Volume 19| August 11th, 2020
August 2020 Newsletter
MHAAO is an inclusive peer-run organization dedicated to self-direction
honoring the voice of lived experience
Highlights Reel!
Congratulations to Nats Wright, who celebrated 3 years in recovery on July 27th!

Congratulations to Traci Lundy, who will be celebrating 6 years in recovery on August 26th!
New Staff Spotlight!
Aniel Yates,
HR Manager


"I am excited about the MHAAO mission to help those that struggle with mental health issues. 

I look forward to using my HR background and making an immediate impact on the MHAAO mission. 

For self care, I like to spend time with my family, and play video games."
Praise for Peerpocalypse!
"I want you folks to know that this series of presentations is one of the most impressive displays of people loving and caring for each other I have seen, EVER. It lifts me up and inspires me to do more and to do it better. There is hope for humanity, after all." - Kathy Orem

Providing Peer Support to the LGBTQIA+ Community:
"I appreciated Kaity's presence, openness and flexibility. Thank you for an informative and compassionate workshop!" - workshop attendee

Peer Support for Peer Support Specialists:
A Parallel Process in Trauma-Informed Care
"Kristin was incredible! She provided knowledge and the tools to implement it! I loved her humor!" - workshop attendee
Program Updates
Administration:

  • It's open enrollment, meaning that you can make changes to your benefits without penalty at this time! The last day to notify Aniel that you would like to change your coverage is August 21st. Please reach out to ayates@mhaoforegon.org if you have any questions.
  • Nicole Maupin just couldn't stay away! Starting on August 17th, she will be working part time as an HR Assistant, and part time under Peerpocalypse!
Peerpocalypse:

  • We had 540 peers in attendance!!
  • Congratulations to the admin team, the Peerpocalypse planning committee, and all of our fabulous volunteers!! We wouldn't have been able to do it without y'all!!
  • The videos are posted to https://www.mhaoforegon.org/2020-conference-slides.
PeerGalaxy:
  • Laura Rose Misaras has developed PeerGalaxy, an online peer support directory that included over 8,000 offerings in July with 268,000 webpage hits!
  • MHAAO is the fiscal sponsor for this PeerGalaxy project.
  • Check out the online calendar and COVID-19 resources here: https://www.peergalaxy.com
EVOLVE:
  • MHAAO has a new contract for 4 part-time PSS temporary positions with Blanchet House. We posted for the positions in mid-July. 
  • MHAAO has two new contracts with Kaiser Permanente for a full-time Kaiser Permanente Ambulatory PSS position and a fulltime Kaiser Permanente Recovery Pathways PSS position. We posted for these positions in mid-July. 
  • MHAAO is now hiring for a full-time PPS for the Clackamas-Choice position.
  • Finally, MHAAO is hiring for a second EVOLVE Director position now that the EVOLVE Department has grown over the last few months. 
PEERLINK NTAC:
  • Peerlink Summit was held at Peerpocalypse, with 138 participants.
  • Last Peerlink advisory board meeting.
  • Trained Guam peers on JotForm, Data, and documentation.
  • Spars quarterly reporting submitted.
  • Continued Support to Stronghold.
  • Continued Support for PU’A
TRAINING AND OUTREACH:
OPDSCo - OHA Needs Assessment
  • Marianne and Adrienne presented a workshop / discussion group at Peerpocalypse!
  • Online surveys have closed, and Comagine is beginning data analysis. 
  • Adrienne is beginning the final report writing.
University of Washington Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
  • Contract renegotiation is underway with UW, with a proposed scope of work change. 
  • The next two (and last for this year!) community of practices for peers and supervisors will be held on August 10th and 12th respectively, both at 10 AM PST. 
Oregon Peer Trainings & Innovations Center (OPTIC)
  • Hybrid PWS program will include 12 online 3-hour classes (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday throughout August, followed by in-person at a later date.
  • Almost 50 peers have signed up for the training!
  • Adrienne, Jessica, and Emily will be the facilitators.
  • OPTIC is hiring for a new position of full-time coordinator. 
  • OPTIC is accepting emails regarding co-facilitation of PWS. Send interest emails to Adrienne Scavera at ascavera@mhaoforegon.org.
OHA - Opioid and Pain Training
  • Multiple meetings have been held this month with our consultants for this project.
  • Workshop “Peers for Chronic Pain and Opioids: An Introduction” was presented by Michelle Marikos and Adrienne at Peerpocalypse.
  • Have experience with chronic pain or opioids? Reach out to Adrienne (ascavera@mhaoforegon.org) if you want to share input about the training!
PeerZone

  • Monthly PeerZone Facilitator connection webinars for USA/Canada/UK facilitators will be held August 4th at 10 AM.
  • Molly and Jimmy held a PeerZone group at Peerpocalypse!
  • Molly is doing PeerZone outreach for Washington County.
If you have stories about yourself or a peer that you would like to have featured in the newsletter, on our blog, or on our social media, please email kmccraw@mhaoforegon.org