IL Peer Professionals WINTER Newsletter! | | |
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Hello Winter Season to IL Peer Professionals
and NIAPP Members!
Celebrate the turn of the season with NIAPP!
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Meet NIAPP's First Employee
Christa Cornelius!
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NIAPP Program Manager!
On November 13, 2023, Christa Cornelius became NIAPP's historic first employee, hired as a Program Manager for the Illinois' leading professional association for peer supporters and our partners.
NAMI Illinois, under the leadership of Andy Wade, has been instrumental in their support of peer professionals and in their vision of peer support as an champion for change in the mental health field.
NIAPP couldn't be happier to welcome Christa with all her talents, abilities, and intelligence to help lead IL Peer Professionals forward! Please welcome her aboard!
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NIAPP'S HISTORIC 1ST STAFF MEMBER!
CHRISTA CORNELIUS, MHP, CRSS
PROGRAM MANAGER
To Illinois Peer Professionals and Partners:
It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the new Program Manager for NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP). With a background in education, training, and office management, a deep understanding of policies and ethical responsibilities related to recovery support, and a passion for assisting individuals during their personal and professional journeys, I am excited about being a part of this organization’s mission and purpose.
My experience includes working within educational systems, providing community outreach services, collaboration and teamwork, and CRSS training program development. I have been able to be a part of curriculum development, engage in policy and ethical decision-making, and provide supportive guidance to individuals who are working toward certification.
I quickly learned that I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture in the Peer Support movement, which led me to this organization. I am honored to have been chosen to provide quality service to the community of peer professionals in the state of Illinois. I look forward to advancing peer-based services, being a link to all involved, and advocating for those working in the field.
Thank you and I look forward to being a part of such an incredible team!
Best,
Christa Cornelius
Christa Cornelius, MHP, CRSS
Program Manager- NIAPP
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NAMI IL 2023 Conference!
Members and advocates from around the state of Illinois gathered at Moraine Valley Community College is Palos Hills for NAMI Illinois' Statewide Conference "Stronger Together: Transforming Mental Health in Illinois" October 20-21.
NIAPP had a presence at this amazing event listening to incredible speakers, learning about remarkable successes, and even having our very own NIAPP Board President, Becky Brasfield, and Board Membership Chair, Pooja Nagpal, present!
This was an unforgettable event and were honored to be a part of it!
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Lisa Guardiola and Becky Brasfield presented "Energizing the Recovery Movement: Peers, Advocates, and Supporters Together" which engaged learners by covering a brief history of peer support and the organization of NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP). | Pictured: Lisa Guardiola, Becky Brasfield, Pooja Nagpal (Board Members) | |
NAMI Illinois Executive Director, Andy Wade leads the statewide efforts to support and develop NAMI affiliates, lead statewide advocacy and public awareness, and convene strategic initiatives that advance access, parity, and equity in Illinois’ mental health systems. He is a strong supporter and ally to NIAPP and we are so grateful for his leadership. | Pictured: John Fallon, co-founder of NIAPP, NAMI IL Board Member and Becky Brasfield | |
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Henry Tyler (NIAPP Board Member, pictured) writes "Delighted to share in such an event, hearing of the progress of NAMI and mingling with old and new acquaintances."
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NIU Presence at the Conference:
NIU CRSS Success Student, Samika Baskerville volunteered to support the NIAPP Presentation on Saturday.
Thank you to Samika!
Chris Huber, CRSS Success Program Ambassador and NIU Graduate Student also spoke for NIAPP during the Saturday Presentation and emphasized that "Recovery is Possible!"
Mark Link, CRSS Success Student was in attendance from the NIU program. It was fantastic seeing RSS/CRSS and other Peer Professionals represented at the conference!
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STATEMENT FROM MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA:
This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the Department of Health and Human Services issued a final Physician Fee Schedule rule. A fact sheet summarizes major provisions in the rule, and affiliates are encouraged to review the fact sheet for policies regarding telehealth, behavioral health integration, and increased rates paid for psychological services. A press release summarizes the impact on equity and the behavioral health strategy. Of particular importance to our affiliates and entities that provide behavioral health services, the new rule includes marriage and family therapists, licensed mental health counselors, and addiction counselors in the Medicare program. It allows them to bill for services, including integrated care services.
The rule also creates two new services: community health integration (CHI) and principal illness navigation (PIN) services. Community health workers can address social determinants of health by providing CHI services. Peer support specialists and others can provide PIN services to help an individual receive comprehensive services and supports toward meeting their goals in a person-centered plan. Due to comments generated by MHA and other peer organizations, CMS created separate codes specific to PIN services provided by peer support specialists. This is a significant change from the proposed rule and shows that comments are important. Thank you so much to all our affiliates and supporters who submitted comments.
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NIAPP submitted public comments to CMS on 9-11-23 in support of separate codes for Peer Support Specialists and Medicare billable services for Peer Support Specialists.
Congratulations on our advocacy!
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December:
International Day of People
with Disabilities- December 3
A day designated to recognizing and valuing diversity in the world, regardless of abilities. A day of optimism and action to create a world that accepts equal human rights.
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January is:
Mental Wellness Month
National Mentoring Month
February is:
International Boost Self-Esteem Month
Random Acts of Kindness Day:
February 17
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) Week
February 26-March 1
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NAMI South Suburbs is hiring!!
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Envision Unlimited are looking for 3 or 4 part-time CRSS or RSS professionals to work for their new Living Room located at 3325 Vollmer Rd. Flossmoor, IL 60422. The hours are from Noon to 8:pm Monday through Friday and the hourly rate is $18 dollars per hour.
If interested, please forward your contact information with a cover letter and resume to Lisa Guardiola at namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com or call the NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago affiliate phone number at 1-708-852-9126.
Click here to view the
Job Description
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Holidays can be hard.
Setting boundaries can be even harder, but is an act of self-care to be celebrated. Click here to read "10 Realistic Ways to Set Boundaries with Others During the Holidays" written by Sydni Ellis for the Huffington Post.
Some consider the holiday season to be "The Most Difficult Time of the Year." Check out Daniel H. Gillison, Jr's NAMI article here.
Campbell County Wyoming Health Department shared this great article about "Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Holidays."
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Need support during the holidays?
Illinois Warm Line
Call 1(866) 359-7953
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours)
1(800) 273-TALK (8255)
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Psychiatry Advisor featured an article titled "Exploring the Value of Peer Support for Mental Health" which outlines scientific evidence, peer support vs clinical support, the journey from patient to peer, and the future of peer support.
“There is a lot of value in sharing with people who have overcome similar mental health challenges. Peer support builds confidence and hope for healing,” says psychotherapist Hilary Jacobs Hendel, author of the award-winning book, It’s Not Always Depression
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Experts by Experience are Invaluable in Mental Health: but how are they?
Experts and professionals have essential skills and knowledge, but most decision-makers would recognise (in theory, at least) that those who have personal experience of living with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia or other mental health challenges can bring something special and different.
But what, exactly, do they bring?
To read "Experts by Experience" and consider how it impacts Peer Professionals, click on the link below:
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Ready to Certify?
We can assist!
Reach out for assistance with the CRSS/CPRS application, testing, and certification process.
EMAIL NIAPP
CRSS Model
CRSS Application
CRSS Study Guide
CPRS Model
CPRS Application
CPRS Study Guide
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Recovery from Substance Use and Mental Health Problems Among Adults in the United States
SAMHSA released a brief report from adults 18 and older who have self-reported recovery from their use of drugs or alcohol and/or mental health challenges.
The findings help share a clearer picture about recovery and how future efforts can assist in sustaining recovery from mental health and substance sure conditions.
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TU Collaborative Seeks Youth with Serious Mental Health Conditions to Share Their Perceptions About Participating in Research
If you’re 18 to 30 years old, have been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition, and are willing to complete a one-time interview of 30 to 60 minutes via phone or Zoom on your feelings about participating in research, the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion hopes to hear from you. Participants will receive a $20 e-gift card. Interested?
Email elizabeth.thomas@temple.edu, or text "INTERESTED" to (267) 845-5165, or call (215) 204-1699.
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Are you a young person or an adult ally involved in youth peer support? We want to understand what works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed to advance youth peer support.
Take this anonymous 5-minute survey to help us create policy and practice recommendations to increase access to youth peer support.
This survey was created by members of Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator, and the insight you provide will help inform and strengthen their policy advocacy. With your help, we can ensure all young people have access to peer support wherever and whenever they need it.
Your voice matters, and we're excited to hear from you!
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Upcoming Trainings:
December
Science That is Needed to Support Unlocking the Potential of Recovery Community Centers 12/1/23 @ 11am
Register here
The Art of Pushing & Pulling Through Stages of Change 12/6/23 @ 2pm
Register here
Motivational Interviewing for Recovery Support Staff 12/13/23 @ 1pm
Register here
The Intersection of Harm Reduction and Peer Support: Moving Beyond Abstinence-Based Models 12/13/23 @ 1pm
Register here
The Science of Shame and Why It Matters: Awareness for Supervisors and Practitioners 12/13/23 @ 2pm
Register here
Virtual Community Listening Forum
12/14/23 @ 10:30am-12:00pm
Register here
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POLL RESULTS and NEW POLL!
Fall Poll Question:
What do you consider Family Members of people with mental health and substance use conditions?
Family Peer Support 33%
Peers 33%
Family members are not Peers 22%
Lived Experience 11%
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Help us understand the needs of peer professionals by answering our newest poll!
Answers are anonymous
THANK YOU!
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| What would be MOST HELPFUL in preparing for the ICB exam (CRSS or CPRS)? | | | |
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The College of DuPage’s CRSS Certificate Program trains students to become Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) in Illinois. It is supported by an Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) grant through June of 2024. COD’s training meets the certification standards for education and practical experience hours and prepares students to enter the professional field of recovery support. The curriculum consists of (5) classes totaling 16 credit hours and includes a 300-hour internship:
- The Recovery Process
- Ethics and Legal Issues
- Recovery Support Specialist 1
- Recovery Support Specialist 2
- Fieldwork 1 (Internship of 300 hrs.)
For further information contact:
Nancy Ortiz-Romero, Student Success Coach: Ortiz-romeron@cod.edu
Or
Bruce Sewick, CRSS Grant Coordinator: sewick@cod.edu
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What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors
by National Association of Peer Supporters
Looking for something to read this winter? How about picking up a copy of an incredible book written by NAPS!
This book is about the practice of peer support from its origins in self-help to its continuing evolution as a profession. It provides some history, research, values, and guidelines of peer support brought together from conference presentations from real-world practitioners. Written by NAPS members for NAPS members and others, it aligns with foundational memes: "Nothing about us without us" and "Each one Teach one". Each chapter contains information from the front-line practitioners and peer support allies who are crafting the profession on a daily basis.
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IL Peer Professionals and Supporters:
JOIN NIAPP TODAY!
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NIAPP Membership has helped Peer Professionals gain promotions, network for job interviews, enhance their portfolio and experience, and gain government appointments!
By contributing your leadership skills to NIAPP, you contribute to your career and the future of Peer Support!
Membership is available at $5/year (only $.42/month) (or $40/year or $60/year).
We hope you will invest in the future of Illinois Peers as a Peer or a Supporter!
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If you have information related to Professional Peer Support that you would like to suggest for our upcoming newsletter, please send materials and suggestions to:
Email: niapp@namiillinois.org
Subject: "Newsletter"
Thank you for supporting Illinois Peer Professionals!
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