In this presentation for the Transformation Transfer Initiative (TTI) and Culturally Competent Community of Learning (CCCL), Nanette Larson (IL) engages the audience in a lively discussion around challenges and opportunities related to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the peer support workforce. From a position of humility, she shares a bit of her own journey of growth from color-blindness to color-consciousness. Additionally, participants learned about the work of NASMHPD's Division of Recovery Support Services' Racial Equity Subcommittee, for which Nanette served as Chair from Aug. 2020-Dec. 2023.

Nanette is a nationally recognized leader in mental health recovery who has spent the last twenty-five years providing leadership in Illinois’ public mental health system and developing recovery-oriented, trauma-informed systems of care. She is an Emotional CPR practitioner, an advanced-level facilitator for Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), and a certified Recovery Support Specialist.

Please also see [https://nasmhpd.org/sites/default/fil...] for an accompanying resource developed by NASMHPD's Division of Recovery Support Services (DRSS). This DRSS resource outlines objectives and suggestions for diversifying the peer support specialist workforce, who they reach, how they communicate, and their knowledge base. The four goals outlined in this resource work to expand the effectiveness of peer support services around the nation. These key strategies prompt state agencies and other Peer Service entities to focus on increasing community outreach, foster welcoming and inclusive environments for staff and service recipients, engaging with a diverse array of community leaders and trusted messengers, properly educating the Peer workforce, and supporting peers from all groups to assume leadership roles. We want to thank Nanette Larson, Illinois DRSS member, for her leadership and tremendous work on this resource. We invite you to share with your networks and recovery systems and partners.