Physician and Principle Investigator Jacobs School of Medicine and UBMD Primary Care Buffalo, New York
Presentation Summary: Peer Recovery Support Specialists (hereafter: Peers) are valuable members of the team for promoting recovery among people who use substances. Peers share their own lived experience to uniquely help people access services to develop their own goals for recovery, create strategies for self-empowerment, and take steps towards building fulfilling, self-determined lives. Primary care practices are being encouraged to take on addiction treatment. However, these practices may not have the resources and knowledge necessary to address these patients’ complex needs. To address this gap, this pilot demonstration project sought to implement Peers in primary care offices for a one-year period.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will:
Describe the role, qualifications, and abilities of the Certified Recovery Peer Specialist in working in a primary care office setting.
Identify the critical components of professional development of a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist while working in a primary care office setting.
Assess the existing gaps in knowledge and understanding within primary care office settings in implementing Certified Recovery Peer Specialists within a primary care office setting.
