Justin Volpe : How Peer Support Changes Lives

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

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Justin Volpe shares his journey from being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and incarcerated to becoming a certified recovery peer specialist who has trained over 3,500 police officers in crisis intervention.

His story demonstrates how individuals with lived experience can transform systems and save lives by bridging gaps between law enforcement, courts, and treatment providers.

• Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in his early 20s after struggling with substance abuse
• Released from jail through Miami's Jail Diversion Program, which provides support, therapy, and resources
• Became a peer specialist within 8 months of incarceration, helping others navigate the system
• Worked for 14 years getting thousands of people out of incarceration and connecting them to services
• Describes his role as a "bridger" between systems that don't typically communicate with each other
• Trained over 3,500 police officers in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) approaches
• Featured in documentaries "The Definition of Insanity" and Ken Burns' "Hiding in Plain Sight"
• Now works nationally with state behavioral health teams at NASMHPD
• Advocates for including people with lived experience at policy and planning tables
• Emphasizes that recovery is possible: "I was written off and told I'd die on the street"

Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me: The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone that you are not alone in this world.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

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1. Introduction to Justin Volpe (00:00:00)

2. Personal Journey with Mental Illness (00:08:05)

3. Peer Specialist Role and Approach (00:15:16)

4. Training Police in Crisis Intervention (00:20:22)

5. Breaking Stigma and Creating Change (00:24:22)

6. Documentary Impact and National Work (00:27:12)