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Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

The Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program is helping more Marylanders in rural communities access support to address their substance use by alleviating the shortage of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) in our state. A CPRS leverages a combination of personal experience of recovery from substance use or mental health challenges and formalized training to support others with their recovery journey. From February 1, 2026 - May 31, 2028 and through $1.6 million in awards, RAMP-funded programs will prepare people who have lived experience in recovery for careers as CPRS and expand substance use recovery services across Maryland’s rural communities.

The Maryland Department of Labor, in partnership with Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response—which operates under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller—and the Maryland Department of Health, have awarded funding to eight community organizations that will:

  • Provide free training and certification to prospective peer recovery specialists to become certified in the state of Maryland.
  • Increase growth, advancement, and retention opportunities for current certified peer recovery specialists through professional development opportunities that prepare them for higher-level behavioral health roles.

RAMP Grantees

Western Area Health Education Center (AHEC West)

Asian American Center of Frederick

Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center

Mid Shore Behavioral Health

On Our Own of Frederick County

St. Mary’s County Health Department

Voices of Hope Maryland (Cecil and Harford County)

Westminster Rescue Mission

The Maryland Department of Labor administers the RAMP program through a $2 million award from the Maryland Office of Overdose Response’s Opioid Restitution Fund.

Interested in Becoming a Peer Recovery Specialist?

If you’re an individual with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges and are interested in supporting others on their recovery journey, you may consider becoming a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Maryland. Although the RAMP grant does not provide funding directly to individuals, you may qualify for financial assistance to cover your application or retest fees. Learn More: CPRS, RPS & Retest Application Funding

To learn more about the process for becoming a peer specialist, please visit the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB).

Resources

Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) Policy (PDF)

Maryland Overdose Data Dashboard

Maryland Addiction and Behavioral Health Professionals Certification Board

Maryland State Office of Rural Health

For additional information, contact:
Anna Whitney
Program Manager, Office of Strategic Initiatives
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Maryland Department of Labor