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Corresponding Author

Stephen M. Davis

smdavis@hsc.wvu.edu

Author Affiliations

Stephen M. Davis, PhD,1 Amanda N. Stover, PhD, MPH2*, Herb Linn, MS1, Jon Dower3, Daniel McCawley3, Erin L. Winstanley, PhD4,5, Judith Feinberg, MD4,5,6

Author Affiliations:

1Department of Health Policy, Management and Leadership, School

of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

2Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of

Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

3Morgantown Sober Living* and Ascension Recovery Services, Inc, Morgantown, WV

4Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

5Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

6Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

*now West Virginia Sober Living

Abstract

Introduction: Central Appalachia has been disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic and overdose fatalities. We developed West Virginia Peers Enhancing Education, Recovery, and Survival (WV PEERS), a program based on peer recovery support, to engage individuals using opioids and link them with a range of services.

Methods: Community partners providing services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) were identified and collaborations were formalized using a standardized memorandum of understanding. The program was structured to offer ongoing peer recovery support specialist (PRSS) services, not just a one-time referral. A website and cards describing the WV PEERS program were developed and disseminated via community partners and community education sessions.

Results: Overall, 1456 encounters with individuals with OUD (mean= 2 encounters per individual) occurred in a variety of community settings over 8 months. The majority of referrals were from harm reduction programs. Overall, 63.9% (n=931) of individuals served by WV PEERS accessed services for substance use disorders and/or mental health problems. Over half (52.3%; n = 487) of individuals entered substance use and/or mental health treatment, and nearly a third (30.4%; n = 283) remained in treatment over six months.

Implications: Using the WV PEERS model, PRSSs effectively engaged and linked individuals with OUD to mental health and substance use treatment in rural central Appalachia. Future research is needed to determine whether these services reduce the risk of overdose mortality.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0303.04

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

WVPEERS_REDCAP_v5.24.18.pdf (215 kB)
Additional File

Recommended Citation

Davis SM, Stover A, Linn H, et al. Establishing Peer Recovery Support Services to Address the Central Appalachian Opioid Epidemic: The West Virginia Peers Enhancing Education, Recovery, and Survival (WV PEERS) Pilot Program. J Appalach Health 2021;3(3):36–50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0303.04

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