Regional Opioid Advisory Coalitions

As part of Illinois’ response to the opioid epidemic, seven regional opioid advisory coalitions were formed to capture the specific regional needs of the state. The purpose of the coalitions is to inform the state of needs and priorities related to opioid use and substance use disorders in their region. 

The coalitions include a diverse membership of those engaged with the local recovery-oriented system of care, including prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support providers; regional recovery councils and coalitions; and other stakeholders. 

The coalitions have several objectives: 

• Meet quarterly to identify local priorities and collaborate on ways to
  1. Reduce impacts of opioid use and substance use disorders in the region, 
  2. Address equity and inclusion, 
  3. Provide culturally and linguistically competent services and supports, and
 
  4. Improve the identified social determinants of health in each region. 
• Develop an annual workplan to address institutionalized inequities and improve social determinants of health. 
• Develop an annual training and technical assistance plan to support implementation of workplan activities. 

To support coalition development, AHP developed a strategy to strengthen members’ ability to translate identified service gaps into comprehensive, well-structured recommendations for the use of opioid settlements funds. The approach was adapted from the Community Coalition Action Theory (Butterfoss & Kegler, 2009). The theory identifies three main phases for coalition development: formation, maintenance, and sustainability (i.e., institutionalization), and it focuses on sustaining a coalition’s functionality, engagement, and effectiveness over time. AHP’s approach guided individuals from a shared concern about the opioid epidemic and its impact on communities toward the development of tangible outputs (e.g., Opioid Settlements Funds [OSF] recommendations). 

The coalitions initially met in March of 2024 and have ongoing quarterly and working group meetings. Each coalition produced a workplan to inform their activities in June 2024 and these workplans were updated in June 2025. If interested in participating in a coalition, please contact us at the RCCA Help Desk.