Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board
Medical & Research Working Group Meeting
November 19, 2024
Virtual Meeting Held Via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
Medical and Research Working Group Members
Adrienne Adams, MD, NorthShore (Chair)
Katherine Austman, MD, Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services
Geoff Bathje, PhD, Sana Healing Collective, Chicago Recovery Alliance
Lia Daniels, Illinois Hospital Association (IHA)
Michael Dennis, PhD, Lighthouse Research Institute, Chestnut Health Systems
Nicole Gastala, MD, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR)
Michael Isaacson, Kane County Health Department
Katharine (Kitty) Juul, Southern Illinois University (SIU)
Dan Lustig, PsyD, MA, Haymarket Center
Jessica Perillo, Health Management Associates
Doug Smith, PhD, University of Illinois
Katie Unthank, Egyptian Health Department
Brent Van Ham, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Lindsay Wilson, CDC Foundation
Leslie Wise, PhD, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Welcome and Roll Call
Adrienne Adams, MD, chair, opened the meeting and welcomed the group. Sue Pickett, PhD, facilitator, Advocates for Human Potential (AHP), Inc., conducted roll call. All members were present except for Doug Smith and Brent Van Ham. Quorum was established.
Review and Approval of September 17, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Dr. Adams called for a motion to approve the September 17, 2024 meeting minutes. Michael Dennis made a motion to approve the minutes. Nicole Gastala seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of approving the minutes. The motion passed.
Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA) Portal
Dr. Pickett gave information on the RCCA Portal.
Priority Recommendations for the IORAB
Jim Wilkerson, Interim SOSA, gave an update on the Capital Investment Grant Program recommendation. This recommendation was approved by the IORAB and Steering Committee in 2023; however, a funding amount was not included. The IORAB will vote on funding amount at the January meeting. Mr. Wilkerson shared that it has been suggested that funds be used for housing and he would like the working group's feedback on this.
- Various housing models were discussed, including recovery housing, low barrier shelters, group homes and sober-living homes.
- A working group member asked if these funds could be used for rent. Mr. Wilkerson clarified that rent would not be included in this recommendation, but the funds can be used to build or refurbish housing.
- The group clarified that this opportunity would be for a one-time investment, which would be distributed via NOFO.
- Dr. Adams expressed the importance of funding for shelter in the case of a future pandemic or emergency. Members discussed that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, substance use treatment providers served as shelters, as those resources were not readily available. The group expressed interest in including emergency funds in the proposal, as long as the focus remains on remediating the impact of the opioid crisis.
- Dr. Adams asked for new recommendations that the working group would like to put forward.
- A working group member asked about using funding to hire overdose fatalities report (OFR) coordinators. Another working group member noted that IDPH is currently developing a grant to fund OFR coordinators. The working group will wait for an outcome from IDPH's grant application before deciding how to proceed with this recommendation to avoid supplanting their work.
- A member asked about creating a recommendation for buprenorphine initiated by emergency medical services (EMS). The group discussed how EMS workers may not be licensed to provide buprenorphine in Illinois, so regulatory changes would likely be necessary before creating funding opportunities. Further information can be found at EMS Bridge - Bridge to Treatment.
- Dr. Adams discussed efforts to increase access to naloxone, including through vending machines. The group discussed existing naloxone distribution programs and funding. Mr. Wilkerson noted that ensuring distribution of naloxone across the state continues to be a primary focus and that further discussion on the next steps is encouraged. Group members can describe their thoughts to him either at meetings or via email.
Mr. Wilkerson introduced Valencia Brown, a new SUPR team member who will be overseeing the use of the Opioid Settlement Funds. Mr. Wilkerson also reported that Dr. Adams will be stepping down as chair of the Medical & Research working group. The group thanked Dr. Adams for her work.
Public Participation
The members of the public attending the meeting had no comment.
Adjourn
- Dr. Adams called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Michael Isaacson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Leslie Wise seconded the motion to adjourn. All members voted to ap-prove the motion. Dr. Adams adjourned the meeting.
- The next meeting of the IORAB Medical & Research Working Group will be held on January 14, 2025 from 12:00-1:00pm.
