136. Peer Support Series: Peer Ambassadors vs. Peer Support — What’s the Difference? Artwork

The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care.

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The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

136. Peer Support Series: Peer Ambassadors vs. Peer Support — What’s the Difference?

April 07, 2026 • Renee Schulte

0:00 | 30:41

In this episode of Stepping In It, we explore the difference between peer ambassadors and peer support—and why both are critical in rural communities. From informal community connectors like volunteers and “the guy in the golf cart” at a Critical Access Hospital to trained peer support specialists, we break down how trust, relationships, and lived experience help bridge gaps in access to care. We also dig into the data behind rural mental health and substance use challenges, and why underfunded roles and systemic barriers continue to limit impact despite strong community-driven solutions.

In this episode, you will be able to:

The difference between peer ambassadors and formal peer support roles in rural communities
How community connection and trust influence access to healthcare and resources
Why rural areas rely on informal support systems to fill gaps in care
Key data points on rural suicide and substance use disparities
The impact of underfunding and workforce challenges in behavioral health
How roles like pharmacists, volunteers, and local ambassadors support community wellbeing

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:08 - Introduction & Whiny Farmer Intro

00:01:45 - How Rural Communities Naturally Support Each Other

00:04:30 - From Chicken Dances to Community Connection

00:06:55 - Peer Ambassadors vs. Peer Support Explained

00:10:20 - Real-Life Examples: Volunteers, Front Desk, and “Golf Cart Guy”

00:13:40 - Building Trust to Connect People to Care

00:16:05 - Data on Rural Suicide & Substance Use Rates

00:19:10 - Barriers to Access: Insurance, Workforce, and Geography

00:22:30 - Underfunded & Undervalued Roles (Including Pharmacists)

00:25:15 - Why Community-Based Solutions Still Matter Most

00:27:00 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action