AFN Contributes to Published Research on Family Peer Support!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the world of research and advocacy! 🎉

A project that our very own Misty Woody contributed to during her time at Allegheny Family Network has officially been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). The paper, titled “Partnering with Family Organizations in Research: Experiences from the Field”, highlights the critical role that family-run organizations like AFN play in shaping effective, inclusive mental health research and services.

This publication is especially meaningful because literature about family peer support—something we live and breathe at AFN—is still incredibly limited. Being part of this research helps validate the peer-led approach we champion every day, and it elevates the voices of families and communities at the heart of the work.

To see this collaborative effort formally published is both an honor and a milestone—not just for AFN, but for family peer support organizations everywhere. We're so proud of Misty and all the contributors who brought their real-world experiences, insights, and dedication to the table.

Check out the full article here: Read the research

Let’s keep pushing the field forward—together.