Using Peer Navigators to Address the Integrated Healthcare Needs of African Americans with Serious Mental Illness

Using Peer Navigators to Address the Integrated Healthcare Needs of African Americans with Serious Mental Illness Corrigan, Patrick Creator Faculty Kraus, Dana Contributor Pickett, Susan Contributor Schmidt, Annie Contributor Stellon, Edward Contributor Hantke, Erin Contributor PSYC / Psychology Illinois Institute of Technology Affiliated department 2017 2017 American Psychiatric Association Objective Impact of a peer navigator program (PNP) develop by a community based participatory research team was examined on African Americans with serious mental illness who were homeless. Methods Research participants were randomized to PNP or a treatment-as-usual control group for one year. Data on physical and mental health, recovery, and quality of life were collected at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months. Results Findings from group by trial ANOVAs of omnibus measures of the four constructs showed significant impact over the one year for participants in PNP compared to control described by small to moderate effect sizes. These differences emerged even though both groups showed significant improvements in reduced homelessness and insurance coverage. Conclusions Implications for improving in-the-field health care for this population are discussed. Whether these results occurred because navigators were peers per se needs to be examined in future research. postprint Article