IDHS/SUPR Presentation on Core Abatement Strategies for Opioid Treatment Programs Sept 2022

Prioritizing Overdose Core Abatement Strategies & New and Enhanced Strategies for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP's)

Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Grace Hou, Secretary

Laura Garcia, Director

Prioritizing Overdose Core Abatement Strategies That:

  1. Reduce Mortality: ensure access to life saving medications that reverse overdoses
  2. Target individual, families, friends and communities effected by opioid use disorders and opioid overdoses (e.g., brain ataxia, assist children who lost a parent/caregiver due to an overdose or live with a parent/caregiver with an opioid use disorder)
  3. Address health disparities and inequity in systems of care 

The Opioid Epidemic By The Numbers (PDF)

Opioid Abatement Core Strategies

Funding must support treatment of opioid use disorders OUDs) and co occurring disorders (CODs) and mental health conditions through evidence based and evidence informed programs and/or strategies that can include but not limited to:

  1. Naloxone or Other FDA Approved Drug to Reverse Opioid Overdoses
  2. Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR)
  3. Services for Pregnant and Post Partum People with OUDs
  4. Services for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
  5. Bridge Services (warm hand off) and Recovery Oriented Services
  6. Treatment of Incarcerated People
  7. Prevention Programs
  8. Harm Reduction & Syringe Service Programs

New and Enhanced Strategies for Opioid Treatment Programs

OTPs are federally certified, DEA registered and IDHS/SUPR licensed to provide medication assisted recovery (MAR) to people with an OUD using. OTPs use MAR- methadone, and recently buprenorphine, and have been delivering this service for over 30 years. IDHS/SUPR funds seventeen OTPs In Illinois.

IDHS/SUPR surveyed OTPs to explore new and enhanced opioid abatement strategies based on the needs of the communities they serve. Out of a total of 17 OTPs surveyed,10 (59%) responded to the survey.

1. Potential projects include:

  • providing new opioid abatement strategies in their communities.
  • expanding OTP services to incorporate the Medication First model that will provide immediate access to all three FDA approved
  • facilitate emergency room or hospitalist initiation of MAR with follow up to a community treatment provider.
  • establish a partnership with DOC and local jails to ensure patients with a history of SUD have naloxone on release day.
  • establish a partnership with first responders, schools, and behavioral health organizations to establish a "Handle with Care" model for children exposed to an overdose episode(s).
  • establish an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Partnership with Harm Reduction Outreach Services to provide MAR Mobile Health Units.

Pilot: Community Outreach and Recovery Support (CORS) Model

Address Outreach teams can address two major problems hindering the expansion of overdose prevention strategies, workforce shortage and access to harm eduction services in communities impacted by opioid overdoses.

Reach Reach people living with an opioid use disorder (OUD) in the community where they live.

Collaborate Collaborate with local stakeholders - faith-based leaders, legislators, and grassroots community organizations - to develop outreach initiatives specific to the community.

Develop Develop unique community services for at-risk populations and children in general (e.g., those coping with the distress of their caregivers, those with limited or inadequate familial or other social supports); for special populations (e.g., immigrant groups, economically disadvantaged) facing service barriers (e.g., language, cultural stigma).

Consideration of Recommendations to Steering Committee for Funding

Services Estimated Amount FY23
Expanding Current Community Services Community Intervention Services 3M
Pilot Community Outreach and Recovery Support (CORS) Model 5M