What it does
The mental health association of oregon dba the mental health & addiction association of oregon is an inclusive peer-run organization dedicated to self-direction honoring the voice of lived experience.
Peer delivered servicesmhaao has been in operation over 23 years, and in 2014 launched its direct peer-delivered services program, offering 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 45 unique peer service programs. For over 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 experience 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 and/or addiction challenges and recovery, and many have the additional life experience of poverty, houselessness, incarceration or justice system involvement, hospitalization, dhs involvement, and more.
Training and developmentmhaao 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.
Fiscal sponsorshipmhaao acts as fiscal sponsor for two organizations:peergalaxy: an online portal to a large community of peer support, recovery, and wellness. The peergalaxy calendar featuring over 392,000 quarterly offerings for online and telephone accessible peer support, recovery and wellness activities plus webinars, consumer input, and special events.us first initiatives: us first initiatives (ufi) prioritizes the needs of black and african american communities, as well as other communities of color, particularly those affected by mental health and addiction challenges. The organization aims to provide peer support services, training, and workforce development to empower individuals and grassroots organizations. Ufi is committed to increasing equity and access across the behavioral health continuum and enhancing representation in the workforce.