OPB: How a community college is helping meet growing demand for peer support specialists in Central Oregon

This article from OPB discusses Central Oregon Community College’s initiative to train peer support specialists. It highlights the growing demand for these specialists in addressing substance use disorder and mental health issues, particularly in rural areas. The program, which is the first of its kind in Central Oregon, includes a mix of online and in-person sessions and focuses on equipping individuals with lived experiences in recovery to assist others facing similar challenges. Key figures involved in the program, including a course participant and a faculty member, share their insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of peer support in the recovery process.

For more details, you can read the full article on OPB’s website: https://www.opb.org/article/2022/10/25/think-out-loud-peer-support-central-oregon-community-college/