Detroit Recovery Project (DRP) is a private non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting recovery, which strengthens, rebuilds, and empowers individuals, families, and communities who are experiencing co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. The Recovery Training Institute (RTI) is DRP's center for education, training, certification programs, and apprenticeship. They partner with MICHWA, HRSA, SAMSHA, and the Department of Labor. We spoke with DRP's Tiffany Arnold, Project Coordinator for MHAT and CPRM Projects, and Sydney Wilcox, CHW Project Coordinator for Recovery Training Institute and the Apprenticeship programs that they run.Â
Under RTI programs, there are three main pillars: the Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP), Certified Peer Recovery Mentor Academy (CPRM), and Mental Health First Aid. Both CHWTP and CPRM Academy offer an apprenticeship opportunity for individuals to 'earn while you learn.' CHWTP and CPRM students must first complete their program with good standing and go through an interview process to be accepted.Â
The apprenticeship benefits both the employer and the apprentice in many ways, from 1-1 mentorship to proven reduced turnover. As of January 2025, they have offered CHWTP to 115 people. The CHWTP program is working on extending its training to various groups and organizations. Recently, they partnered with ACCESS to provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to the Dearborn Police Department. They are also currently working on extending their MHFA training to teens.Â
For more information about innovative work happening in Michigan and nationwide, check out our database of healthcare workforce initiatives at www.mhc.org/initiatives.Â