VOCAL’s Board of Directors has openings for board members in Region 1, as well as at-large positions. Board members have lived experience with mental health challenges and are willing to volunteer several hours a month to support VOCAL using their s...
Continue Reading
We loved all the energetic colors, resources, and smiling faces of peers around Virginia on VOCAL’s previous website. We think you’ll find this new version honors that legacy, with the additions that will make it easier to stay up-to-date on V...
Continue ReadingOk, VOCAL! Another opportunity to speak up! Virginia is reviewing the regulations meant to protect the rights of peers receiving services from the state and state-licensed or funded agencies. The long, full name of these are the “Regulations to Assu...
Continue Reading
Thankfully, public systems in Virginia are educating professionals and peers about the lasting effects of trauma on individuals’ mental health. Trauma-informed care treatments help more than harm, and we can’t adopt them soon enough. Fight, ...
Continue ReadingFrom the Becky Sterling, DBHDS Office of Recovery Services, by e-mail on Feb. 4, 2016 — Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Virginia provides a single Peer Recovery Specialist Certification for both Mental Illnesses and Substan...
Continue ReadingAs VOCAL moves forward with strategic planning, we want our members and peers to know that VOCAL wouldn’t be the organization it is without you. We would like to hear from you and would be grateful for 3-5 minutes of your time providing that feedbac...
Continue ReadingA chance to weigh in on the direction of Virginia’s mental health system. Comments due by February 29th. This request for feedback comes from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS): Since, October 2014, the Transforma...
Continue ReadingVirginia peers who want to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialists have until the end of 2016 to qualify under the current standards. Here is the news directly from the state’s liaison with the certification board, in an email dated April 5th: ...
Continue Reading
ATTENTION PEERS AGED 18 to 30: Join VOCAL May 23 and 24 for YOUNG ADULT WRAP. Young adults come together and develop their own strategies for managing their potential through challenging times and increasing levels of wellness. This is an empowering...
Continue Reading
Last week I visited long-time VOCAL supporter and WRAP facilitator Clyde Hoy at Western State Hospital. I’ve never been to the new building and, truth be told, I make it my business to stay away from hospitals when possible. But Clyde, Rachel Isak-P...
Continue Reading