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In an exciting stride toward bolstering the recovery landscape in Illinois, Shannon Egan,
an expert SAMHSA grant writer and recovery advocate, has secured a significant grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant, totaling a substantial $734,955, is set to fund the transformative Recovery United project initiated by the Chicago Recovery Communities Coalition (CRCC) based in Chicago. The project aims to revolutionize support systems for individuals, families, and recovery institutions grappling with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) across the state.
Starting in September 2023, the three-year initiative will empower the recovery community by fostering collaboration, innovation, and capacity building within the realm of Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS). The Recovery United project seeks to usher in a new era of comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable recovery services for Illinois residents impacted by SUD and COD. This initiative comes at a pivotal time when the need for such support has never been more crucial.
Central to the project's success is the involvement of five regional partners strategically located throughout the state. These partners will constitute the Recovery Leadership Steering Committee (RLSC), a dynamic force dedicated to driving change and enhancing recovery-oriented institutions and community-based organizations in all of Illinois's 102 counties. By fostering collaboration and shared expertise, the RLSC will pave the way for the development of vital linkages, eliminating service fragmentation, cutting unnecessary costs, and ensuring uninterrupted care delivery.
The Recovery United project will initiate a sweeping array of interventions designed to revolutionize the landscape of recovery services in the state. At its core, the initiative will provide targeted training that is trauma-informed and culturally competent, enhancing the delivery of PRSS and fostering a more inclusive approach to serving marginalized populations. This will encompass individuals of color, those entangled in the justice system, and returning veterans, ensuring that the recovery landscape addresses the unique challenges faced by each group.
The project will also address critical aspects of service delivery by offering support in planning and implementing innovative approaches at the local level. Moreover, it will tackle the financial sustainability of PRSS by developing groundbreaking fundraising and donor strategies. These strategies are poised to bridge the gap left by Medicaid and guarantee the longevity of vital recovery support services.
Recognizing the importance of clear communication, the Recovery United project will equip participants with public relations and communications training. This will bolster awareness and understanding of the diverse range of services available, ultimately reducing gaps in service utilization and reaching those who need assistance most.
In an inspiring collaboration, CRCC will partner with Live4Lali, a statewide harm reduction organization. This collaboration will strengthen local and regional efforts to enhance harm reduction strategies, reinforcing the foundation of recovery support services and creating a more holistic approach to care.
Finally, a key facet of the project is the focus on integrated primary care. The RLSC will champion the integration of Peer Recovery Support Services within primary care settings, aligning with Illinois's growing demand for a robust and sustainable peer workforce. This endeavor will ensure that recovery support becomes an integral part of the healthcare landscape.
Over the course of each year, CRCC is set to touch the lives of 34 recovery institutions and community-based organizations across the diverse expanse of Illinois. With CRCC's passionate team dedicated to driving change, the Recovery United project stands poised to redefine recovery support services, fostering unity, innovation, and a brighter future for all those impacted by SUD and COD.
