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April 18th, 2024

Inaugural Regional Opioid Advisory Coalitions Held in March

Word cloud detailing strengths of Illinois regions, including recovery supportive housing, opioid risk helplines, mental health resources, and naloxone vending machines.

Overview

During the first 2 weeks of March, seven newly established Regional Opioid Advisory Coalitions gathered virtually. These teams comprise a diverse group of individuals and organizational representatives who are active in engagement, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and the recovery of individuals with opioid use disorders and/or substance use disorders. The purpose of the coalitions is to identify, strategize, and address local trends and priorities, gaps in services, and social determinants of health impacting the regions. They will, with the administrative support of the Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA), develop, implement, and monitor annual workplans and training and technical assistance plans for each region to address local needs.

A total of 62 representatives throughout the state shared stories of what drives them to continue their work, and there were lively discussions of both local strengths and local needs. While there were many differences across the regions, there were also similarities. For example, stigma is a common barrier to accessing needed services, particularly for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Other themes included the following:

Strengths

  • Communication and collaboration between agencies and counties
  • Recovery community
  • Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSCs)
  • Dedicated first responders
  • Availability of naloxone

Needs

  • Recovery housing
  • Harm reduction services
  • Rural services
  • Transportation
  • Family involvement
  • Warm handoffs
  • Peer support
  • Representation of persons with lived experience
  • Food/nutrition
  • …and more!
Map of Illinois Department of Public Health Regions (2023)

Alysan Anderson

Region 1 - Rockford

aanderson@ahpnet.com

Derek O'Neal

Region 7 - Bellwood

doneal@ahpnet.com

Alejandra Garland

Region 2 - Peoria

agarland@ahpnet.com

Alejandra Garland

Region 5 - West Chicago

agarland@ahpnet.com

Meagan Washington-Sims

Region 6 - Champaign

msims@ahpnet.com

Rachel King-Johnson

Region 3 - Metro East

rking-johnson@ahpnet.com

Rachel King-Johnson
Region 4 - Marion rking-johnson@ahpnet.com

Illinois Department of Public Health Regions (2023)

Get in Touch!

Each coalition will meet at least quarterly to develop and implement a workplan and a training and technical assistance plan for the region to address identified needs. We are looking forward to the next sessions in June! If you or your organization is interested in participating, please sent a note to our RCCA HelpDesk.