Good morning, Thank you all for taking time to review and consider Delegate Tata’s bill to address care for and recognition of human trafficking victims. I am a survivor of domestic trafficking and have seen many varieties of trafficking during my time working in night clubs in Washington D.C. many years ago. Trafficked persons are invisible to most people, and yet they are around us every day. Every trafficked person has been cut off from neighbors, friends and family. It is a rare opportunity to be seen so intentionally as one may be when seeking medical care. It is a rare opportunity for a trafficked person to be recognized and offered help. I understand the additional burden that requiring this kind of training can put on medical staff, but I also believe that most of them would consider it worth the life and dignity of our fellow human beings who are overlooked and severely abused, with no one coming to save them. To stay silent is to participate in the violence and atrocities of human trafficking. To refuse to look deeper at their circumstances and the red flags is to turn our heads away and allow it to continue. I left my abuser/trafficker after a 12 hour ordeal during which I was held hostage in my basement apartment while being beaten and choked, with intermissions of witnessing destruction of my property etc.. I was finally able to escape and call the police, but I ran from the magistrate’s office when it was time to give my testimony. I didn’t want my trafficker to go back to jail. I ran away, like I was the criminal, and called him from a pay phone, desperately pleading for forgiveness. Law enforcement are trained but often ill equipped to help trafficked persons escape because of this Stockholm mindset. Caretakers however, like medical professionals, have a unique ability to calm traumatized persons and provide important information that could save a trafficked person’s life. During my years of torment, I had been to multiple medical facilities and received care for injuries, but no one ever asked me if I needed help or provided resources. It was the owner at a nightclub where I was employed who pulled me into his office the day after the event I described. He looked over the bruises around my neck, shook his head and said “You’ll go back. They always do.” I credit him with helping save my life. He was the only person who had the knowledge of what to look for and the boldness to say it out loud, even if it wasn’t perfect. I made up my mind not to be a statistic and plot my course to freedom. Shortly after, I met my now husband who also saw the warning signs and provided protection as I distanced myself from my trafficker. We have been married 13 years and have a blended family with seven wonderful children, two of whom are now young soldiers in the Army and USMC. My story is rare. But it doesn’t have to be. Please vote yes to HB 1426, or refine further if you must, so that we can shine a light of hope into the lives of those who have seen too much evil. Please help rescue people like me. We are worth it. Respectfully, Monica Gary

Mr. Chair and members of the subcommittee, As a member of the Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking and President of Freedom 4/24, an anti trafficking organization in Virginia that specifically focuses on implementing prevention education, I am asking for your support of HB 1426. Between roughly 70% and 90% of trafficking victims who receive medical care while being trafficked are not identified as such and are essentially sent right back into those exploitative situations without support/resources/options. Mandating continuing education hours on this topic ensures continuity of information and increases better outcomes for victims. A key part of this bill is the mandatory component. We want to ensure that medical providers are properly equipped to identify and support trafficking survivors. When training is voluntary instead of mandatory, the health care providers who most need it, often don't get that training. The medical community is one of the few that may have the opportunity to directly interact with and have access to trafficking victims in a way that allows them to understand the deeper issue…if they have been trained to recognize those signs and red flags. Dr. Kanani Titchen, a board certified physician in both pediatrics and adolescent medicine, said in her TEDx Talk titled “How to Spot Human Trafficking: “The eye doesn’t see what the mind doesn’t know.” We want to ensure that the knowledge is provided, that human trafficking education will be implemented to our medical community so they have the “eye” to recognize the signs of someone who has been impacted this atrocity and can respond appropriately. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Joy Cover President of Freedom 4/24 Member and Board Treasurer of VCAHT

In the United States, human trafficking largely impacts young women, girls, and boys who are exploited for the sex industry. In 2018, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 23,078 HT victims in the US. Over 15,000 of these victims were females, 16,137 were trafficked for sex, and approximately 5,000 were minors. Trafficked individuals receive health care services, but health care providers often miss opportunities to identify them. The most common providers seen were emergency and urgent care providers, primary care providers, and obstetrician-gynecologists. There are barriers to victim identification. Individuals who are trafficked often struggle to identify themselves based on distrust, fear, or shame. Psychological barriers, trafficker involvement, lack of awareness among healthcare workers, and lack of screening creates a high proportion of missed opportunities to identify and serve trafficking survivors effectively. Research indicates that healthcare workers feel ill-equipped to spot trafficking. One study found 4.8% of clinicians reported feeling confident in their ability to identify a victim of trafficking. A 2014 study found that 90% of trafficking victims received medical care during their trafficking experience, though victim identification rates indicate these victims are unlikely to be identified despite receiving care. Trafficking survivors have often experienced extensive poly-victimization, multiple agency involvement, complex trauma, multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and have a high likelihood of re-exploitation without specialized, culturally appropriate services. Therefore, it is critical that healthcare providers know how to identify, report, and resource trafficking survivors because without their intervention victims will continue cycle through the hospital system. One study shows that individuals who do not receive services will cost tax payers $5.3M over their lifetime, with many of those dollars being incurred by healthcare networks who administer frequent care to the same individuals without compensation. Effectively identifying and referring trafficking survivors to support services will not only help break cycles of victimization for survivors, but also decrease the cost to the healthcare network. We ask that you vote in support of HB1426 to not only empower our healthcare professionals to feel more equipped to identify and support trafficking survivors, but also provide one of the most marginalized populations within our communities the opportunity to receive the necessary services to avoid re-exploitation.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in the United States and abroad. Its effects implicate law enforcement and human rights issues. Additionally, as research shows, human trafficking is also a health issue. Victims of human trafficking have serious physical and mental health problems, including acute and chronic illnesses, injuries, and impairments such as substance use disorders. A landmark study in 2014 found that 87.8% of survivors indicated that they had sought health care while they were trapped in the trafficking situation. Health care providers are often the first point of contact for victims of human trafficking. As first responders they must be able to identify the signs and indicators of human trafficking and respond effectively. New research shows that relevance is critical to the success of any training. Healthcare providers need specialized training that covers the core competencies of human trafficking, and in addition, specialized information on health and human trafficking including the following: · Research findings on the health issues of human trafficking survivors. · The signs and indicators of human trafficking, tailored to the different roles within the healthcare provider setting. For example, the signs the receptionist sees, the signs while taking the chief complaint, the signs during medical history and the signs during medical exam may all be different.. · Survivor stories and case studies of survivors in health care settings · Barriers to healthcare for victims, both internal barriers specific to victims and external barriers commonly found in healthcare provider settings. · Implicit bias having to do with human trafficking in healthcare settings that can hinder a healthcare provider’s effective assistance of human trafficking victims. · Patient centered, victim-centered and trauma-informed care. · How to create community connections to meet the multi-disciplinary needs of survivors through a strong system of referrals and “warm-hand-offs” · Medical documentation practices, such as ICD-10 codes on human trafficking and how to use them. · Mandatory reporting, addressing the unique needs of immigrant victims and survivors, and using electronic medical records in trafficking cases. · Active participation and practical application of material through role-playing hypothetical scenarios, ensuring competent understanding of training concepts. One best practice in healthcare training is to ensure a process whereby NGOs and other entities can produce trainings that are certified, through some agency in the Governor's office, such as DCJS. Any NGO which produces an accurate, up-to-date training that covers the core compentaencies, as deicded by DCJS, should be able to be listed Laura Lederer, Subject Matter Expert for the US Department of Health and Human Services SOAR Training on Health and Human Trafficking Phone: 703-919-6828 llederer@globalcenturion.org

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

Del. Tata's bill is needed to protect and help trafficked people. The average age is 12 years old, we need to make sure that these folks get looked out for.

Comments Document

Please see comments attached in support of HB 1426.

Comments Document

Please see comments in the PDF attached.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

Our organization strongly supports this bill. We work with hundreds of individuals who have lived experience who should be allowed to support others going through similar situations. For far too long, people with substance use history and/or in recovery have been barred from receiving certification. They are often times allowed to fulfill unpaid roles but often times, cannot work in the field because of the outdated laws around barrier crimes. Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. As a Peer Recovery Specialist and Harm Reduction organization, we believe that no one can assess and fix the problem like a person who has overcome the problem themselves. The peer recovery support training is provided inside of Department of Corrections in the cognitive community and many of our staff and volunteers have had the honor of working alongside the individuals needing support. Virginia, like many other states, are dealing with an unprecedented number of overdoses and deaths. It is time to employ non-traditional means of addressing the crisis we are currently in. I believe in my fellow peer recovery specialists, especially those who have past convictions and/or past substance use history. Having guardrails in place is fine, but to not allow a person who has lived experience to serve others in these roles is a disservice to our neighbors who struggle with substance use.

As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) for the last three years and now a regional coordinator for peer support services, I see the positive impact that peer support has as another support tool for people who are in recovery from substance use and mental health. Those who have experiences being incarcerated or going through the justice-system are some of the biggest living examples that recovery is possible. With over 130 specified barrier crimes existing for those with a criminal record trying to get into the peer support field and only a little over 20 even being screenable, the state is contradicting its stance on rehabilitation and recovery and robbing those who are currently struggling of the chance to work with someone who has walked in their shoes. Peer recovery specialists are more than just people with lived experience - we are professionals, with our own code of ethics, certification process, and scope of work. We are so much more than our diagnosis and the rock bottoms we have hit and we have so much to share so that others don't have to experience what we have. I think about my own experiences with substance use and mental health challenges - I was in and out of recovery from the age of 16, heavily abusing substances, hospitalized multiple times, and even dropped out of school all before I was 21 years old. I was in multiple mental health and detox programs, but still my substance use and mental health worsened. But not a day went by where I didn't want more for myself, where I knew the way I was living would eventually kill me; but I didn't know how. Now, six years later, I have not only earned my bachelor's degree, but also my master's degree, coming up on 6 years of recovery from substances and mental health challenges, and am working for my local community services board. But this would have never happened for me if I was being written off in those dark years when I was at my lowest. The substantial number of barrier crimes that exist within the state of Virginia must be reduced significantly in order to more closely align with rehabilitation/recovery, promote employment and continued recovery for those who have histories of incarceration, and improve overall behavioral health outcomes for those with mental health and substance use disorders. The attachment I included is my latest headshot taken last fall - I'm very proud of the girl in that picture and how far she has come. The least that can be done is expand the number of opportunities for others to get that same shot at recovery and happiness.

I'm writing in support of HR1525. I'm a Peer Recovery Specialist with no barrier crimes. However, I know from experience that those who can best help people with substance abuse issues have substance abuse background themselves, and this often includes barrier crimes. I believe that is both unnecessary and immoral to prevent recovered people from helping others due to the very experience that makes them effective at helping. Put another way, when we say that a Peer can't have a criminal background, we're saying we don't care to help those who might have committed similar crimes. It's yet one more way we perpetuate the addiction-incarceration cycle.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

Good morning. My name is Elijah Lee, and I am a 15 year old community activist. I have had the esteem honor of being a part of the drafting process for this legislation, as it is more important than ever. This legislation is necessary as we continue to combat the horrid affects of the opioid epidemic, while ensuring, that all Virginians have an opportunity to live long, healthy, and successful lives. Too many times, we are seeing Peer Recovery Support Specialists, individuals that know best how to support those currently experiencing Substance Abuse Disorder be turned away from jobs where they would use their lived-experience to help others. Right now, our communities are suffering. Every county in Virginia has citizens that are experiencing the pain associated with addiction, and right now, by lifting a specific set of barrier crimes, we have the opportunity to help alleviate some of that pain. We know this legislation would help thousands if Virginians, not only making sure that those that have already risen above Substance Use Disorder have a good standing job, but also making sure that those who need our support the most are receiving it, so they have the ability to get back to the things and people they love. While supporting those in need, this bill would also increase employment, offering experience based jobs to those that have been disenfranchised due to their previous addiction. It is pivotal to understand that this bill would expand PRS services, which is an evidence based SUD treatment approach. I hope that it is in the favor of this committee to pass the bill. Thank you.

We support providing reasonable exceptions to the barrier crime statutes for Peer Recovery Specialists when the employer wants to hire them. Passage could help address at least a small part of Virginia's severe behavioral health workforce shortage, while providing a peer specialist the ability to help someone going through some of the same lived experience they went through. Peer work has demonstrated good outcomes and we need them working when the employer wants them on board.

Please vote YES. A person that has paid their debt for their crimes, recovered from past traumas, and rise above symptoms of poor mental health and/or substance use (and then become Peer Support professionals) must be allowed to be employed and use these lived experiences to assist the many citizens of the Commonwealth who are in crisis. Barring people who are in a unique position to do the most good makes no sense and would only contribute to the mental health provider crisis in Virginia. Please Vote Yes and be part of the solution.

Dear sir, and or madame, My name is Almetta Cruff i have been associated with many Peer support Recovery persons in my past they even helped me. while i coped with my father passing away from late Staged Leukemia in 2003. Without many of them, I do not know if any of my friends would be here today. That is all i can think of right now. thank u and please vote YES . thank you , Almetta M. Cruff

Please expand the scope of "Peer Recovery Specialist" to additionally include "any individual who meets the definition of RPRS-"Applicant" as defined in 18 VAC 115-70-10 et seq.

My name is Martin Mash and I am the Network Program Director for Vocal Virginia, the only mental health state-wide education and advocacy nonprofit in the Commonwealth. I would like to speak in support of this important legislation that will help address two concerns facing the mental health community. First, this legislation will help Community Services Boards and other providers across the state address a worsening workforce crisis. Second, this bill gives individuals an opportunity to use their lived experience to improve the life of another person through a recovery-oriented system of care that focuses on the person and their recovery on a peer level, which has been shown to be an effective method for helping those who have struggled with mental health concerns maintain their recovery. For these reasons and others, we ask that you join our 2,000 member network in supporting this legislation. Thank you for your time.

Please expand the scope of "Peer Recovery Specialist" to additionally include "any individual who meets the definition of RPRS-"Applicant" as defined in 18 VAC 115-70-10 et seq.

Well wishes Honorable GA Staff and Delegates, Please vote YES HB1525 and advance this life and health sustaining legislation which is certain to strengthen the mental health and addiction recovery of people, while alleviating some of the behavioral healthcare workforce shortages. YES on HB1525 will make it possible for more Virginians to live healthy lives given skilled Peer and Family Support and Recovery and Wellness Coaching. Many thanks for your service of Virginians! Healthy 2023, Heather Peck Executive Director Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center

Please vote YES on HB1525. This bill will help many people get the support they need from a person with lived experience giving them hope for change. Who better than someone that has lived and succeeded in changing their own life to give others the chance for change. Peer to Peer relationships are extremely unique in that they have experiences to share in details with a peer. As a Family Support Partner FSP I use our families horrific experience to help guide others and to give hope to a better way of living for those seeking better outcomes. Many other PRS's have barrier crimes that prevent them from employment, based on their past. Giving them the opportunity to be employed and to use this experience that cannot be taught or learned. One must suffer the experience and decide to change. Having that person that has walked in your shoes and is now helping you find your way is remarkable to witness. Many PRS's have been incarcerated. They have chosen to change their life and now want to give back to the community. What a example of redemption and hope such a person brings back into the community. Building stronger people benefits the community. Makes our communities safer for everyone. PRS's go through professional training and have a difficult exam to pass prior to becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. They bring the link needed to the table between Clinical staff and the client being served. We network regularly, we continue to train, we find solutions to our peers worst problems by walking with them as they change giving them the tools and hope needed. As a PRS we dig deep into our own past and experiences to help others. This is self love with awareness and accountability. Please vote yes on HB1525.

Please expand the scope of "Peer Recovery Specialist" to additionally include "any individual who meets the definition of RPRS-"Applicant" as defined in 18 VAC 115-70-10 et seq.

Please expand the scope of "Peer Recovery Specialist" to additionally include "any individual who meets the definition of RPRS-"Applicant" as defined in 18 VAC 115-70-10 et seq.

Please support this bill. It is very essential in mental health reform. This is essential for the rehabilitation of mental health consumers in society as it is very vital in mental health recovery . To be able to be gainfully employed while in recovery. HB1525. And also enable the peer to assist their peers in recovery.

Although the change process is slow, the intent of this legislation to provide a direct pathway for "Peer Recovery Specialists" to participate in a fair screening process re: previous Barrier Crime convictions has TWO SIGNIFICANT OVERSIGHTS in language. In addition to completing all jailtime, probation, and financial restitution + 5 years post-conviction, which is realistically 5.5 -7 years post-offense date, Peer Recovery Specialists must complete 500 hours of supervised experiential training under weekly supervision of a DBHDS Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor (RPRS, CSAC, or LMHP), before they are allowed to sit for the VA State Exam. The target population of potential Peer Recovery Specialist employment candidates that this legislation intends to impact through increasing screening eligibility, will NOT be able to complete their required 500hrs. (3-4 month) experiential training in these positions, because the language refers only to fully Credentialed and Registered Peer Recovery Specialists defined in §54.1-3500. RECOMMENDED REVISION: Please expand the scope of "Peer Recovery Specialist" to additionally include "any individual who meets the definition of RPRS-"Applicant" as defined in 18 VAC 115-70-10 et seq. in addition to RPRS as defined in §54.1-3500. An "Applicant" has completed the DBHDS Didactic Peer Education Training Course and uploaded completion certificate to DHP Online Registration application / paid application fee - (VALID FOR 1 YEAR). This will allow substance abuse providers to employ these individuals while providing direct oversight / supervision and improved professional development, which should improve outcomes related to intent of this legislation. Please consider reducing the 5-year post conviction requirement to 3-years with evidence of successful treatment as RPRS wages are still in the $17-22/hr. payscale. Strong employment candidates have generally already progressed past entry level wages 5-years post-conviction.

Please vote yes on HB 1525. Peer Recovery Specialists are an important part of the recovery process for so many Virginians and barrier crimes are preventing so many good peers from working in the field and helping others like them.

Sam, I am a counselor who has been doing substance abuse counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor over 40 years. I have a private practice and have not used any drugs during this time. However, I was convicted of the distribution of 2 tablets of PCP and did 22 months in Federal prison in the 70's. I am still subject to the Barrier Crimes laws. If one begins to see drug use as a psycho-social problem and not a crime, it seems a major focus of the Barrier Crimes Law is misdirected and does not recognize the thousands of people who are in recovery and living law-abiding lives. BTY, I live at the World Community in Bedford. Thank you for your support in this effort. Jon Winder

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

Our organization strongly supports this bill. We work with hundreds of individuals who have lived experience who should be allowed to support others going through similar situations. For far too long, people with substance use history and/or in recovery have been barred from receiving certification. They are often times allowed to fulfill unpaid roles but often times, cannot work in the field because of the outdated laws around barrier crimes. Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. As a Peer Recovery Specialist and Harm Reduction organization, we believe that no one can assess and fix the problem like a person who has overcome the problem themselves. The peer recovery support training is provided inside of Department of Corrections in the cognitive community and many of our staff and volunteers have had the honor of working alongside the individuals needing support. Virginia, like many other states, are dealing with an unprecedented number of overdoses and deaths. It is time to employ non-traditional means of addressing the crisis we are currently in. I believe in my fellow peer recovery specialists, especially those who have past convictions and/or past substance use history. Having guardrails in place is fine, but to not allow a person who has lived experience to serve others in these roles is a disservice to our neighbors who struggle with substance use.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have a barrier crime for a charge I committed in 2014 was charged in 2016. I got clean 12/30/2015. I have completely changed my life and am not the person I was. I worked for NRVCS in Radford Va. I was a CPRS with a Qualified Mental Health Para professional. I worked primarily as a case manager. I trained some case managers that have college degrees, I applied for a position as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The other agency really wanted to hire me and they did only to reject their offer due to my barrier crime. The then called me back 2 weeks later still wanting to hire me. They contacted NRVCS to find out how they hired me, hoping to find a loop hole. They could not. I now work for a non profit that the barrier crime is not a barrier at and I am grateful. My job at NRVCS was then in jeopardy due to being hired illegally. When trying to go through the process with DBHDS I was told by my supervisor at NRVCS that they did not want to rock the boat. I had already started the process however I had no back up to complete the process. This crime has held me back on many different career moves. If you have read this I appreciate you. Thank you! WE need some changes in this bill. I understand there should be some recommendations however it should not be this hard and stressful. Most addicts are going to have drug charges. Thats a given. That does not make me a bad person however my experience, strength, and hope have helped more people than most that do not. If you would like to talk with me my phone number is 5402504804.