With the addiction crisis affecting our community as well as the nation, the need for increased efforts toward recovery is essential. The Solutions Peer Response Team (PRT) is an innovative program targeted at quicker responses to immediate substance use concerns within Winnebago County. Due to the nature of addiction issues, a rapid response approach is not always available through traditional efforts. When someone needs help with substance use, they typically need help now!
The PRT is a peer-driven program made up of staff who all have lived experience and are trained recovery coaches. They are available 24/7 to respond to any substance use-related need in our community at no cost.
PRT was created and formed by partners from the Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) with a goal of preventing non-fatal and fatal overdoses. Through their research, they conducted 30+ interviews with community stakeholders to understand how best to create a successful program in the county. In every interview, it was clear that the program response should be centered around peer support and the recovery community. Stakeholders echoed that participants must be immersed in a peer led system of support, tailored to meet their individual needs, and to empower the recovery community to do what they do best.
Peer-driven work is essential in treating the disease of addiction as it offers an immediate support and connection to a disease known for isolation. There is an intrinsic understanding when a person can sit across the table from another and say, “I get it; I have been there.” This creates rapport, empathy, and efficiency in connecting people who need help. Solutions have seen great success with this peer-driven model in other programs and are now able to offer it to the broader community.
The goals of the PRT program are to work with people who are experiencing crisis, vulnerability, and desperation to mitigate overdose risk, support in navigating resources, link individuals to proper care and treatment and rapidly respond to substance use crises in real-time.
To achieve these goals, the PRT program targets environments with high vulnerability by collaborating with numerous community agencies for referrals. Community partners play an integral role in the success of PRT, and the team continues to grow the list of partners as it grows in capacity.
Through a care-centered approach the PRT offers:
Recovery Coach Services
Detox Support
Guidance in navigating complex treatment systems
Access to Narcan and other harm-reduction tools
Transportation to recovery-related services
Support during the recovery journey
The PRT staff are available daily at Solutions: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-9:30 pm. There is also a 24/7 Recovery Hotline that is operated by staff with lived experience to assist with any addiction-related needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please don’t hesitate to either stop by Solutions (621 Evans St, Oshkosh, WI 54901) or call the Recovery Hotline. A warm welcome and support are waiting for you on the other end!
