Voices of Hope Maryland Selected as a RAMP Grantee to Expand Peer-Led Recovery Services in Cecil and Harford County

Written By William Merrick

Voices of Hope Maryland is honored and deeply grateful to share that we have been selected as one of eight statewide grantees for the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program—an investment that will expand peer-led recovery services in rural communities and strengthen Maryland’s recovery workforce.

RAMP was announced by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller as part of $1.6 million in awards to prepare people with lived experience in recovery for careers as Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). These awards are funded through Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund and are supported through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response, and the Maryland Department of Health.

What RAMP Supports

Through RAMP, Voices of Hope Maryland will expand outreach and increase access to recovery supports in rural areas—while also strengthening career pathways for peers. The program is designed to:

  • Provide free training and certification to prospective peer recovery specialists

  • Increase growth, advancement, and retention opportunities for current CPRS professionals through professional development and pathways into higher-level behavioral health roles

As Lieutenant Governor Miller shared, “Recovery is possible and most powerful when it’s led by those who have walked the path themselves.” We couldn’t agree more. This award recognizes the power of lived experience—turning hard-earned survival into hope, leadership, and opportunity for others.

Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu also emphasized what peers bring to this work: “Peer recovery specialists bring credibility, compassion, and trust beyond what is taught in a classroom alone.” That’s the heart of what we do—and why this support matters.

What This Means for Cecil & Harford County

Voices of Hope Maryland will use RAMP support to strengthen peer workforce development and expand recovery support capacity across Cecil and Harford County, helping more residents access trained peer support and helping more peers step into meaningful, sustainable careers in behavioral health.

RAMP grantees are also required to partner with community organizations for outreach and recruitment and to collaborate with employers who can provide internships and employment opportunities—so participants have real pathways from training to work.

Learn More (Links)

About Voices of Hope Maryland

Voices of Hope Maryland is committed to building stronger, healthier communities by expanding access to peer-led recovery supports and workforce pathways. We believe lived experience is a strength—and when peers are trained, supported, and placed into meaningful roles, families and communities win.

William Merrick
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