes best practices for hiring, training, and supervising peer staff, as well as strategies for creating supportive and culturally competent organizational environments.
Curriculum or Toolkit
This toolkit provides a comprehensive collection of resources to help organizations assess and enhance their readiness for integrating peer recovery support services (PRSS). It is designed to guide organizational leaders and stakeholders through understanding the necessary commitment, culture, and infrastructure required to implement successful peer support programs. The toolkit offers evidence-based strategies, practical tools, and best practices for integrating or expanding peer support services, addressing diverse populations, and navigating challenges. Each section is accessible individually, allowing organizations to tailor their use of the toolkit to meet their specific needs and interests.
Podcast
Today we’re wrapping up an incredible journey with the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence. For the past four years, we have been a proud part of this community, offering support, education, and resources to all of you who are working tirelessly in the field of peer recovery. Without further ado, let’s get talking!
Curriculum or Toolkit
This resource guide explores the unique recovery challenges faced by Black, African American, Indigenous, and Latine/Latinx communities, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Drawing from insights shared in a webinar series, it delves into the historical impact of the War on Drugs, systemic barriers created by capitalism, and the importance of intersectionality. The guide advocates for recovery models that respect individual and community diversity while promoting holistic, peer-led approaches to healing. It offers practical resources and strategies for fostering inclusive, equitable recovery ecosystems.
Check out the recorded webinar series by clicking the links below:
Curriculum or Toolkit
From our partners at the Association of Recovery Schools, the SEARS Implementation and Interpretation Guide is designed to help recovery high schools administer and interpret the SEARS Student Survey effectively. This tool collects data on students' recovery experiences to support programming and enhance student success. The guide provides clear instructions for survey setup, administration, and interpretation, focusing on both individual student outcomes and school-wide evaluation. It highlights the importance of recovery capital, wellness, and positive youth development, offering practical insights into fostering strengths and addressing growth areas. Schools using SEARS contribute to a larger body of knowledge, improving recovery outcomes nationwide.
Series
The Peer Recovery Center of Excellence is excited to share this series of explainer videos on topics that are foundational to the recovery community; Recovery Community Organizations, Peer Support, Recovery Capital, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. These concepts are familiar to the recovery community, but difficult to convey to the general, broader population in a succinct way. We are grateful to the PR CoE steering committee and peers partners for their input and support in the development of this series.
We hope that you use these videos to communicate core elements of your services, messaging, and marketing. They are a free resource, and do not require permission to use them; embed them in a presentation, in your newsletter, on your website, on your social media or email them directly to your audience. Our hope is to create dialogue on all these very important elements of the recovery community.
Haga clic aquí para videos explicativos en español
Report
The Peer Recovery CoE is pleased to share Comparative Analysis of State Requirements for Peer Support Specialist Training and Certification in the United States. In recent decades, there has been increased recognition of the value of peer recovery support services in the behavioral health field. As recognition and evidence for best practices continue to emerge, each state is continually updating its training and certification requirements to improve the quality and practices of peer support in their communities. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of state peer recovery trainings and certifications as well as provide recommendations to better support those individuals seeking information about the peer support specialist certification application process.
Funding for this initiative was made possible by grant no. 1H79TI083022 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
