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Peers Are Making a Difference
Almost half a million adults in Virginia have a substance use disorder and for more than a decade, fatal drug overdoses fueled by opioids like fentanyl have been the leading cause of unnatural deaths in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC), with support from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, is working to replicate a proven, peer-focused recovery model pioneered at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke called The HOPE Initiative.
The program incorporates Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (advocates with lived experience in long-term recovery from substance use disorder) who connect participants to a trusted network of treatment and recovery services, while helping people access holistic healthcare services within the clinic. Most recently, Crossroads Medical Mission in Bristol has launched its program called HOPE at the Crossroads.
Brooke Jenkins, Peer Recovery Specialist, finds that her personal co-occurring recovery journey has allowed her to heal from adverse childhood experiences and live life transparently. This transparency and healing has allowed her to live in freedom from addiction. "In essence, a Peer helped me in my recovery journey and that is what I want to do for others," she shared. She knows how important peer support can be during recovery and has successfully completed peer certification in Tennessee and Virginia in addition to Narcan training.
"I want to create a ripple of healing in my community. I want to show others how recovery is possible and remind families that even when it seems impossible, their loved one and family unit can be restored through the recovery process. I want to "recover loudly so that others do not die silently". I want to tear down the walls of stigma, so recovery is always a championed option. It is a true privilege to be invited into people's lives right where they are in their mess, and hurt, and shame and show them they aren't alone, and they are loved."
Niki Roberston is another Peer Recovery Specialist who began working towards her certification as soon as she learned of the opportunity to use her lived experiences with co-occuring disorders to help others. She has committed herself to her work, building connections and relationships within the community to give recovery a voice. She is steadfast in her advocacy for those dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. She continues on her path of healing by focusing on service to others.
"I hope to save lives in our community. I hope to educate our community on the current MH and SUD crisis that we are facing. I hope to decrease the stigma associated with both so that all members of our community understand the importance of helping others that are struggling with a mental health or SUD crisis."
