Florida peer empowerment network - the florida peer empowerment network will expand statewide capacity to strengthen peer workforce development, elevate the peer voice, and improve access to…

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $150,000 to Peer Support Coalition of Florida, Inc. on September 30, 2026, under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532).

The Florida Peer Empowerment Network will expand statewide capacity to strengthen peer workforce development, elevate the peer voice, and improve access to recovery-oriented behavioral health services across all regions of Florida with targeted focus on rural and underserved communities. The project will build sustainable infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity, and integrate peer support into behavioral health systems. Services will support youth transitioning to adulthood (ages 16–25) and adults experiencing or at risk of behavioral health challenges, including individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The initiative will prioritize individuals facing barriers to care in rural and underserved communities, those with system involvement, and those experiencing gaps in access to recovery supports. Capacity development efforts will address workforce training, organizational infrastructure, data systems, and system integration, positioning Peer Support Coalition of Florida as a centralized hub for statewide coordination and sustainability.

Performance of work occurs at Lake Mary, Florida. The period of performance runs from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant.

Florida peer empowerment network - the florida peer empowerment network will expand statewide capacity to strengthen peer workforce development, elevate the peer voice, and improve access to recovery-oriented behavioral health services. Serving all regions of florida-with a targeted focus on rural and underserved communities-the project will build sustainable infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity, and integrate peer support into behavioral health systems. The initiative will increase meaningful involvement of individuals with lived experience in decision-making and improve access to community-based supports that promote long-term recovery and system transformation. The proposed project will implement activities statewide across florida, including urban, suburban, and rural communities, with a priority focus on regions experiencing workforce shortages, limited access to services, and gaps in consumer engagement. Capacity development efforts will address critical needs in workforce training, organizational infrastructure, data systems, and system integration, positioning the peer support coalition of florida (PSCFL) to serve as a centralized hub for statewide coordination and sustainability. The population of focus includes youth transitioning to adulthood (ages 16-25) and adults experiencing or at risk of behavioral health challenges, including individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The project will prioritize individuals facing barriers to care, including those in rural and underserved communities, individuals with system involvement (e.g., justice, child welfare), and those experiencing gaps in access to recovery supports. While the primary focus is capacity building, services provided through expanded peer workforce activities will support individuals requiring engagement, navigation, recovery support, and connection to care. To increase capacity, the project will implement a comprehensive set of strategies, including (1) expanding access to peer certification training and continuing education in partnership with the florida certification board. (2) establishing regional peer network hubs and consumer advisory structures. (3) implementing a peer leadership academy in partnership with forward movement, INC. (4) delivering training and technical assistance to providers to integrate peer roles. (5) strengthening data systems, evaluation capacity, and continuous quality improvement processes. (6) expanding outreach and engagement efforts to underserved populations. The project goals are to (1) develop a statewide consumer network plan, (2) increase meaningful consumer engagement and peer voice, (3) expand peer workforce development and leadership, (4) deliver training and technical assistance, (5) strengthen system integration and partnership, and (6) ensure sustainability and continuous quality improvement. Measurable objectives include training at least 45 peer specialists, with at least 40% from rural and underserved communities. Deliver 30+ continuing education trainings, reaching at least 300 participants. Increase consumer participation in engagement activities by 30% provide training and technical assistance to at least 15 organizations, with 50% improving peer integration. Achieve ≥75% participant satisfaction across training and engagement activities through these efforts, the project will advance samhsa strategic priorities by strengthening the behavioral health workforce, expanding access to services, integrating peer roles across systems, and promoting recovery, equity, and data-driven decision-making. The result will be a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable behavioral health system that better meets the needs of individuals with lived experience across florida.