news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Marty Johnson, (202) 420-7424; mjohnson@communityplans.net

  ACAP Recognizes Promise Resource Network With 2025 Supporting The Safety Net Award

WASHINGTON — The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) today presented its twentieth annual Supporting the Safety Net Award to Promise Resource Network (PRN), an organization committed to peer-centered mental health recovery services. The non-profit was nominated by Alliance Health, a North Carolina public managed care organization serving seven counties including the Research Triangle and Charlotte.

Based in Charlotte, PRN is a community-based, consumer-run recovery organization operated by a coalition made up of people who have been directly impacted by and involved with mental health services and systems, their allies and service providers.

PRN supports mental health recovery through a range of accessible peer-led services, including 24/7 respites — community-based homes staffed by specially-trained individuals who have survived mental health crises themselves. PRN also runs trauma-based wellness centers that offer on-site support in addition to community outreach, promoting self-management, social connections, education, and more. Every offering is available to all community members, regardless of insurance status. Moreover, PRN has continuously strengthened its partnerships with the state of North Carolina, Alliance Health, and local governments to provide additional assistance in the form of health providers, affordable housing, and food security.

In the past twelve months, PRN’s statewide Peer Warmline answered over 63,000 calls and boasted a nearly perfect 99.9% satisfaction rate, connecting callers to behavioral healthcare, housing, food, and employment resources.

“Promise Resource Network is a leader in its peer model,” said Alliance Health CEO Rob Robinson, who nominated the organization. “PRN has long recognized that historical methods for responding to behavioral health needs, such as emergency department visits and law enforcement involvement, often increase individual trauma rather than provide necessary comfort and support. Utilizing their experience and dedication as a survivor-led organization, PRN provides a ‘consumer-run model’ to foster healing and wellness for individuals who are seeking mental health services.”

“Local support systems are vital to mental health recovery, and organizations like Promise Resource Network demonstrate their impact and necessity,” added ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “PRN’s emphasis on lived experience and peer-led services exemplifies how communities can effectively address mental health challenges.”

The Supporting the Safety Net Award recognizes a community-based organization or individual that has implemented exemplary, inventive programs to meet the health needs of high-risk populations and that can serve as a model of best practices for other communities.

The award was presented at ACAP’s CEO Summit in Washington, D.C. to Cherene Caraco, CEO and chief global strategist of PRN.

About Alliance Health:
Alliance Health is a public managed care organization serving Cumberland, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Mecklenburg, Orange and Wake counties in North Carolina. Working with a network of more than 4,000 private providers, Alliance has responsibility for 470,000 Medicaid-eligible and uninsured individuals among a population of over 3.5 million. The Alliance Medicaid Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disability Tailored Plan manages all the health care needs – physical, behavioral and pharmacy – for people with complex mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and long-term care needs including intellectual/developmental disability and traumatic brain injury.

About Promise Resource Network:
Promise Resource Network has played a pivotal role in leading the peer-led approach to substance use and mental health recovery for almost 20 years. PRN’s expertise in peer-led initiatives and dedication to fostering a supportive mental health and substance use community have fueled policy and driven local and statewide initiatives. Through peer support, education, and advocacy, Promise Resource Network empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

About ACAP:
ACAP represents 85 health plans, which collectively provide health coverage to more than 30 million people. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit communityplans.net.