PEER Research Project

Peer-Focused Education

to Enhance Recovery (PEER)

With generous support from the CARES initiative at University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Innovations in Recovery through Infrastructure Support (IRIS) is proud to leverage its years of substance use sector capacity building with this interprofessional curriculum development project. Our core objectives are to further develop research skills for peer workers and to increase knowledge of peer recovery for health science students and professionals.

Using key stakeholder advisors representing graduate students, faculty, health science professionals, and peer workers, through a modified Delphi process we will further develop and codify curriculum materials from the successful pilot of IRIS’s Recovery Research Fellowship. We aim to enhance recovery research with greater grounding in peer recovery and diversify health science research with more people who identify as peers. Curricula will be delivered to these audiences:

Graduate students and faculty – The PEER project will partner with UMB graduate schools to infuse our peer recovery research curriculum into Master’s and PhD level courses

Tiffinee S_PEER Research Project (1).jpg

"Research has really enhanced my work as a change agent. I invite any peer who hasn’t participated in research to really get involved and see how that transformative work helps in your efforts to be a peer recovery specialist.”

Tiffinee Scott

CPRS, RPS, CHW, RCPF

President, CEO, Maryland Peer Advisory Council;

Incoming MPH Student at Johns Hopkins University

Health science professionals – We will partner with UMB’s Center for Interprofessional Education to offer a continuing education workshop on peer recovery research for social work, public health, medical, and allied professionals

Peer recovery workers – Staff from the PEER project, 3c Recovery Support Training Institute, and Appalachian Recovery Concepts will train peers to use research to improve programs, expand peer services, advocate for change, and ultimately save lives.

"As chief executive of a rural health care organization and former university instructor, I am well aware of the importance of health science students, faculty, and staff learning more about peer recovery practice and research. The more we understand peers' role and expertise, the better our healthcare system will improve residents' lives.”

Dimitri Cavathas

LCSW-C

CEO of HealthPort

For more information or to get involved, contact Project Manager and Co-Investigator, Jon Gilgoff, at jon.gilgoff@ssw.umaryland.edu.

We are excited to collectively develop peer recovery research resources and a stronger, more diverse workforce.

PEER Research Project

Peer-Focused Education

to Enhance Recovery (PEER)

Graduate students and faculty – The PEER project will partner with UMB graduate schools to infuse our peer recovery research curriculum into Master’s and PhD level courses

"Research has really enhanced my work as a change agent. I invite any peer who hasn’t participated in research to really get involved and see how that transformative work helps in your efforts to be a peer recovery specialist.”

Health science professionals – We will partner with UMB’s Center for Interprofessional Education to offer a continuing education workshop on peer recovery research for social work, public health, medical, and allied professionals

Peer recovery workers – Staff from the PEER project, 3c Recovery Support Training Institute, and Appalachian Recovery Concepts will train peers to use research to improve programs, expand peer services, advocate for change, and ultimately save lives.