If we were to summarize the key messages and some of the strong points of our program, I think involving trained OSISS peer support workers can really help facilitate access to treatment for individuals, because peers build trust. An automatic trust relationship becomes established between someone who is suffering and someone who has been there. That really helps with accessing treatment and rehabilitation, and with the follow-up also--providing support through the rehab, the whole process.
OSISS is non-clinical, as Kathy has mentioned, and the distinction between clinical workers versus non-clinical workers is very important. One service cannot provide all services on its own. Both types of services need to be offered to the members, veterans, or their families. OSISS is basically a partner in care with the clinical side.