The Connecticut Peer Recovery Community represents the faces and voices of nearly 30% of Connecticut residents.

I stand alongside thousands of peer recovery professionals at risk of losing their jobs, continued low wages for those who remain employed, and lack of career advancement within the professional peer recovery workforce due to the state's mandate of a new credential.

Sign this petition to send The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) message that it does not have the right to speak on behalf of Recovery Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches.

DMHAS is forcing a mandate without representation by the professional peer recovery workforce to define the standards of the new credential.

The peer recovery workforce has a credential guided by our two leading peer-run organizations that have been in place for nearly 20 years.

DMHAS unilaterally decided the peer recovery community needed to unify, then blocked the peer recovery community from participating in developing the credential.

The new credential not only threatens livelihoods but also jeopardizes the invaluable support system that helps thousands recover from substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Key Concerns Regarding the Proposed Peer Certification Process:

1. Lack of Peer Recovery Workforce Professional representation;
2. Risk of employment termination non-compliance;
3. Ambiguous requirements for Continuing Education Units (CEUs);
4. Ambiguous requirements for work and volunteering experience;
5. No public comment period;
6. Discouraging the participation of Peer Recovery Workforce Professionals in the planning and implementation process;
7. Rushed grandparenting process;
8. Provides less than 3 months for currently employed Peer Recovery Workforce Professionals to participate in the grandparenting process;
9. Confusion as to whether this process is “optional” or not;  there are no job protections in place for those who choose not to obtain the “optional” credential.
10. Peer support has always been a cost-effective, evidence based practice. This conclusion is based on a body of research that demonstrates that support from peer recovery professionals is significantly associated with:

Peer support has always been a cost-effective, evidence based practice. This conclusion is based on a body of research that demonstrates that support from peer recovery professionals is significantly associated with:

1. Reduced hospitalizations: Peer support can reduce re-hospitalization rates and the number of days spent in the hospital.
2. Improved quality of life: Peer support can help people feel more hopeful, empowered, and engaged in services.
3. Increased outpatient use: Peer support can encourage people to use outpatient services instead of inpatient services.
4. Improved self-management: Peer support can help people improve their self-care and self-management.

We must protect the peer recovery workforce from DMHAS' forced mandates that limit the voice and choice of our most vulnerable community members.

We ask that you support the 30% of Connecticut residents who experience mental health or addiction challenges and may engage in mental health and addiction services.

We asked DMHAS to pause the process until July 1, 2026, and they rejected our request. DMHAS told us that their process- which has lacked public comment periods or direct consultation with the Peer Recovery Community - has been highly inclusive.

Now, we demand that DMHAS pause all further implementation of peer certification until 2027, provide at least two opportunities for public comment, and work in direct consultation with the peer recovery community, including leadership at CCAR and AU.

Sign the petition today to support the CT Peer Recovery Community. Your signature will be instrumental in protecting jobs, securing affordable wages, and ensuring career advancement within the peer workforce. It's time for us to stand together.