Woo-Hoo!
The Michigan Department of Community Health placed certified peer support specialists in two federally qualified health centers; these staff members offer support services to individuals with co-occurring medical and mental health diagnoses, including substance abuse disorders. The centers care for many patients with mental health conditions deemed to be mild or moderate in nature. These individuals have not had services provided by a certified peer support specialist and do not meet the criteria in the traditional behavioral health system for community mental health provider support. After receiving referrals from health center providers, the peer specialists meet with individuals to discuss medical and behavioral health needs, develop wellness plans, provide educational information as health coaches and links to community services, offer emotional support, and facilitate the provision of medical care. Peer specialists also run support groups and may accompany individuals to support group meetings and medical appointments. They document services provided in an electronic medical record accessible to all providers. The program has enhanced access to support services and generated high levels of satisfaction among both individuals and peer specialists; several stories suggest the program has helped to improve the physical and mental health of some individuals.