SUPR Staffing Update:
Lakshmi "Sailaja" Kanchibhotla has joined the SUPR team as a Gambling Initiative Intern in the Bureau of Planning, Performance Measurement, and Federal Programs. Vamshi Bairagoni has joined the SUPR team as a Cannabis Initiative Intern in the Bureau of Planning, Performance Measurement, and Federal Programs. Please join us in welcoming each member of the SUPR family into their new roles!
SUPR Accomplishments:
IDHS/SUPR is proud to share that Kellie Gage won the Professional of the Year Award from the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) which was presented at their Spring Conference! And a SUPR team of experts, including Kellie and joined by DMH, presented on Innovative Treatment and Recovery Services. We believe it was very well received!
Open Grant Opportunities- Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP):
Illinois is making unprecedented investments in youth development and violence prevention through community-based organizations across the State. To find out how your organization can apply for the open grant opportunities through the Reimagine Public Safety Act, please visit OFVP Open Grant Opportunities.
IL MAR Conference- Registration Now Open:
In our March Newsletter, we shared a 'Save the Date' for an upcoming MAR Conference in Bloomington, IL on Thursday, April 20th.
Registration is now open! To save your spot and indicate dietary preferences, visit IL MAR Learning Collaborative Statewide Conference.
Regional Substance Use Prevention Integration Centers:
The Bureau of Prevention Services, Substance Use Prevention Program has collaborated with the Division of Family and Community Services' Office of Community and Positive Youth Development to launch the Regional Substance Use Prevention Integration Centers (RSUPICS).
The six RSUPICS grants are part of the SUPP State and Regional Substance Use Prevention Program. An RSUPIC provider has been selected for each of the five IDHS regions and one additional exclusively for the City of Chicago. Each RSUPIC provider possesses a vast history and knowledge in prevention and holds firm roots within their communities and region.
RSUPICS will focus on assessing and integrating substance use prevention into existing youth-based programs under the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development and all other youth-based programs within their communities utilizing the most appropriate CSAP strategy.
Xylazine Update:
In our March Newsletter, we shared that Xylazine, an emerging drug overdose threat, has been involved in an increasing number of overdoses and other health issues.
We are sharing additional important information about the emerging drug overdose threat. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with Xylazine.
Xylazine is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. When mixed with fentanyl, Xylazine increases the risk of a fatal overdose. IDHS/SUPR has created the attached information flyer for distribution. Additionally, we have included the Chicago Department of Public Health's information sheet.
We are asking for your assistance in distributing this information to staff conducting community intervention and harm reduction services, clinical staff, patients, and the public.
Recovery Trainings:
IDHS/SUPR has partnered with Faces and Voices of Recovery to assist in the expansion of recovery community organizations (RCO) across the state.
Part of this expansion involves providing free trainings to providers and community stakeholders on recovery topics. For more information about Faces and Voices Illinois project, training calendars, and registration information, please visit Illinois Recovery Project.
Please share these trainings widely within your agencies and communities. If you have questions or would like to discuss starting a recovery community organization in your community, please contact Kim Sriner at Kimberly.Sriner@illinois.gov .
COVID-19 Exceptions:
A gentle reminder that COVID-19 exceptions are still in effect and have no expiration date currently. Services delivered through Telehealth are still acceptable.
Please review the Provider Notice from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) dated March 20, 2020, "Telehealth Services Expansion Prompted by COVID-19"IDHS/SUPR has also sent several communications regarding the COVID-19 Exception that you can review.
Recovery Residences Registry
The IDHS/SUPR Recovery Residence Registry has been moved to the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances to simplify public inquiries for Recovery Residence. Information in the registry helps IDHS/SUPR better understand recovery residences' capacity and support for Medication Assisted Recovery. If you partner with a residence that is not listed, please invite them to register and/or contact Kimberly.Sriner@illinois.gov to list the organization. Search the Recovery Residences Registry at any time
Overdose Response Funding Updates:
SUPR publishes a quarterly report summarizing funded projects in response to the overdose crisis. We invite you to review the Overdose Response Funding Report at your convenience.
Smart Alerts and Other Communications:
DHS Coronavirus
SAMHSA COVID-19: The health, safety, and well-being of all those we serve are amongst our highest priorities. Please visit the State of Illinois Coronavirus page.
Summary of SUPR Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Smart Alerts
SUPR COVID-19 Communications
