Sustaining Peer Support Programs Post-Funding
What Happens After the Funding Ends?: A Qualitative Sustainability Investigation of Emergency Department-Based Peer Support Programs
This qualitative investigation, with contributions from CDIS Faculty Affiliate Dr. Dennis Watson, examines the sustainability of emergency department-based peer support programs following the end of state-funded opioid initiatives. The study provides an in-depth exploration of the systemic and logistical challenges these programs face, including unstable funding, inconsistent integration into healthcare workflows, and limited support from key stakeholders. By identifying these barriers, the research aims to inform strategies for creating peer support frameworks that are not only effective but also enduring.
The authors emphasize the importance of building collaborative partnerships between healthcare systems, community organizations, and policymakers to establish stable funding models and ensure these critical services are maintained. The study also highlights the value of embedding peer support programs as an essential part of emergency department operations, making them more resilient to external funding fluctuations.
By offering actionable recommendations, such as diversifying funding sources and engaging a broader range of stakeholders, this research contributes to the ongoing conversation about addressing the opioid crisis. It underscores the importance of sustaining recovery services for individuals navigating the challenges of opioid use disorder, especially in underserved communities where such programs can have life-changing impacts.
Why This Matters:
The findings emphasize the critical need for sustainable funding models and stronger partnerships to ensure continued access to vital opioid recovery support services. By prioritizing these programs, healthcare systems can provide consistent, life-saving support to individuals battling opioid addiction.
