BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum are inviting stakeholders and the public to the first-ever Peer Support Day at the Capitol on Nov. 7 to highlight the importance of peer support services in North Dakota and recognize the hard work, dedication and passion of peer support specialists.
Peer Support Day was announced during the second Recovery Reinvented event in September. Behavioral health advocates, peer support specialists, individuals who have received peer support services, behavioral health and health care providers, state and local decision-makers and others interested in learning more about peer support are encouraged to attend.
Participants will learn about the essential role peer support plays in recovery and how to connect with trained peer support specialists and providers. The governor also will sign a proclamation. Individuals can show their support by using the hashtag #supportpeersupport.
Peer support specialists bring hope by sharing their experiences and promoting a sense of belonging. Peer support has existed in the behavioral health field for decades but has grown rapidly in recent years due to increasing evidence supporting its effectiveness. The Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division has trained 100 peer support specialists so far this year and has three additional training sessions slated in November and December. Learn more about the training at https://www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov/. For more information about peer support, visit www.parentslead.org/professionals/treatment-recovery/peer-support.
What: Peer Support Day at the Capitol
Who: Gov. Doug Burgum, First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, Behavioral Health Division officials, peer support specialists and other stakeholders.
When: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7
Where: Memorial Hall, State Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck.