Webinar Title: Peer-Supported Probation in New Mexico: A model for reducing overdose and harms from the criminal legal system
Date/Time: Thursday, September 26, 2024, 02:00 PM Eastern Time
Recording link: Peer-Supported Probation in New Mexico: A model for reducing overdose and harms from the criminal legal system - Zoom
Description: Rio Arriba County, New Mexico has an overdose rate nearly four times higher than the state rate. To address this crisis, Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services (RACHHS) partnered with a district court judge to create a peer-supported probation program as an alternative to traditional probation for individuals who use drugs. Instead of jail or standard probation, participants work with a certified peer support worker and regularly engage directly with the judge, often outside of the courtroom. With more than 30 participants, the recidivism rate has dropped significantly compared to individuals not in the program. This webinar will showcase how this non-punitive, non-abstinence-based alternative to traditional probation centers participant-identified needs, emphasizes harm reduction, and values relationship building with both the peer and the Judge.
In this webinar:
- Dr. Ahmed Dadzie, RACHHS Director, will provide critical context on the overdose crisis in Rio Arriba County;
- First District Court Judge Jason Lidyard will discuss how and why he pioneered the peer-supported probation model in partnership with RACHHS;
- Sixto Aguirre, Certified Peer Support Worker and Special Projects Coordinator for RACHHS will share his experience providing harm reduction support services to participants in the program; and
- All panelists will share challenges and successes they’ve experienced and offer guidance for jurisdictions interested in implementing a similar model.
This webinar is being presented by NACCHO with funding from the Overdose Response Network. Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI085588 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
