FLATWOODS, W.Va. — Many times those who have come through the opioid epidemic want to use their personal experiences to help those currently in the throes of the addiction. That eagerness to help is on display at a conference this week in Flatwoods.
The state Department of Health and Human Resources is hosting the West Virginia Peer Recovery Support Services Conference. DHHR Bureau for Behavioral Health Commissioner Christina Mullins tells MetroNews the interest in the conference has exceeded expectations.
“We had set a goal of 240 individuals and we’ve exceeded that goal. We’re completely full and we’re over the moon thrilled with The turnout for the event,” Mullins said.
Those in attendance are receiving training to sharpen their efforts as peer recovery specialists so their work with those addicted to opioids will be efficient and successful, Mullins said.
“We want to help them to have access to all of the latest evidence-based services that are available and to help them build their skills. We want to try and develop career ladders for those working in this field,” Mullins said.
Peer workers are also learning about ethical guidelines and how to respond to overdose survivors.
Mullins said she’s very encouraged by the number of ;peer counselors interested in getting better at what they do. She predicted it would be a growing key to the state’s ongoing response to the epidemic.
“It tells me there’s an overwhelming interest and the people are committed and dedicated to this,” Mullins said. “We’ve said for a long time this is an all-hands-on-deck response and this just shows to me the community commitment to participating and helping us in this fight.”
Mullins said who is better to help than someone who has already been there.
“They’ve experienced treatment and know what the ins and outs are. They can guide you through hard days, tough times, because they have already lived that experience,” she said.
Nationally peer recovery services are seeing increased attention as a growing field and the evidence is growing that it’s a practice that decreases relapse and increases quality of care, Mullins said.
“I do believe it’s going to continue to grow.. All of the planets are lining up so to speak. Medicaid is acknowledging that this is a vital part of the continuum of care. They are reimbursing for services. Agencies are hiring peer recovering specialists, the courts are acknowledging the value of it. It’s just an amazing response and I think it will be a workforce we can really tap in to,” Mullins said.
Those who attended the Flatwoods conference also heard from Bob Hansen, Director of DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy, The conference was scheduled to end Wednesday afternoon.