An Interview with Paolo del Vecchio, Director, SAMHSA Office of Recovery
This podcast relates to Peer Support Services in a MHOTRS clinic because the Director makes a strong statement about the presence and impact of the peer movement in today’s mental health system. The programs and resources available through the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website are great resources for peer supporters and the people that they serve. Check out this impactful episode now!
Topic
This can’t miss episode spotlights the SAMHSA Office of Recovery and its Director, Paolo del Vecchio. In this podcast, Paolo boldly shares his story with recovery and discusses various programs associated with SAMHSA’s national agenda. Check out the resources available on SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery website at: https://www.samhsa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/offices-centers/or
Meet Paolo del Vecchio
Paolo del Vecchio is the Director of the Office of Recovery at SAMHSA. Previously, Paolo served as SAMHSA’s Executive Officer and Director of the Office of Management, Technology and Operations. Prior to joining SAMHSA, Paolo worked for the Philadelphia Office of Mental Health in policy formulation and the development of a comprehensive system of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and community-based mental health services.
Paolo courageously shares his personal journey with depression and anxiety, as well as his firsthand experience of the stigma associated with receiving mental health services. He discusses how he became involved with substance use to address challenges with bullying and emotional pain. He goes on to share how one of the most pivotal moments of his life was when he found a job as a warmline operator where he experienced the power of peer support and connection with others.
What is in this episode:
- How the Office of Recovery in SAMHSA came to be
- The 5 key priorities identified by the recovery community
- Various programs sponsored by the Office of Recovery in SAMHSA
- Youth Peer Support
- Peer Recovery Centers of Excellence
Summarized by Steve Nawotniak, Alliance for Rights and Recovery
Relevant Links: