May Newsletter

In this issue...

  1. DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
  2. SUPR STAFFING UPDATE
  3. OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDING (OSF) UPDATE
  4. OSF AWARDS
  5. GAMBLING UPDATES AND TRAININGS
  6. REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, PART 2060, IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
  7. MEDICATION ASSISTED RECOVERY (MAR) DOSING GUIDANCE
  8. NEW SAMHSA FINAL REGULATION IMPACTS OTPs (42 CFR PART 8)
  9. RX AND ILLICIT DRUG SUMMIT 2024
  10. SUPR SELECTED FOR TWO LEARNING COLLABORATIVES!
  11. COMPLIANCE MATTERS
  12. Warm Line

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Please join me in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. In May we celebrate the rich histories of Americans from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia and recognize their contributions to our society and culture. Asian American history has often been left out of American History textbooks, leaving Asian Americans and their allies to have to seek that informationout as adults. In 2021, Illinois became the first state to require the teaching of Asian American history, which can dispel negative stereotypes of Asians and prevent the anti-Asian hate that grew after the COVID-19 pandemic started. We thank and recognize all Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders who have made Illinois their home.

As noted below, on May 10, SUPR in collaboration with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling will host the first statewide Asian American Conference on Problem Gambling. The needs assessment conducted by SUPR and recent changes in the gambling landscape have emphasized the importance of discussing the impact of problem gambling in the Asian community. To this end, the conference will bring together members of the community, providers, and policy makers to discuss this critical issue.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. SUPR would like to acknowledge and thank providers whose policies andpractices recognize the importance of addressing both substance use and mental health conditions. Substance use disorders are associated with significant risk of suicide mortality, especially for women, even after controlling for other important risk factors, (National Library of Medicine).

A critical resource to promote during Mental Health Awareness Month is 988. 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number. It is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing a substance use crisis or in mental health-related distress, including family, friends, and/or caregivers. Individuals in crisis can call or text  988 or go to 988lifeline.org to access live chat. They will relate to a trained crisis counselor who will listen to them, provide support, and get them the help they need.

Laura Garcia, Director

SUPR STAFFING UPDATE

Lisa Akers has joined the SUPR team to support Contract Development and Implementation within the Bureau of Business and Fiscal Operations.Lisa has worked for the State since 1989 and has served in severalroles during her tenure. Most recently, she was with the Department of Innovation and Technology within IDHS where she handled IT Procurement for the Department. Lisa retired in December 2021 but has joined SUPR on a 75-day contract! Lisa has spent most of her career at IDHS and is happy to be back.

Christina White has joined the  SUPR team as a Women, Family and Youth Specialist within the  Bureau of Planning, Performance Assessment, Federal Projects, and Program Development. Christina joins SUPR from the Department of Childcare and Family Services (DCFS), where she worked as an investigator and child welfare specialist with the permanency team. She has almost 20 years of experience in the social service field working with other programs. Some of her previous experience comes from program planning and development, mental health and substance use therapy, and juvenile justice!

Fatina Lopez-Hoskins has been promoted and will serve as Administrative Support within the Bureau of Planning, Performance Assessment, and Federal Projects, and Program Development.Fatina holds a M.A. in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and a B.A. in Liberal Arts with a double minor from Chicago State University! In April 2014, she began working at the IDHS/Family community Resource Center where she served in various roles before transitioning to the Illinois Department of Public Health for 1-year. Prior to her start with the State, she worked with the City of Chicago for over 11 years! During her time with the City of Chicago, she spent most of it with the Department of Public Health in an Educator role and coordinated/implemented a substance use program for at-risk youth within various urban communities!

Edward Potash has joined the SUPR team as Administrative Assistant within the Bureau of Prevention Services Prior to joining the SUPR team, Edward served as Executive Secretary to the Medical Director for the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) where he assisted in maintaining the health and welfare of inmates at the Illinois State Prison System. Over the past 25 years, he has worked for the State of Illinois in various departments, including Transportation, Revenue, Human Services and Corrections. Edward holds a degree in Political Science and German, as well as a certificate in Paralegal Studies. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps and left with the rank of Corporal!

Duro Ogunbameru has joined the SUPR team as a Post-Payment Audit Quality Assurance Reviewer within the Bureau of Licensure, Compliance and Monitoring. Duro is a seasoned professional with a Master's Degree in Social Work, a Master's Degree in  Business Administration, and a Bachelor's in Public Administration. Additionally, he holds a License in Social Work and certifications in project management and IT audit, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. With nearly a decade of service at IDHS, Duro has held various roles throughout the department, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of social and health agencies. Prior to his time in government, Duro has over fifteen years of experience in Case Management, Community Liaison, Quality Assurance, and Program Management within private and community social and health agencies!

OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDING (OSF) UPDATE

The IORAB makes advisory recommendations to the Governor's Opioid Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee regarding the use of the 55% of settlement proceeds that are allocated to the Illinois Opioid Remediation Trust Fund. Recommendations to the IORAB must align with the forward-looking opioid abatement core strategies as established in the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement and with recommendations in the Governor's State Overdose  Action Plan (SOAP) a comprehensive, equity-centric outline for combatting the opioid epidemic.

Recommendations are submitted to the Statewide Opioid Settlement Administrator (SOSA) or State designee. The SOSA aggregates and presents recommendations at public meetings. This process, although extensive, ensures that every strategy approved to combat the opioid crisis is an allowable strategy in the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement, is not included in a recommendation that is pending or included in an open funding opportunity, and does not supplant an existing effort, including Medicaid/ Medicare, (e.g., offset the cuts proposed in contracts due to underutilization of funds). If you have any questions about the opioid settlement funds, please email the State Opioid Settlement Administrator at DHS.OpioidSettlementFunds@Illinois.gov .

OSF AWARDS

Education Development Center (EDC) has been awarded $625,000 for the initial period of performance as the Opioid Abatement Strategies Effectiveness Evaluator (OASEE) subrecipient. A total of $1,500,000 has been approved by the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board (IORAB) for research and evaluation purposes. The purpose of this subaward is to research the effectiveness of opioid abatement strategies on reducing opioid-related mortality and related harms.

The OASEE subrecipient will:

  1. Define data collection processes and outcome measures for each opioid abatement strategy,
  2. Collect and analyze data (quantitative and/or qualitative) on programs implemented according, to each opioid abatement strategy. Summarize and report study findings, including outcomes, disparities, implementation barriers, and effectiveness, twice yearly.

The Community Outreach and Recovery Support (CORS) NOFO awards have been determined and winners were notified Friday, April 26, 2024. The total award for the initial period of performance is $5,000,000 split amongst the 14 winners. CORS services will be delivered by peer support workers

(PSWs) or persons with lived experiences (PLEs) and are designed to reflect the needs of the community served. Activities include outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability; Peer and recovery coaching to promote recovery from OUD; Connections to treatment, recovery, housing, and recovery supports; and Collaboration with community partners.

Potential applicants should check the ILRCCA. com website for future opportunities and status of current applications.

GAMBLING UPDATES AND TRAININGS

  • Asian-American Conference on Problem Gambling at UIC
  • Friday-May 10, 2024
  • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM CDT
  • 1213 South Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60607

Join us for an impactful event dedicated to raising awareness about problem gambling within the Asian community. This event is open to all counselors, mental health providers, community leaders, and those genuinely interested in learning more about how we can come together as one community to better serve those in Illinois.

  • Understanding the Barriers to Mental Health and
  • Gambling Addiction Treatment for Asian Americans
  • Includes a Live Web Event on May16, 2024 11:00 AM (CDT)

Asian Americans are often portrayed in the news as highly educated and financially successful. This glowing picture does not completely and accurately describe a population that traces its roots to more than 30 countries in East Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia, each with unique histories, cultures, languages, and other characteristics. There is a large disparity among Asian Americans in income and educational levels, and often those with the highest need are invisible in public policy considerations. At the same time, largely due to language and cultural barriers, Asian Americans as a group are least likely to seek mental health services. The stigma of accessing services makes it even more challenging for Asian Americans who struggle with gambling issues. With a comprehensive approach that includes family members and trusted community partners, we can work towards lowering the barriers to accessing treatments and services.

  • Spoken Into Existence: Effective and Engaging Youth Gambling Education
  • Includes a Live Web Event on May 30, 2024 12:30 PM (CDT)

Through his gift of storytelling, 26-year-old Saul Malek has been invited to educate students nationwide on gambling. In this presentation, Saul shares the art of telling stories that not only inform young people but engage them. Through Saul's CATL theory, attendees will become fluent in "Communicating at Their Level" and will gain confidence in educating and inspiring the next generation.

Registration and additional information for the above events can be found at:

Events - Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (illinoisproblemgambling.org)

REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, PART 2060, IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

SUPR is pleased to announce that the revision to Illinois Administrative Code, Title 77: Public Health Chapter: Department of Human Services, Subchapter d: Licensure Part 2060, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Treatment and Intervention Licenses (commonly referred to as Administrative Rule, Part 2060) is ready for public comment and formal adoption. The first step in the adoption process is to publish the document for first notice which then initiates a 45-day open public comment period. The document can be accessed at https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/index/  register/volume48/register_volume48_15.pdf  and the 45-day period starts as of the date of publication. Stakeholders may submit comments related to the revised rule as specified in the document. If you plan to submit comments, please specify the name and number of each referenced section, as applicable, or indicate if your feedback is related to content throughout the administrative rule. Please also share your name, phone, and email so that staff can follow up and seek clarification, if necessary. Comments may also be submitted in support of the rule revision and recommending its adoption. The public comment period is open until May 27th, 2024.

MEDICATION ASSISTED RECOVERY (MAR) DOSING GUIDANCE

In collaboration with IDPH and Illinois Advance, a SIREN was developed to address appropriate dosing for buprenorphine. Inadequate dosing or delays in treatment can lead to withdrawal symptoms, cravings, relapse, and increased risk of death. A 2023 review of the clinical research on the daily dose of sublingual buprenorphine demonstrated evidence that buprenorphine's dose-dependent benefits for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) can safely extend up to and potentially beyond 32mg/day. Inadequate dosing can result in relapses and return to illicit opioid use to treat uncontrolled cravings and withdrawal, increasing risk of unintended overdose and death.

Per SAMHSA, it is standard of care for all patients with OUD to be offered MAR, in particular buprenorphine and methadone, due to its effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality, irrespective of counseling engagement. The overdose crisis in Illinois impacts all communities and there is a 20-fold increased risk of early death for patients with untreated OUD. All formulations of buprenorphine are evidence-based and lifesaving. The time immediately after discontinuation of buprenorphine treatment is associated with a markedly increased mortality risk. Therefore, inadequate https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=163364dosing of buprenorphine or buprenorphine treatment interruptions are life-threatening and should be avoided to help mitigate the risk of death.

NEW SAMHSA FINAL REGULATION IMPACTS OTPs (42 CFR PART 8)

On February 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), published the final revisions to 42 CFR Part 8, Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. The regulation becomes effective on April 2, 2024, and requires compliance no later than October 2, 2024. There are nine major areas of changes, including removal of stigmatizing language and support of person-first care, and permanently allows flexibilities implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency such as telehealth and take-home requirements. IDHS/ SUPR is reviewing the regulation and expects to provide guidance and training. Additional resources can be accessed on SAMHSA's website, as they will be holding webinars and releasing updated guidance. For additional information from SUPR, please see the Smart Alert that was sent in April.

RX AND ILLICIT DRUG SUMMIT 2024

The Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, the largest national collaboration of professionals from local, state, and federal agencies, businesses, academia, treatment providers, and allied communities impacted by prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use, took place in Atlanta, Georgia April 1-4, 2024. ILPMP Clinical Director, Sarah Pointer, Pharm D, and Utah's Public Health Policy Manager, Connie Kitchens, Ph. D, had the opportunity to present "Using PDMP Data to Improve Opiate Prescribing Practices: An Academic Detailing Approach". The presentation focused on leveraging prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data in academic detailing to improve opioid prescribing practices. The information provided included background information on academic detailing and PDMPs; how PDMP data can be used to identify high-risk patients and prescribers; and how academic detailing can increase the utilization of risk mitigation strategies and improve prescribing practices.

Several sessions at the conference this year highlighted a trend toward integrating technological, community- based, and data-driven approaches to enhance SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts, reflecting a growing emphasis on multidisciplinary strategies to combat the substance use crisis. One notable highlight was the exploration of unconventional approaches such as using vending machines as points of access for harm reduction services, especially in areas with limited traditional resources. Additionally, the emphasis on utilizing data-driven tools like ODMAP to respond more effectively to overdose incidents signals a shift towards leveraging technology for better outcomes.

SUPR SELECTED FOR TWO LEARNING COLLABORATIVES!

In March 2024, SUPR was selected through a competitive application process as one of eight states/territories to participate in two Learning Collaboratives (LC) hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). These intensive learning opportunities will focus on the topics of Building a Recovery Support Infrastructure (BRSI) and Pregnant and Parenting People with a substance use disorder (PPP). The BRSI LC and PPP LC provide a space to network with states facing similar challenges, identify best practices, and develop adaptations that can be applied in Illinois. Each LC will take place between April 2024 - August 2024 and consist of five virtual sessions and a final in-person session. IDHS/SUPR will be represented by Kim Sriner and James Kowalsky at the BRSI LC and Lisa Cohen and Michael Deschamps at the PPP LC. SUPR congratulates these staff on their selection to these LCs and looks forward to the lessons they will bring back to improve the continuum of services offered in Illinois.

COMPLIANCE MATTERS

DARTS Billing Deadline

The last billing date for FY24 in the DARTS system will be August 5th, 2024, and the last date for expenditure-based vouchers will be July 15th, 2024.

CapMan: Targeting 100% Participation for the IL Capacity Management System

As part of its Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG) funding regulations, SAMHSA requires IDHS/SUPR (the State) to establish a waiting list management program that provides systematic reporting of treatment demand. In Illinois, the capacity management system is CapMan.

On April 30, 2024, organizations that receive SUPTRS BG funding through IDHS/SUPR to deliver Level of Care 3.5 services and have opioid treatment programs (OTPs) attended a Webex training on CapMan. The training was delivered jointly by Human Health Resources in Action (HRiA) and IDHS/SUPR staff. The recorded Webex and updated FAQs will soon be available for viewing for all staff who are assigned CapMan responsibilities at your organization.

To update your organization's status in CapMan, log into your Provider Portal account at IL Helpline Provider Portal and click PROVIDERS (top right side of Homepage).

Update on Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat affecting millions of people worldwide every year which serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat this infectious disease. Despite advancements in healthcare, TB continues to present challenges, including recent increase in cases after 27 years of declining rates in the U.S. Tuberculosis - United States, 2023 | MMWR (cdc.gov).

Other key findings from a recent CDC report:

  • Forty states and Washington D.C. reported an increase in TB cases and rates.
  • Cases of TB disease increased among nearly all demographic groups in 2023; however, persistent disparities remain, as TB continues to disproportionately affect groups that have historically experienced greater obstacles to health. 
  • As before the pandemic, TB rates in 2023 were highest among non-U.S.-born people.

The rise in TB cases is concerning, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals in substance use treatment programs. Substance use can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to TB infection and complicating the treatment process. Additionally, communal living environments in these programs can increase the risk of transmission.

It is crucial for healthcare professionals working with individuals in substance use treatment programs to be vigilant in screening for TB, providing education on prevention measures, and ensuring access to testing and treatment services. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this population, we can work towards controlling the spread of TB and improving outcomes for those affected by this disease.

Warm Line

Please promote the Warm Line in your communities as a way of raising awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month. To receive support for mental health and/or substance use challenges call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and provide support. The Warm Line is not a crisis hotline but is a source of support as a person recovers or helps a family member recover.