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PEER ASSISTANCE


Peer assistance support is available to CRNA and SRNA members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). The AANA Peer Assistance programs provides support for all aspects related to drugs/alcohol impairment, suspicion of drug diversion, substance abuse disorder (SUD), adverse event support, and questions related to fitness for duty.

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The Peer Assistance Helpline is available 24/7 and provides confidential, live support and resources to those
in need.

GETTING HELP

AANA Peer Assistance Helpline for Drug/Alcohol Concerns

(800) 654-5167

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hotline
(800) 273-TALK
IMPORTANT: For a crisis with potential immediate risk for harm to self or others, call 911 or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suicide hotline at (800) 273-TALK. Once the situation is safe, call the AANA Peer Assistance Helpline at the number listed above.

RAINN National Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Hotline
(800) 656-4673

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CTANA Peer Assistance

 

For many years Connecticut did not have a State Peer Advisor(SPA) and now we have three trained CRNA volunteers who represent our state!  We have all recently gone through the extensive AANA training and have agreed to be available to all CRNAs and students here in the state.

 

What is our role exactly?

  • to provide helpful peer support and information to CRNA/SRNAs in need of assistance for substance use disorder, stress, workplace/school wellness, and adverse events.  

  • to build awareness of the peer support available and assist with education to encourage professional and personal well-being and prevent SUD, an occupational risk for anesthesia professionals. 

  • to provide post-crisis follow-up related to substance use disorder (SUD) or other stressful situations. 

  • to be available to listen and compassionately assist another with a particular need

  • to provide contacts for further assistance

 

What we cannot do:

  • An AANA SPA volunteer is not authorized at any time to make a medical diagnosis, provide professional therapy, treatment or counseling, or provide legal or other professional advice of any kind. 

 

Important information for our members:

 

  • AANA Peer Assistance Helpline* 24/7 confidential live support and resources- 800-654-5167

  • Email:  peerassistance@aana.com

  • Your State Peer Advisors:​

    • Rachel Rachler, CRNA, DNAP, APRN
      Madison, CT
      p: 203-676-2458
      e: rachlerra@gmail.com

    • Leigh Taylor, DNP, CRNA, APRN
      p: 203-965-1247

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