The Peer Specialist Movement: An Interview with Gayle Bluebird, RN
Abstract
In this interview, Gayle Bluebird, RN, Director of the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) Center for Peer Networking, discusses the history and progress of the peer specialist movement. For the past 40 years, Gayle Bluebird has advocated for persons with psychiatric disabilities in service sectors, policy arenas, and with federal/state agencies. She has helped produce several important films and monographs on reducing seclusion and restraint. Currently her focus is on building a broader understanding of peer support services. This interview focuses on the peer specialist and the strides of peer support specialists in improving mental health services.