2-1-1 & SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES Florida Veterans Support Line

Peer Services “Peer delivered services … are based upon the premise that an individual with a “lived experience” is uniquely able to contribute to the rehabilitation and recovery of a person needing services.” Source:

Why are Peer Services Important for Veterans? Evidenced-Based Best Practice  Research dating back to at least early 1990’s  AA and NA Ten Fundamental Components of Recovery (SAMHSA, 2004) Deeper level of understanding and empathy sharing personal stories Military culture highly values the importance of peers  Battle buddies

Veteran Peer Services Are… NOT a replacement for treatment provided by professional mental or behavioral health professionals Culturally sensitive and not time limiting Mirror healthy supportive relationships Predictable and reliable

An Important Consideration “Have you ever seen combat?” - Veteran Caller

Florida Veterans Support Line A Service of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Inc. – Housed under the 211 Department Pilot project funded by the State of Florida Recruitment activities for Regional Veteran Advisory Council begin Officially launched on October 28, 2014 Currently serving 5 counties in the Tampa Bay area  Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Manatee  Estimated veteran population exceeding 300,000

Florida Veterans Support Line Peer Support  The confidential phone line is answered by veteran peers Monday-Friday from 7:00-19:00  Peers offer emotional support as well as connections to VA-funded and community resources to meet the client’s needs  Peers are highly trained on crisis intervention and suicide prevention Care Coordination  Follow-up contact helps ensure system navigation, advocacy, and ongoing support Resource Management  Dedicated resource specialist keeps database up-to-date with resources with programs that help military personnel, veterans, and their families

Veteran Peer Specialists Trained per CCTB Intervention Specialist standards Aspiring Certified Peer Recovery Specialist - Veterans  Meet Florida Certification Board training mandates, provide 1000 hours of supervised service, and pass exam Two full-time employees  Always seeking help of volunteers! Receive intense recovery centered coaching and supervisory supports  Individualized wellness plans Participate in community peer initiatives

Care Coordination Continuity of Care is maintained when one care provider links to another care provider to make the transition smooth and uninterrupted. Connectedness to others is an important protective factor. Positive relationships can help increase a person’s sense of belonging, foster a sense of personal worth, and provide access to sources of support.

Challenges to Management Education surrounding military culture Recruitment and selection of Peer Specialists Creating a culture of safety and inclusion for veteran peers AND existing staff Addressing mental health needs through ongoing recovery-based coaching (Wellness Planning) Attrition

Collaboration: Working with the VA and Community Partners Cross training efforts maximized Service navigation facilitated through transparent interactions (tours, meetings) Community efforts such as community resource fairs, Suicide Prevention Day, Hillsborough County Stand Down etc.

First Year Statistics MYFLVET handled 1135 cases in the FY’15  Army was most represented at 42%  Vietnam War was the conflict most callers served in at 17%  24% of callers did not serve in any conflicts

Coverage Area Statewide First Year Statistics

First Year Statistics Top needs of callers:  Financial Assistance – 25.7%  Substance Abuse Counseling – 19.5%  Shelter – 11.5%

First Year Statistics Referrals Provided:  81% of those callers received referrals to services  26% received referrals to at least one VA program  Over half were referred to Care Coordination Services

Mordecai Dixon Program Manager, & SPS x 3418 Brandee Baker Peer Support Program Coordinator x 3424 Contact Information