Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon

Direct peer delivered services mhaao has been in operation for 21 years and in 2014, mhaao launched its direct peer-delivered services program, the evolve department, as one of the first truly low-barrier, community-based peer support programs in the portland area. While staying true to its roots, mhaao has experienced continuous and steady growth and now comprises over 35 unique peer service programs. For nearly a decade, mhaao has successfully implemented and provided direct peer support services across multnomah, clackamas, and Washington counties. Mhaao peer support specialists use their own lived experiences of Mental Health and/or substance use challenges and recovery to connect with and support their peers individuals who are navigating similar experiences and are seeking support. All direct service staff at mhaao identify as having lived experience of Mental Health - continued on schedule o

Training, technical assistance, and workforce development in addition to direct peer-delivered services in our evolve and pathway home departments, mhaao is proud to offer our state and nationally-approved peer wellness specialist (pws) training program and our annual peer leadership conference, peerpocalypse. Our annual conference is a professional development and community-building opportunity for the peer workforce, where peer specialists from across the nation gather to learn, network, and share experiences, knowledge, and resources with each other.