The report summarizes findings from the first annual conference of the National Peer Support Collaborative Learning Network, which convened leaders in peer support, community health, primary care, and behavioral health to discuss current strengths and future needs of the field.

Read the press release or download the report.

Last month, our spotlight weighed the benefits and challenges of Accreditation and Certification in Peer Support. Building on that theme, this month’s spotlight looks at the Council on Accreditation of Peer Recovery Support Services, the only accrediting body in the US for peer support services. What does this model of accreditation signal for the future of peer support programs? [ Read more]

HelpAround Just Brought Your Peer Support Program to the Smartphone

HelpAround is a mobile app for people with chronic diseases that enables users to find peers around them wherever and whenever they need help or advice. [ Read our blog]

Council on Accreditation of Peer Recovery Support Services

The Council on Accreditation of Peer Recovery Support Services is the only accrediting body in the US for recovery-centered community organizations and other programs offering peer recovery support services for addiction. In the first round of awards, five organizations received full accreditation status. [ Read more]

Peer Specialist Training and Certification Programs: A National Overview

Research Briefs  

Peer Support to Decrease Diabetes-Related Distress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study describes the design of a parallel group randomized controlled trial of a six session group-based peer support intervention, delivered by peer leaders and group psychotherapists, compared with one educational meeting on diabetes. The primary outcome measure for this study is diabetes-related distress. Secondary outcomes include self-management behavior, well-being and health-related quality of life. [ Abstract]

Engaging Community With Promotores de Salud to Support Infant Nutrition and Breastfeeding Among Latinas Residing in Los Angeles County: Salud con Hyland's

The Salud con Hyland's Project: Comienzo Saludable, Familia Sana (Health with Hyland's Project: Healthy Start, Healthy Family) was developed to provide education and support to Latina mothers regarding healthy infant feeding practices and maternal health. Positive results indicate that the intervention increased intention of breastfeeding exclusivity as well as delay in infant initiation of solids through 5 to 6 months. [ Abstract]

An Instructional Design Model for Culturally Competent Community Health Worker Training

CHWs must be certified by the state of Texas to practice within its borders, and continuing education is required to maintain certification. By involving CHWs and community members in its curriculum development process, the Texas Public Health Training Center produces training modules suited for this unique and important segment of the public health workforce. The iterative curriculum development process is described here, along with a state-approved curriculum resulting from this method. [ Abstract]

Listening to Community Health Workers: How Ethnographic Research Can Inform Positive Relationships among Community Health Workers, Health Institutions, and Communities

Ethnographic research can play an important role in creating effective CHW programs, by 1) elucidating the life histories that shape CHWs' desire to alleviate their own and others' economic and health challenges, and by 2) addressing the working relationships that exist among CHWs, intended beneficiaries, and health officials. This paper briefly discusses ethnographic research with 3 groups of CHWs: volunteers involved in HIV/AIDS care and treatment support in Ethiopia and Mozambique and Lady Health Workers in Pakistan. [ Abstract]

National Council for Behavioral Health Conference ’14 (May 5-7 in National Harbor, MD)

5th Annual Patient Navigator/Community Health Worker Conference (May 8 in Norwood, MA)

NACHC National Farmworkers Health Conference (May 14-16 in Delray Beach, FL)

PCPCC Western Regional Conference (June 9-10 in Denver, CO)

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