Bay Area First Step

PRIME+

Any Positive Change

Peer Recovery Initiated in Medical Establishments + HCV/HIV Testing and Linkage to Treatment

PRIME+ peers work with people who are at risk of or receiving treatment for overdose, infection, and other health issues related to substance use.

WHY PRIME+?

Oregon is widely affected by opioid and methamphetamine use and harms, including overdose and infections (such as hepatitis C) related to injection drug use. Oregon Health Authority funds organizations around the state to implement the PRIME+ peer program to connect people in need of support to resources, services, and care.

YOU ARE
WORTHY
OF LOVE

WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT?

Peer support is about understanding another's situation empathically through shared experience. PRIME+ peers support people at varying stages in their recovery journey, from active use to abstinence, using a harm reduction approach. Peers support people to reach self-identified goals for health, well-being, and quality of life.

WHO ARE PRIME+ PEERS?

PRIME+ peers are in long-term recovery and are credentialed as peer recovery support specialists with harm reduction and infectious disease prevention training.

50

PEERS

24

COUNTIES

18

ORGANIZATIONS

3

OREGON REGIONS

WHERE IS PRIME+?

PRIME+ peers are employed by peer recovery organizations, treatment agencies, and health and service organizations to support people who are using substances.

NORTH

Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington

SOUTH

Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane

EAST

Baker, Deschutes, Grant, Klamath, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wallowa

WHAT DO PRIME+ PEERS DO?

  • Support setting goals
  • Link to community resources
  • Connect to harm reduction supplies such as naloxone and safer use kits
  • Link to substance use treatment and recovery supports
  • Link to physical and mental health care
  • Support infectious disease testing and treatment (hepatitis C)
  • Support signing up for OHP/insurance
  • Provide emotional and crisis support
  • Share lived experiences

HOW DO PRIME+ PEERS CONNECT?

Community partners make referrals to PRIME+ peers

  • Hospitals and emergency departments
  • Health clinics, primary care providers
  • Emergency medical services
  • Coordinated care organizations
  • Syringe service programs
  • SUD treatment programs, sobering centers
  • Justice system

Peers use direct outreach to engage individuals in the community

Individuals can self-refer

PRIME+ Coos/Curry Counties

Bay Area First Step

For PRIME+ Questions

(Supervisor)

Paul Gonzales

(541) 249-5444

Quick Connection to a Peer

 

Matt Kelm

(541) 204-6484

After Hours

 

 

(541) 751-3111 Ext. 5

Want a printable version of this information?

Download PRIME+ Brochure

Funded through CDC NU5PS005090 and SAMHSA OR716-02

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