Peers are exceptional messengers of health information and support for patients who have substance use disorder (SUD). Recognizing this, medical settings such as the emergency department, inpatient units, and primary care sites are increasingly hiring Certified Recovery Specialists (CRSs) to help patients who have SUD navigate care and connect with recovery resources. While this is an emerging field for CRSs, there is a need for continued education for CRSs to support their work with patients in these specialized environments.

In collaboration with Penn’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, the Health Federation is developing a self-directed, 10-module (30-hour) course to enhance peers’ knowledge and skills for working in medical settings, launching in July 2025.