Power of Peer Support Embraced at Behavioral Health Tech Conference

I had the pleasure of attending the Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech conference on June 3, 2021. Solome Tibebu is an incredibly inspiring leader and I am grateful for her cutting edge work in bringing this conference together, highlighting the positive changes that are occurring in the mental health field around behavioral health tech. 

While I learned much from all of the sessions, the one from CommonSpirit spoke to my heart!  The CommonSpirit panel acknowledged the impact of the pandemic on both staff and patients.  They have seen the impact on the mental wellness of all stakeholders through the increased exposure to trauma and the impact of stigma around mental health on seeking support. 

I was thrilled to see the power of peer support being embraced in this environment. Doug Muir, Behavioral Health System Initiative Director at Centura Health, spoke about the innovative work they are doing to enable access to power support for patients, providers and associates.  Peer to peer support is available for physicians 24 hours a day, with 100 trained peer physicians.  It is also available at Mercy with nursing peer support available in the ER, critical care and the ICU.

Having trained peer supporters available throughout all our health care organizations, to staff and patients, is the next evolution in mental wellness. I speak from experience, having managed a peer support program in the health care system for the last 5 years.  It changes lives. 

Lauren Scott - Director of Peer Support Services, MHI