What is a statewide peer organization?

A statewide mental health peer and “consumer” organization is designated in each state to impact policies, practices and systems to facilitate recovery from mental health and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. 

Nationally, other statewide peer and “consumer” organizations have lead their states in establishing:

• Peer-operated respites (Massachusetts Groundhogs)

• Affordable housing (On Our Own of Maryland)

• Patient rights representation (Vermont Psychiatric Survivors)

• Forensic peer support training and services (Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumer Association)

• Peer Intensive Care Services (Tennessee Mental Health Consumer Association)

• Recovery education (VOCAL-Virginia) 

• Operation of peer-run networks, programs, trainings, certifications, and initiatives