IDEO is partnering with CalMHSA to launch a social media campaign that celebrates the presence and power of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists across California.

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists are integral to mental health care in our communities. With empathy rooted in lived experience, peers walk alongside others on their healing journeys. Through this campaign, we’ll uplift their voices — sharing stories told by peers, for the communities they serve.

Our goal is to raise awareness and build public understanding through clear, emotionally resonant content that answers the questions:
Who are peers? What do they do? And why does their work make the difference in providing high quality comprehensive support?

We hope these stories spark local pride and system-wide respect — recognizing peer professionals as essential leaders in mental health.

Next Steps: We Want to Hear From You!

We want to craft this campaign with the people who matter most, the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists whose stories we are highlighting. If you’re a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, we want to talk with you! 

How to participate:

• Join a conversation via Zoom with the IDEO team on July 17, 18, 21, or 22. Depending on scheduling and your preferences, you’ll either meet one-on-one or in a small group with 2–3 other Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. These sessions will last up to 90 minutes and provide an opportunity for us to learn more about your story, your work, and what matters most to you.
• Share your story as a part of the campaign! If you are interested and selected to be featured, we’ll follow up with in-person video recording sessions scheduled for the week of August 11, 2025. We’ll meet you at a location that’s convenient for you, and we’ll ensure all logistics are precise and comfortable ahead of time.

Your voice will help us and others understand the real impact of peer work — and celebrate the power of peers across California.

If you're interested in participating, please take a moment to complete this brief survey to share more about your experience, availability, and interests. A person from our team will follow up to discuss.

Note: Application responses are confidential and used to determine eligibility for research participation. There is no compensation for filling out the application and no guarantee you will be selected to participate.