Quarterly Newsletter- January 2025

Director's Message

As we welcome the New Year, let's take a moment to celebrate the strong collaborations and innovative solutions that have emerged in 2024 to address the urgent needs of individuals facing gambling and substance use challenges. We also invite you to join us in recognizing the first National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. In January, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be kicking off the first national Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month - a time to raise awareness of the benefits and availability of evidence-based treatments for people with a substance use. We know so many people view January as a time to take stock, reset, and take steps toward healthier living. What better time for us to highlight information and resources that can help support treatment and recovery from a substance use disorder? So, check out the Treatment Month toolkit at samhsa.gov/sudtm, and keep your eyes on all of SAMHSA's social media platforms. There you'll find tips, resources and even webinars to help people learn more about what substance use disorder is and how it can be effectively treated. Because Treatment Works, and Recovery is Possible and our treatment providers play a crucial role in sustaining a resilient recovery oriented system, and together, we can pave the way for lasting change. Thank you for your commitment and hard work! Here's to a joyful and prosperous New Year for everyone!

Laura Garcia

Director

SUPR STAFFING UPDATE

Mark Cioffi has joined SUPR as a Data Analyst on the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP) team! Mark has been the Data Analyst for the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) since 2018. In that role, he provided data analytics, including presentations to stakeholders and the NH Legislature. He also served on two of the Governor's opioid crisis task forces and has presented at Harold Rodgers PDMP national conferences!

Mark's healthcare career spans 4 decades, including over 12 years of data analysis experience at Magellan Pharmacy Benefits Management Corp. During his team with Keane Consulting, he was a claims data analyst for private insurers. He was also the lead analyst for the implementation of the NH Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) and spent 5 years at the NH state psychiatric hospital as a member of the Executive Committee and Senior Management Analyst.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a MBA from Plymouth State University, and a Master of Science in Taxation from Bentley College. Mark is also the Associate Chief Judge for the Jaguar Association of New England at their various Concours.

Craig Cady has joined the SUPR team as Administrative Assistant in the Bureau of Prevention! Craig joins SUPR from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) where he spent the last 7 years as both a Criminal Justice Specialist and Accountant. Craig is also a current serving member of the United States Army Reserve!

Noy Lithila has joined the SUPR team as the Manager of Contract Development

& Analysis in the Bureau of Business and Fiscal Operations! Noy is coming to SUPR from IDHS/Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) where he served as a supervisor. During his time at DDS, he managed day-to-day operations and performed various administrative duties needed for his staff and unit. Noy also spent time with DHS/Division of Family and Community Services (FCS) as a Grants and Contracts Manager.

Noy has a BA in Visual Arts and a BS in Math. Prior to pursuing his college education, he was a US marine for 6 years where he was tasked with gathering and providing reconnaissance and intelligence in support of the unit of commanders on the ground during oversea deployments.

Please join us in welcoming each member into the SUPR family!

SUPR 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Initiatives Highlights
Gambling
  • 1,137 outreach events were conducted across the state (70% increase over FY23) including screening onsite at casinos.
  • Outreach efforts and public awareness campaigns resulted in a 110% increase in traffic to 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline.
  • In SFY 24, providers conducted 57,478 screenings (19% increase over SFY23) which represents an additional 9,000 individuals screened.
  • Eight hundred and fifty (850) unduplicated counselors participated in trainings.
  • The first Latinx, Black/African American, and Asian American Conferences on Problem Gambling were held engaging the public, providers, and law makers on this critical topic.
Opioid Settlement Funding
Medication Assisted Recovery
  • MAR NOW has served over 2600 patients - including 310 patients who received methadone and 1994 patients receiving buprenorphine - life saving medications in the treatment of OUD - with a 99% continuation rate with a community provider following initiation of treatment. We continue to expand efforts for MAR NOW to address alcohol use disorder and withdrawal management.
  • Mobile MAR units continue to provide low barrier access to MAR, particularly in Chicago and central IL. Mobile MAR programs are reducing barriers and increasing access to MAR by prescribing, dispensing, and delivering medications to patients who have historically struggled to access this life-saving resource.
  • SUPR Providing Technical Assistance to IDOC: As of October 2024 - all individuals who are transferred to the IDOC on MAR, are continued on MAR, at all facilities. This was a result of the collaboration between SUPR and IDOC, as well as the assistance from SAMHSA.
  • Increased number of counties participating in County Jail Learning Collaborative to 30. Maintained 80% or higher rate for detainees continued all forms of MAR started in the community. An average of 17 individuals per month are initiated on MAR within the county jail.
  • Access Narcan: 448,356 2-dose boxes of Narcan were shipped throughout IL as of 12/6/24.
Drug Overdose Prevention Program:
  • 192,263 naloxone kits distributed.
  • 83,522 fentanyl test strips distributed.
  • 15,502 Xylazine test strips distributed.
  • 44,458 people trained on overdose recognition and response.
  • 3,158 naloxone administrations reported.
Workforce Expansion and Integration
  • CADC Workforce Expansion Program: On-boarded 2 new Accredited Training Programs (for a total of 10) to support grant-funded CADC education and training. In FY24, the program had 120 participating students, 462 new CADC applicants, and 232 newly credentialed professionals entering the CADC workforce in IL.
  • Illinois launched 19 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics demonstration sites across the State beginning on 10/1/2024. SUPR has been providing technical assistance, interagency collaboration, policy development, and interpretive guidelines for CCBHC demonstration providers regarding substance use services, and administrative rule 2060.
  • In partnerships with DMH, we kicked off efforts to transform the State's Behavioral Health system in Illinois. The integration will:
    • Improve outcomes for residents of Illinois who have co-morbid mental health and substance use disorders/conditions.
    • Improve access for persons served in DMH and SUPR treatment organizations.
    • Enhance SUD treatment in our State-Operated Psychiatric Hospitals.
    • Reduce administrative burden on current DMH and SUPR providers.
    • Leverage the expertise of DMH and SUPR staff.
Recovery Infrastructure
  • Recovery Community Organization grantees provided over 57,000 hours of Recovery Support Services (RSS) in Jan-Jun anticipating well over 100K services hours by year end.
  • In 2024, SUPR's Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program met its initial target of housing 360 individuals within the first two years of the program.
  • PSH program currently houses over 400 clients, with over 700 total household members including over 250 children under the age of 18. All clients are people with a substance use disorder and history of homelessness.
  • Oxford House Inc. reached a major milestone of opening their 100th Oxford Houses in Illinois.
  • Recovery Oriented Systems of Care increased access to recovery support by partnering with local health systems, law enforcement, schools, and employers, reaching 56% of Illinois counties, and utilizing the "train the trainer" model to strengthen community-based services.
  • Women's Service established a new framework for programming and monitoring SUPR providers with funding for DCFS involved individuals and families including establishing new data collection and technical assistance.
  • Partnered with IDOC to successfully implement MOUD access across all IDOC facilities.
  • Deflection: 41 counties have deflection initiatives that are active or in planning stages.
  • Deflection: 33% of referrals by police become active participants in services addressing their social determinants of health or SUD treatment needs.
Prevention
Behavioral Health Administration
  • Published the annual Adult Use Cannabis Health Advisory Committee Report which documents important indicators associated with cannabis to include, self-reported use by adults and youth, hospital room admissions, overdose rates, impaired driving, and cannabis-related arrests among other key indicators.
  • Published the annual DHS Annual Cannabis Report documenting over $81,000,000 in service agreements to support strategic substance use, mental health, and equity initiatives including workforce programs, behavioral health crisis services, community supports, research and public health, and public awareness about substance use.
  • Launched the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). A partnership with the University of Illinois, the Cannabis Research Institute aims to be an unbiased, rigorous, equity centric research center advancing public knowledge about all aspects of cannabis and hemp. Key research priorities for CRI include agricultural crop management, health and medicinal effects, and social equity impacts.
Licensure, Compliance, and Monitoring
  • ASAM 4th Edition:
    • Collaborating closely with HFS and the Bureau of Managed Care to coordinate adoption of the new criteria.
    • Purchased and provide copies of the new criteria to all licensed organization in Summer 2024.
    • Offering free training opportunities to licensed and funded organizations through Prevention First.
  • State Opiate Treatment Authority: for the first time the Federal rule 42 CFR Part 8, applicable to all opioid treatment programs (OTPS) been changed in 25 years and it was a major overhaul to the system. SUPR will be offering free training opportunities to OTPs through Prevention First.

IDHS/SUPR TRAINING UPDATE

As you may be aware, the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) sponsors training opportunities. The trainings focus on best practices in substance use disorder treatment and recovery support. Training calendars are released through Smart Alerts and posted on Prevention First's website.

Training No Shows and Cancellations

We continue to experience a high number of individuals who register for trainings and do not attend the training session (i.e., no-shows). At this time, there are waitlists for trainings and when individuals do not cancel, your colleagues cannot attend the trainings available. Given the high interest in training sessions related to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria, 4th Edition ("4th Edition"), we will begin to confirm registration. Failure to confirm registration may result in being dropped from the upcoming training session.

We want to reinforce the need to formally cancel registrations when individuals cannot attend trainings. As a reminder here are the steps to follow to formally cancel a registration: go to Prevention First website and enter username and password, click on "My Profile" at the top of the page and the click on "My Training" on the left side of the page, then click the "Current" tab and scroll down to the training you want to cancel and click "Cancel My Registration." Be sure to fill in the box at the bottom that says, "Reason for Cancellation" and then click on "Complete Cancellation." If individuals are unable to attend a training the day of the training (e.g., illness, emergency), please contact us at 1.800.252.8951 ext. 123, to inform Prevention First that you will be unable to attend. Please share this information with your staff.

LOAN REPAYMENT/FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS

The State of Illinois offers assistance with student loan repayment for Illinois residents who qualify based on certain eligibility requirements. Typically, qualifying borrowers are those who have made an obligation to work in Illinois for a specific amount of time in a field that has experienced a shortage of workers (for example, teaching or nursing).

The number of awards made through programs administered by ISAC, as well as the individual dollar amount awarded, are subject to sufficient annual appropriations by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor.

Follow the links to learn more about Illinois Loan Repayment/Forgiveness Programs:

UPCOMING SUPR VIRTUAL WRAP® ORIENTATIONS

The Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) is pleased to announce the opportunity to register for Virtual Level 1 Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) Orientation.Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) is a self-designed prevention and wellness tool anyone can use to get well, stay well, and make their life more the way they want it to be.

While it was originally developed for individuals with mental health challenges, it is an evidence-based practice that can be used with substance use clients as well. WRAP® participants identify tools that help with everything from maintaining everyday routines to dealing with stressors, triggers, setbacks, relapses, and crises.

To qualify to use WRAP® with clients, staff must first complete a multi-week training program to become a Certified WRAP® Facilitator. Certified WRAP® Facilitators are training to facilitate WRAP® groups. Per Rule 2060.407 Group Treatment, Certified WRAP® Facilitators qualify as a "professional with credentials specific to the subject matter of the didactic group". There are several per-requisites to submit a successful application for admittance into WRAP® Facilitator Training, one of which is attending a Level 1 WRAP® Orientation. Level 1 WRAP® Orientation is provided across the state to introduce individuals and organizations to the foundational principles of wellness, parts of a WRAP® plan, and an overview of the values and ethics of the WRAP® program. This is an ideal opportunity to learn the basic concepts of WRAP®. WRAP® Orientation is for individuals who are interested in WRAP® for their own lives or organizations that are interested in implementing WRAP® in their programs.

For more information about WRAP®, visit Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Please contact Kim Sriner at Kimberly.Sriner@illinois.gov for more information.

Upcoming Virtual Level 1 Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) Orientations

Quarter 3 Orientation

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025: 10:00am-12:00pm

Quarter 4 Orientation

Thursday May 22nd, 2025: 1:00pm-3:00pm

COMPLIANCE MATTERS

CDC Data on Tuberculosis Reinforces the Need for Educating SUD Patients

CDC has published its full final report titled Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2023. The report describes cases of TB disease reported to CDC during 1993-2023.

The report includes select new variables data from a newly revised case report form, that includes pregnancy, smoking, and history of experiencing homelessness. The new variables provide additional understanding of characteristics and risk factors among persons with TB disease.

  • The number of reported TB disease cases and incidence rate increased in 2023 for the third year since 2020, surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
  • In 2023, the United States reported 9,633 cases of TB disease and an incidence rate of 2.9 cases per 100,000 persons, an increase of 8.3% and 6.2% respectively compared with 2019.
  • The TB case count in 2023 is the highest reported since 2013 and the incidence rate is the highest since 2016.

All patients receiving services from a licensed IDHS/SUPR organization are required to receive TB education, per Administrative Rule Part 2060. For those organizations that also have Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG) funding, it is required that these services be reported correctly through DARTS for IDHS/SUPR to demonstrate compliance with BG funding requirements.

For any person in Level .5, 1, or 2 care, activity code 10 should be tagged to identify the individual or group session where this information was presented. Patients in Level 3 care should also receive education, although there is no mechanism to report it separately from the daily rate. Therefore, please ensure all TB education is properly documented in the client/patient record.

Please contact the IDHS/SUPR Help Desk at DoIT.SUPRHelp@illinois.gov or fax at 217-558-4656 if you have questions regarding DARTS reporting.

Capacity Management (CapMan) System Reporting Reminder!

All IDHS/SUPR residential (ASAM level 3.5) and Opioid Maintenance Therapy (OMT) licensed and funded programs are required to report in the Capacity Management (CapMan) system daily, as per Attachment C found in the provider Uniform Grant Agreement. You will also find language about awardee requirements and compliance regarding CapMan in your organization's Grant Agreement. Access the CapMan system through the Illinois Helpline. Use the Provider Portal Login at IL Helpline Provider Portal to update your organization's status.

Your designated program administrators will be able to set staff permissions. Your staff will have access only to your own program's information. Confidential information will not be accessible by any other program staff or by any Illinois Helpline staff. Staff who are responsible for current CapMan data entry and any supervisory staff should register through the provider portal.

Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP) Update: Increased Clinic Reporting and the Importance of Reporting

The Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP) continues to play a vital role in improving care coordination and enhancing patient safety. Through ILPMP.org website and several PMPnow integrated connections, healthcare providers gain quick access to critical information, such as accurate dosing and alerts for potentially harmful drug interactions, which can reduce unnecessary interventions and improve patient outcomes

Reporting Progress

As of October 2024, the ILPMP has recorded data submissions from 41 clinics, which is a significant increase over previous years. The ILPMP is also working to get to 100% compliance with the reporting statute.

Why Reporting Matters

In the case of hospital admission, quick access to accurate dosing information may prevent the need for unnecessary dose reductions. This information may also alert providers to potentially dangerous drug interactions and help ensure proper management.

Resources to Support Reporting Efforts

To assist clinics and providers in meeting reporting requirements, the following resources are available:

SUPR is committed to supporting all clinics in achieving full compliance and maximizing the benefits of the ILPMP. For further information or assistance with the reporting process, please contact DoIT.SUPRHelp@illinois.gov.

DUI EVALUATIONS: IMPAIRED DRIVING ASSESSMENT (IDA)

In September 2024, the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) announced that effective December 31, 2024, the objective test - Adult Substance Use and Driving Survey - Revised for Illinois (ASUDS-RI) - would no longer be available. Moving forward, organizations using ASUDS-RI must select between one of the IDHS/SUPR approved objective tests. IDHS/SUPR has approved use of the Impaired Driving Assessment (IDA), a differential screening assessment designed to estimate the risk of future impaired driving and provide preliminary guidelines for service needs. Prior to accessing and using the IDA, organizations are required to complete a 4-hour training. Trainings are periodically offered by American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).

On November 7th and 8th, IDHS/SUPR Compliance Monitors completed the "IDA Train the Trainer." The Compliance Monitors were joined by 4 organizations that were chosen to attend the training. Becoming certified as IDA trainers, allows IDHS/SUPR to provide additional training opportunities for organizations seeking to use IDA in Illinois, as well as the ability to provide technical assistance for organizations using IDA.

SAMHSA OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EQUITY'S POLICY SUMMIT

On December 12-13, Samantha Alonis, Deputy Director, Bureau of Prevention Services, attended SAMHSA's Office of Behavioral Health Equity's Policy Summit: Re-Envisioning the Behavioral Health Workforce Focusing on Underserved Communities and presented on SUPR's efforts to make the field more inclusive and representative of historically excluded communities that are disproportionately impacted by substance use and overdoses.

SUPR STAFF PRESENT AT ILLINOIS CERTIFICATION BOARD FALL CONFERENCE

SUPR Program Manager for Statewide Gambling Disorder Treatment Services, Kellie Gage, and Substance Use Senior Policy Advisor, Amanda Lake, presented at the Illinois Certification Board Fall Conference on Becoming a Gambling Informed State and Integrated Care on October 29, 2024 in Springfield.

SUPR staff also took the opportunity to connect with providers and partners in the field, recognize the incredible work being done on behalf of Illinoisans with substance use, mental health, and gambling needs, and to continue to support the workforce and training initiatives of IDHS/SUPR and our partners. Thank you to all the organizations and individuals in attendance and to ICB for putting on an incredible conference!

SUPR OEND PROGRAM AND IPDO2 PROJECT

Recently, Transforming Reentry Services in Chicago and Live4Lali in suburban Cook County have joined SUPR's Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program. Additionally, FOLA Community Action Services is joining our Illinois Prevent Drug Overdose (IPDO2) project, which aims to address overdose disparities in the City of Chicago.

THE ASAM CRITERIA: TRANSITION FROM 3RD EDITION TO 4TH EDITION

On July 1, 2025, the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) will adopt the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria, 4th Edition ("4th Edition").

On Friday, December 6, 2024, SUPR released a SMART Alert with detailed information about the transition and significant changes, as well as the impact to the licensure and monitoring procedures. To ensure you receive notifications, make sure to keep your licensure contact information up to date. Key points to keep in mind as Illinois transition to 4th Edition:

Licensure: For new organizations, IDHS/SUPR will begin to issue licenses reflecting the 4th Edition levels of care on June 1, 2025. Existing organizations will receive a new license reflecting the 4th Edition levels of care. IDHS/SUPR will map the currently licensed levels of care to the 4th Edition.

Compliance and Monitoring: Beginning July 1, 2025, compliance monitors will begin monitoring organizations for compliance with the 4th Edition.

Medicaid Certification Alignment: IDHS/SUPR is working closely with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to identify changes.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our help desk via DHS.SUPRHelp@illinois.gov.

OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAMS: SAMHSA ISSUES FEDERAL GUIDELINES TO ALIGN 42 CFR PART 8 IMPLEMENTATION

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released new federal guidelines for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that align with 42 CFR Part 8, recently published in February 2024.

The guidelines provide recommendations, guidance, and best practices for OTPs on the implementation and compliance of regulation changes in 42 CFR Part 8. SAMHSA emphasizes that the guidelines are not intended to replace the judgement of healthcare practitioners and does not represent professional standards of care. The federal guidelines can be found at Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs (2024).