Fellowship Produces 17 Valuable Studies

After an extensive 10-month learning process, the IRIS Recovery Research Fellowship came to a close on June 20th. As part of their last learning session, Fellows presented their substance use recovery research projects and position paper on peer workforce integration at a community research dissemination and celebratory graduation event at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Much of the Fellows’ research centered on peer recovery and harm reduction services, including around peers’ role in supporting MOUD, the financial value placed on their work, and in various settings including serving women with SUD, recovery re-entry homes, adolescent clubhouses, and university research roles. Training for peer workers was also examined, including comparing peer certification requirements in Maryland to other states. Other topics included emergency room knowledge gaps on emergent drugs, the impact of survivor-led trainings on intimate partner violence for addiction counselors, and the need and desirability of a local syringe exchange program.

Results indicated that ongoing efforts are needed to increase peers’ compensation, reduce stigma, and facilitate upward mobility. Though most peers felt well integrated into the workforce and that they had access to relevant training opportunities, more professional development was called for around technology, leadership development, and assistance with social determinants of health. Peers saw many potential benefits to the new Medicaid reimbursement policy for peer services, like better salaries and greater recognition, but also anticipated challenges like bureaucratic barriers and wage differentials between peers covered and not covered under the policy. There was a call for more information and greater preparation for peers to navigate policy requirements including newly required paperwork.

IRIS salutes MPAC for this important contribution to the knowledge base of the peer workforce! 

Behavioral Health Leadership Institute (BHLI)
Expansion of Jail Services & Training BPD About Harm Reduction Treatment
BHLI is thrilled to announce that it is initiating two new initiatives. First, BHLI is launching an expansion of services inside the jail it currently offers Behind the Bars by bringing in a BHLI PCARE physician to the release area of the jail to talk with patients ready for release who have either been in treatment inside at the clinic or who are interested in treatment. The physician will do a quick intake to the van program and provide a linkage to the van for continuing scripts. Second, pursuant to its new partnership with BPD-Eastern District, BHLI will be training the BPD at roll call about harm reduction treatment of OUD and about BHLI. Then, when officers on the street encounter an individual who needs treatment, rather than arrest, they will call BHLI to send out a member of the outreach team to connect with the individual and, if appropriate, offer to bring them to the van to enroll in its treatment program and who is interested in medication.