Neighbor News
Peer Support Goes Mobile
Non-profit and tech firm partner to better reach those pursuing recovery from emotional distress — including Veterans — on Long Island
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) announced a new partnership with Peer Support Solutions (PSS) of Pasadena, CA to bring an innovative online service, using interactive video support-group technology, to reach more people in Suffolk and Nassau counties. The initiative will be launched on March 16, 2017.
“The exponential growth of the use of personal devices – such as smartphones and tablets – have revolutionized our access to information. Unfortunately, this same technology has also made it too easy for people suffering from mood, anxiety, and post-military stress challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to avoid getting help, which often leads to living life in isolation,” said Michael Stoltz, C.E.O. of MHAW. “Working with PSS, we hope to reach people who need help and support by utilizing the same technology that has enabled their isolation.”
MHAW has been a leader in providing peer support to facilitate the recovery process for people who experience emotional distress, anxiety, and stress as well as military Veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The agency already works with hundreds of Suffolk residents at any one time through a number of peer-facilitated support groups. MHAW also works with military Veterans through the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, a partnership with the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.
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Stoltz added that MHAW chose to partner with PSS because their online technology will enable Peer Support Facilitators to provide private, real-time interaction – with live video and sound – with residents and Veterans wherever they are without the barriers of geography or transportation. The technology also eliminates the initial anxiety and fear many face regarding personal interaction.
MHAW and PSS will initially offer three peer-facilitated groups, one for Veterans with post-service transition concerns and two for people who experience emotional distress. For general information, contact 631-471-7242 ext. 1390 or healingconnections@mhaw.org. For the Veterans support group, contact 631-853-8345 or vetspeertopeer@suffolkcountny.gov.
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About the Association for Mental Health and Wellness
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation based in Ronkonkoma, NY, provides programs, services, and advocacy for people facing mental health challenges with an enhanced focus on serving military Veterans.
MHAW dates back to 1955 with the incorporation of the Mental Health Association in Suffolk County (MHA Suffolk). In 1990, Clubhouse of Suffolk was launched, providing a wide array of vocational rehabilitation services and recovery programs. With the growing need to provide services for Veterans with PTSD and other battle-related brain injuries, Clubhouse merged with MHA Suffolk and Suffolk County United Veterans in 2014 to form the Association for Mental Health and Wellness.
MHAW is committed to the core practice values of empowerment, hope, opportunity, and cultural competence. All of the agency’s direct service workers are trained in the importance of addressing health from trauma-informed and whole person perspectives with enriched understanding of the social and economic conditions that contribute to physical and mental health and substance abuse.
