Southern WV Community & Technical College Celebrates First PRSS Micro-Credential Graduates

Southern WV Community & Technical College Peer Recovery Specialist Aaron Blankenship with Monica Lee as she receives her Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) micro-credential at the graduation ceremony on the Logan campus.

LOGAN, WV – Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College has marked a historic milestone with the graduation of its inaugural Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Micro-Credential class. As the first program of its kind in West Virginia—and one of only two worldwide, alongside Purdue Global University—this achievement represents a significant step forward in strengthening the peer recovery workforce.

The graduation ceremony, held last week at Southern WV Community & Technical College, was a celebration and reflection. Graduates shared heartfelt stories about their journeys, highlighting the profound impact of peer recovery work in communities devastated by the opioid epidemic.

“Hope is something we all need in our lives, and we are determined to carry this message as far and wide as possible,” said Aaron Blankenship, Peer Recovery Specialist at Southern. “This program recognizes the dedication of those in peer recovery support and brings them closer to earning the wages and respect they deserve.”

Blankenship emphasized the urgency of addressing substance use disorders in West Virginia, where high incarceration rates and overdose fatalities have plagued communities for years. Logan County, in particular, has been among the hardest-hit regions.

“The PRSS is an evidence-based, credentialed professional who plays a critical role in behavioral health, helping individuals navigate recovery,” Blankenship explained. “By training more people to enter this workforce, we are addressing a pressing need to create sustainable jobs and strengthening our communities.”

The ripple effect of peer recovery work is transformative, Blankenship added. “One credentialed peer can change another person’s life, which then impacts families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Reduced incarceration rates, lower suicide rates, and more efficient use of taxpayer dollars are just some of the long-term benefits we can achieve through education, understanding, and rehabilitation.”

Southern WV Community & Technical College remains committed to expanding access to peer recovery education, helping to build a future where individuals in recovery are empowered, supported, and valued.