Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College Celebrates First Graduates of Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential Program

Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College Celebrates First Graduates of Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential Program. Shown from left to right are Rebecca Hammonds, Susan Trent, Logan Burgess, Briana White, Amber Nance, and Southern’s Peer Recovery Specialist Aaron Blankenship.

Logan, WV – August 5, 2025 — Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College proudly announces the graduation of five dedicated students from its inaugural Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) micro-credential program. This innovative, six-day program is designed to prepare individuals with lived experience to become certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists, bringing much-needed support and guidance to those navigating the path of recovery across the region.

The graduation ceremony, held on August 5th, marked a significant milestone for both the participants and the College. Through a combination of intensive lectures, hands-on group sessions, and role-playing exercises, these five students demonstrated exceptional commitment, transforming personal challenges into professional strengths that will make a lasting impact in the behavioral health field.

“We launched this groundbreaking micro-credential to meet the urgent need for qualified peer support in Southern West Virginia,” said Aaron Blankenship, PRSS SUD-MH, RCT, AAS, RBA, lead trainer and program coordinator at Southern. “This is the first program of its kind in West Virginia, and these graduates exemplify hope and perseverance. Their success affirms our belief that professional education, grounded in lived experience, is vital to rebuilding stronger, healthier communities.”

This micro-credential is part of Southern’s ongoing efforts to expand workforce development opportunities in behavioral health and addiction recovery, empowering individuals to lead change from within their communities.

For more information about upcoming PRSS training opportunities or to learn more about Southern’s workforce programs, please visit www.southernwv.edu or contact