Peer Support Services are rich in history and deeply rooted in cultivating meaningful and authentic relationships that honor and respect the experiences, voices, and choices of individuals and communities. Whether anchored in rights activism, the centering of equity, multiple pathways, or any other intersectional identities and needs, Peer support work embodies the understanding of “nothing about us without us.”
The Substance Use and Mental Health Peer Conference 2024 Committee extends an invitation to you to participate as an exhibitor at our next conference, which is being sponsored by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The theme of our eighth annual peer conference on substance use and mental health is “Peer Support at the Roots.” The event will take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Silberman School of Social Work/Hunter College, 2180 Third Avenue (119th Street), New York, New York 10035.
This free, one-day conference will bring together Professional Peers, supervisors, and host of other providers in the mental health and substance use disorder communities. Peer support services are in demand as it continues to grow. It is integral that we protect the fidelity and integrity of the work, highlighting and valuing our lived expertise. Voices of peer support matter now more than ever in collectively ensuring OUR work remains true to its origins, its roots! This conference will cover career development, lived/living expertise, DEI, and peer supervision. You don’t want to pass up this wonderful opportunity!
As an exhibitor, we kindly request that your agency or organization set up an exhibit table and supply any educational or informational leaflets, pamphlets, or freebies that the conference attendees may find useful. Your involvement will ensure the success of this event. Additionally, a Career Fair featuring providers with internship and employment opportunities for peers offering peer support services will be held throughout the conference. About 200 peers and providers are anticipated to attend. This is a chance to connect, exchange information, and network with other conference attendees. You will receive a table and two seats when setup starts at 9:00 a.m. Please bring your tablecloth.
Please fill out the enclosed Substance Use and Mental Health Peer Conference Registration Form and send it back by Friday, November 8, 2024, if you would like to be an exhibitor. Email to Sylvia Hart (Sylvia.Hart@oasas.ny.gov) or Marisa Planck (Marisa Planck (mplanck@health.nyc.gov)
Thank you for considering participation in our Substance Use and Mental Health Peer Conference
Brenda Harris-Collins
Brenda
Harris-Collins Director of the Recovery Bureau and SDOH Bureau Division, Addiction Treatment and Recovery
NYS
OASAS
Brenda.Harris-Collins@oasas.ny.gov
CHINAZO CUNNINGHAM, MD Commissioner
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Heartwarming CAMPAIGN
CFLR supports individuals struggling with addiction, mental health and behavioral issues by inspiring hope, providing help, promoting wellness and transforming lives Serving the Mohawk Valley, we are committed to support those in greatest need.
As part of the Erin’s Light efforts, CFLR is collecting for and creating Holiday Hope Gift bags for 200 men, 200 women and 50 children during our street outreach along with local shelters and another 50 families referred through our school and family services.
Amazon Wish List items can be purchased and monetary donations going toward the Holiday Hope Gifts Bags can also be made by scanning the QR codes below.
*Please note all donations should be in by December 6th, 2024*
Advocates are individuals who have a High School Diploma/GED or higher that provide coaching, support, guidance and motivation.
Friends of Recovery-
2024 YOUTH POLICY STATEMENT
Based on data gathered from our statewide Youth Recovery Needs Survey, developed and administered by Youth Voices Matter - NY center survey, in collaboration with OASAS Youth Clubhouse members and leadership, along with youth and young adult recovery community partners, we have identified THREE priorities for our 2024 Youth Policy Statement. We call on the Governor and the NYS Legislature to take the following actions immediately to address the needs of young people in the Recovery Community across NYS.
Provide equitable accessibility to support services for all communities, specifically for youth and young adults, across the state of New York to support the growth of their recovery capital.
• Investing $5 million in the development of more integrated services that would provide treatment and recovery services around primary care, mental health and substance use for young people with dual diagnoses.
• An additional $5 million in funding for mental health recovery support services for youth ages 12-20 and young adults ages 21-30 in a non-clinical setting.
• The development and expansion of Care Coordinated Services for young adults ages 18-30 with health insurance so that they are accessing the appropriate managed care associated with their insurance.
• The inclusion of $5 million in funding for the expansion of wrap around services within the shelter system for homeless youth and young adults in recovery.
• Increase funding by $5 million for more transitional housing programs focused on assisting young adults in recovery.
• Inclusion of additional $5 million in funding for the development of more age-specific job-readiness training and certifications for youth ages 14-17 and young adults ages 18-30 in recovery.
Accessible recovery friendly educational opportunities provide youth and young adults with support needed to feel successful and supported in their recovery.
• An additional $2 million in funding for more continuing education and vocational programs for youth and young adults ages 17-21 in recovery.
• $1 million in funding for the development of new recovery programs within high schools and collegiate campuses and additional support for existing recovery programs within these systems.
Youth and Young adults who are in recovery, need recovery spaces that are led by youth, for youth. This supports our youth and young adults to feel more understood and better supported by peers of their same age groups from their communities, who are also in recovery.
• Investing in recovery specific scholarship programs that provide recovery certifications and initiatives to create more employment opportunities for young adults in recovery (ages 17-30) to become Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA).
• Increase in funding for the establishment and continued services of Youth Recovery Community Organizations (YRCOs) and youth clubhouses within all 62 counties of New York State.
POLICY CORNER
Take the survey and help form the FOR-NY 2025 Policy Agenda. The purpose of this survey is to create a peer
https://forms.o ce.com/r/z5B7FeJCd9
Dear Recovery Warriors,
As we approach this upcoming election season we want to remind you of the IMMENSE POWER and IMPACT your vote holds, especially for our substance use community!
Voting is our most fundamental right and essential part of being an engaged citizen. It allows us to have a say in shaping policies, the future of our communities and country.
Voting Ensures:
1.Our Voice in Decision-Making:
Voting provides us with the opportunity to express our opinions and choose representatives who will make decisions on our behalf. When you cast a vote, you have a chance to select a leader who aligns with your values and address issues most important to you. It is also imperative we all take the time to do our research and identify candidates best suited to support the needs of our community
2. Influencing Policies and Change
YOU have the power to shape the policies and laws that govern your communities. Elected officials rely on the voices of their constituents to help shape their policy decisions. It is incumbent on all of us to be active participants to help shape legislation that have impacts on our everyday lives.
3. Accountability
Voting is an essential tool for holding our elected officials accountable. Don’t like what your Governor said about the Recovery Community at a press conference? Casting your vote allows you to let that be known! Elected representatives our supposed to represent our values and if your representative doesn’t, work to vote them out!
Your vote can help ensure that our community receives the essential support, programs and resources it deserves. Your Vote Matters and together we can make a difference.
2024 POLICY STATEMENT
Friends of Recovery - New York (FOR-NY) is a statewide Recove7 Community Organization (RCO) dedicated to advocating with and on behalf of millions o individuals and fami l ies impacted by addiction and recovery across New York State. Together, we work to educate decision makers and the general public on the power and promise of recovery.
The FOR-NY October 2023 Survey was distributed to the NYS Recovery Community and results have reconf irmed three identified priorities from our 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Policy Statements: Housing, Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, and Transportation The survey results have also reaffirmed the va lu e of our poli cy position on racia l justice. As informed by the survey results and the NYS Recovery Community, be low is our 2024 Policy Statement. As a community, we call on the Governor and the NYS Legislature to take immediate action to address these priorities and the addiction crisis in NYS:
RACIAL JUSTICE , HARM REDUCTION & ALL PATHWAYS OF RECOVERY
FOR-NY is an anti-racist organization that embraces the l ifesaving principles of harm reduction and all pathways of recovery. We are dedicated to el i minating rac i al injustice and the stigma associated with addict io n and active use. We are committed to promoting an ongoing process of healing and reconciliation in order to dismantle racism and inequity. Our organization's values are rooted in the bel ief that all members of our community are valued at all levels.
PRIORITY #1: HOUSING
• Housing funded across the continuum
• Promotes person - centered and evidence-based practices
Promotes multiple pathways to recovery
• Ensures qua lity, integrity and non-exploitable
• Housin g that su pports use of Medicatio n Su pp orted Recover y.
PRIORITY #2: ACCESS TO EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT & WRAP-AROUND SERVICES
• Treatment and Recovery support services on demand and connection to local recovery communities after overdose
• Anyone in need must have 24/7 access to detox, treatment and recovery support services.
• Co llab oration and connectivity between MH/SUD services & community-based programs
• Access to the NYS Peer certified workfo rc e across the continuum and integration into "unconventiona l settings"- Emergency Departments, Court System, Housing, etc.
• Increased access of Recovery support services for BIPOC, Queer, Rural, & Justice-involved
• Creating permanent and sustainable funding for ALL community-based programs regardless of size, location, or affiliations
• Create a permanent funding model to ensure at least one Recovery Community Organization (RCO), Recovery Commun ity Outreach Center (RCOC) and Youth Clubhouse in each county and ensure that at least two Certified Recovery Peer Advocates and two Ce rtified Family Support Navigators exist in every county in NY
• RFAs and RFPs prioritizing community-based organizations that have no mechanism for reimbursement, in c ludin g RCOs, RCOCs and Harm Reduction Organizations
• Education and assistance with grant writing for sma l l community-based organizations
• Increase awareness around SUD to reduce sti g ma within local communities.
• Access to safe and supportive environments for those in Recovery
• En sure a livable wage and employment opportunities for the Peer Workforce Increased education, training and professional development for the Peer Workforce
• In c rease education and training fo r Employers to redu ce stigma around SUD in the workp la ce
• Adoption of Department of Labor best practices ensuring Recovery Friendly Workplaces with NYS Governor support.
PRIORITY #5: TRANSPORTATION
• Development of statewide non-clinical, recovery supportive transportation services program
• Reimbursement for peer-led transportation services regardless of treatment affi l iation
• Expand sustainable t ransportation opportunities within Rural Communities.
