Last year, emergency departments throughout MaineHealth launched a truly patient-centered way to help people with substance use disorder. It revolves around the use of peer support in behavioral health treatment, a documented evidence-based practice that has grown considerably in the past several years. Peer support staff bring their personal experience to provide support that is based on advocacy, education and recovery partnership in a nonjudgmental fashion.

A peer recovery partner is someone in recovery themselves, so they are able to share openly about their recovery and connect to patients in a way that a provider simply can’t. Through the Peer Support Program at MaineHealth, any adult (18+) who is struggling with substance use that enters our emergency departments can access a peer recovery partner at no cost.

How it Works

Providers working in the emergency department are able to refer patients that may benefit from connecting with someone. When the patient agrees to the service, the recovery partner will contact the person to offer support and explain their role. If the patient is interested, the recovery partner will continue to provide ongoing support throughout the patient’s stay in the hospital and after discharge for as long as needed.

Support includes:

• Regular check-in calls
• Zoom and in-person one-on-one meetings
• Introducing the patient to Zoom and in-person recovery meetings
• Sharing treatment and recovery options
• Sharing housing, food, and/or legal resources, if appropriate

Meet Noelle: Peer Recovery Partner

Upon first meeting Noelle Hoey it’s clear that she is very open about her own experience with recovery from substance use and is committed to sharing what she has learned with others. Her outlook shines a light on the isolation and stigma all too often associated with substance use. Her openness is a breath of fresh air that can help others feel less alone.

“I don’t see substance use as a moral failing. Some people have just gone through some pretty terrible things, so when substances are available they can become the main tool to navigate those emotions. They just haven’t had a chance to use different strategies or the opportunities to receive the support that’s right for them… It’s really hard to fully understand unless you’ve been through it.”

In a typical conversation with a patient, Noelle may say, “Hey, do you want to get together for coffee or maybe hit a meeting?” Some people have never been to a substance use support meeting and knowing that they have Noelle in their corner can make it easier to begin taking those first critical steps on their road to recovery, no matter what that may look like.

“The best part of a peer support relationship is that it is a two-way street where both individuals have the opportunity to learn from one another.”

Participating Emergency Departments

Peer recovery partners are available to emergency department patients at Southern Maine Health Care (Biddeford and Sanford), Maine Medical Center, Western Maine Health (Stephens Memorial Hospital), Mid Coast Hospital, LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital.