Joining together to support one another
If you have a history of addiction recovery and want to help others, Penn State Shenango will host a Beaver campus Continuing Education course on “Certified Recovery Specialist Training” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays, beginning Oct. 5 and ending Dec. 14, in Sharon Hall room 108 in downtown Sharon, Pennsylvania.
In 2017, Pennsylvania had the third highest overdose death rate in the country. Gov. Tom Wolf has since declared it a public health disaster, clearing the way for easier access to care and resources.
And of all the resources available to recovering addicts, a simple peer-to-peer program may be one of the most effective. Research has shown that peer recovery support services not only help addicts remain engaged in the recovery process, but also reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Certified Recovery Specialist Training is a 54-hour program that meets education requirements specified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board. To apply for CRS certification, individuals must meet additional board requirements, including: a history of addiction with recovery, a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of a CRS exam, and the signing of an ethical code of conduct.
The cost is $995 and includes all necessary materials. Online registration is now open at https://beaver.psu.edu/recovery-specialist.
The Pennsylvania Certification Board requires candidates to complete the CRS exam application. The cost of the exam is $125, payable directly to the board with the application and requisite documents.
Financial assistance may be available for qualified individuals.
For more information about the CRS program, or any program offered through Penn State Beaver Continuing Education, contact Jill Valentine at [email protected] or 724-773-3765.
