Impacts of the Compeer Program

Compeer affiliates conduct annual surveys of consumers, therapists, and volunteers involved in the program. In a recent national Compeer survey, consumers indicated that since being matched with a Compeer volunteer, they experience improvement in the following areas: 74% in sense of security; 82% in self esteem; 67% in positive risk taking; 74% in communication skills; and 7% in independence. 92% of referring mental health professionals, 92% of clients and 94% of volunteers reported they were satisfied with Compeer the Compeer friendship.

Cost Containment

While health care cost containment continues to be an area of concern, Compeer has provided a creative solution to deteriorating support systems through utilization of volunteers. Compeer volunteer friendships have been shown to save mental health dollars and favorably alter utilization of other costly services. Mental health professionals indicate that since being matched with a Compeer volunteer, consumers have experienced a positive impact in the following areas: 70% in psychiatric hospitalization rate; 75% in use of emergency services; 78% in compliance with their treatment plans; and 69% in compliance with medications.

Compeer Recognition

Compeer has been recognized as a model mental health volunteer program and has been highlighted in print and electronic media including CBS Morning News, NBC Nightly News, Sally Jesse Raphael, Newsweek, Family Circle, and Psychology Today. In addition, the program has received the Presidential Recognition Award by the Dept. of Health and Human Services, the first Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award, the Presidential Volunteer Action Award, four Points of Light awards and recognition from the American Psychiatric Association.