Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has announced that it has 1,500 active certified peer recovery specialists.
The department has also added an additional certification program for people who have personally experienced the criminal justice system. Participants can earn their CPRS-J by completing an integrated forensic peer recovery specialist training virtually over four days.
CPRS are people who have lived mental illness, substance abuse or co-occurring disorders and complete a 40-hour training to practice under the guidance of a supervisor. The training is provided by the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and Other Addiction Services (TAADAS). Since the program began in 2013, more than 3,100 individuals have earned their CPRS.
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is also considering a certification aimed at veterans, according to a press release.
“The power of peer support continues to unlock countless doors to recovery and wellness across our state. Because they have truly walked the walk, Certified Peer Recovery Specialists can be a voice of experience that shows people that recovery is real, families can be rebuilt, trust regained, and life well-lived,” TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, said in the release.
“We’re so proud of the many amazing men and women who have earned their CPRS and are using their experience to give hope to so many Tennesseans who are hurting.”
Community health worker org scores $40K
Common Health Coalition, a New York-based nonprofit, has awarded $40,000 to a Nashville organization in its inaugural round of Catalyst Awards.
The Tennessee Community Health Worker Association is one of 11 organizations to receive such a grant, with each of the recipients landing $40,000. The funding is meant to assist in integrating community health workers into the health care system, according to a press release.
TNCHWA was established in 2021 and is headquartered in East Nashville.
“Community Health Workers are trusted professionals who build bridges between the health system and the communities they serve,” Dave Chokshi, chair of Common Health Coalition, said in a release.
“CHWs can also serve in a less recognized, yet equally vital capacity: bridging healthcare and public health institutions. It’s this nexus that we aim to spotlight through our inaugural Common Health Challenge.”
Lipscomb jumps on anesthesiologist certification
The Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy has announced its goal to become the first university in the state to offer a certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) master’s degree program.
CAAs work closely with anesthesiologists and assist in designing and implementing anesthesia care plans. Students may complete their degree in 24-months.
The news comes on the heels of the Tennessee General Assembly session closing for the year, with the legislation to allow for the position having passed. CAAs are authorized to practice in 22 states, Washington, D.C., and in veterans and defense facilities nationally, according to a press release.
Applications are set to open this summer, with the legislation to go into effect in January 2026.
“Lipscomb is dedicated to serving critical needs in our health care system particularly in Nashville and across the state of Tennessee by equipping our students, through innovative programming, with rigorous, relevant training,” Lipscomb President Candice McQueen said in the release.
“This new CAA program reflects our mission to educate the next generation of leaders in health care and to address significant workforce gaps here in Nashville and beyond.”
