May, 2019
Peer Support Specialists and Recovery Services
The effectiveness of Peer Support Specialists can be attributed to their coming from a place of lived experience, allowing them to relate on a personal level to individuals currently experiencing SUD/ OUD (Substance Use Disorder/ Opioid Use Disorder). For individuals with SUD/ OUD, having the ability to talk with and relate to someone who has been in their shoes can make all the difference maintaining their sobriety or experiencing relapse. Check out the resources below to learn more and tune into this month's Indian Country Opioid Response Community of Learning session!
Promising Practices in Indian Country
The Transitional Recovery & Culture (TRAC) Project by the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leader Council, based in Billings, Montana, was launched in collaboration with Community Innovations in 2016. The TRAC Program targets tribal members living on or near the Crow Reservation and the Billings area. The program focuses on delivering tribally-led, peer support services by pairing individuals with a Peer Leader, (aka a Peer Support Specialist), as well as referrals to wraparound services such as housing and food assistance.

Click the above image or visit the The Rocky Mountain Tribal Council's TRAC Project web page to learn more.
In addition to providing guidance on MAT and other clinic-based treatment options, SAMHSA also provides guidance on Recovery Support Services and Peer Support Coaches. The "Peers Supporting Recovery in Substance Use Disorder" infographic provides an overview of what Recovery Support Services and Peer Support Coaches are and how they assist people with SUD/ OUD, as well as the effectiveness of Peer Support Coaches.

Click the above image above to view the infographic or visit SAMHSA's webpage to view more resources.
Upcoming Events & Educational Opportunities
May:

June:
Join the Substance Use Disorder ECHO clinic, held the 1 st & 3 rd Thursday of every month at 11am PST. The 1 hour clinics include the opportunity to present cases, receive recommendations & become part of a learning community. Visit the teleECHO Clinic website to learn more.
To submit an article for the June newsletter or share upcoming events & educational opportunities, email [email protected] with the subject line "Opioid Response Newsletter" by May 15 th .