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Arkansas DHS Peer Support Conference to help those struggling with substance abuse, mental illness


Goal is to grow network of peer recovery support specialists


By Amy Webb
Arkansas Dept. of Human Services

Dealing with the impact of drug use, addiction, and mental illness is tough, but there are special people and services that can help. That’s why the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS) and state Drug Director Kirk Lane are co-sponsoring “Peer Evolution 2021,” a free in-person peer support conference on September 8-10 at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock.

The conference will raise awareness about the importance of peer recovery and support with a goal of increasing the number of Peer Recovery Support Specialists in Arkansas. These peers are individuals who have experienced mental illness or drug addiction but are now in recovery and work to help others overcome their struggles.

Conference organizer Jimmy McGill, Chairman for the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee and State Opioid Response Coordinator for the Office of the State Drug Director, knows all too well the impact of peer support. After confronting his own substance abuse issues, McGill has led the development of peer recovery throughout Arkansas. READ MORE.

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