Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: GOBHI
Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) will host the inaugural Peer Workforce Conference at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Aug. 22-23, 2024. This year’s theme, “Holistic Wellness & Self-Care,” promises to offer a rich array of content designed specifically for peer support specialists. A peer support specialist (PSS) is a mental health professional who has personal experience with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or psychological trauma and is trained to help others who are struggling with similar challenges. Their personal experience and professional training give them expertise that can’t be replicated by professional training alone. PSSs act as role models for clients and can provide a level of acceptance, understanding and validation that may not be found in other professional relationships.
Over the course of two days, attendees will have access to 16 tailored workshops, keynote speakers, and an Eastern Oregon Peer Panel, all focused on the unique needs of peer support specialists who work and live in Eastern Oregon. This conference provides a valuable opportunity for the 140 employed peer workers across Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization’s 12-county region to gather, network, and strengthen their skills.
Participants will benefit from professional development opportunities, social connections with like-minded individuals, and the chance to develop and enhance their skills. The diverse perspectives shared at the conference will foster greater understanding and support for the inclusion of peer support specialists across various organizations in Eastern Oregon. Workshops and panels include topics like: Vicarious Trauma, Behavioral Activation – Practical Tools for Peers Working with Older Adults, Practical Tools & Strategies for Working with Latino Populations, Situational Awareness & Resiliency, and many more.
The overarching goal of the 2024 Eastern Oregon Peer Workforce Conference is to advance the peer support profession and promote its integration into healthcare and community systems throughout the region.
For more information and to register, visit the conference website. Follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #EOPeers2024.