OTA Center for Peer Networking (CPN)

This is a new addition of NASMHPD’s Office of Technical Assistance. Gayle Bluebird, the first person to hold the position of Peer Network Coordinator, comes recognized nationally for her work. She has been involved in peer advocacy work for almost 40 years and has worked with NASMHPD since before 2002. She is a core faculty member of the Center for the Prevention of Violence and Trauma/seclusion and restraint reduction and has worked on multiple onsite and offsite OTA projects in multiple states and programs.

Ms. Bluebird has, most recently, served as the lead for CMHS in developing the video “Leaving the Door Open: Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint ” that the Office of Technical Assistance uses for seclusion and restraint reduction training events. In addition, Ms. Bluebird often speaks at national conferences, works on National Peer Artist Projects, developed the model known as “Participatory Dialogues” (which promote communication and collaboration between consumers, providers and family members) and developed the concept of “Comfort Rooms.”

NASMHPD's Office of Technical Assistance is pleased to annouce Ms. Bluebird's new landmark technical report entitled "Paving New Ground - Peers Working In In-Patient Settings", which details the development of peer roles in mental health settings. If you would like to order a copy of the accompanying DVD, "Paving New Ground: A Dialogue With Peers and Family Members", please e-mail OTAinfo@nasmhpd.org. This DVD was made at Mayview State Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a group of recognized peers and a family member who talk about their experiences working in inpatient facilities and/or advocating for the reduction of seclusion and restraint.