Regional Opioid Advisory Coalitions
Working together to make a difference
About the Coalitions
Each Illinois Department of Public Health region has a regional opioid advisory coalition that shares its respective needs and priorities related to the overdose crisis with the State of Illinois. The diverse membership of the coalitions includes individuals who are engaged with the local recovery-oriented system of care, such as providers of prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, mental health, and recovery support services; regional recovery councils and coalitions; persons with lived and living experience; community members; and other stakeholders.
Objectives and Activities
Regional opioid advisory coalitions are dedicated to the pursuit of the following objectives:
- Identifying, strategizing, and addressing local trends and priorities, gaps in services, social determinants of health impacting the region, and racial disparities and inequities
- Developing, implementing, and monitoring an annual workplan for the region that addresses the goals and aligns with State strategies
- Informing and developing a training and technical assistance plan for the region
Members of the coalitions are expected to participate in the following activities:
- Meet quarterly to identify local priorities and collaborate on ways to
- Reduce impacts of opioid use and substance use disorders in the region,
- Address equity and inclusion,
- Provide culturally and linguistically competent services and supports, and
- Improve the identified social determinants of health in each region.
- Develop an annual workplan to address institutionalized inequities and improve social determinants of health.
- Develop an annual training and technical assistance plan to support implementation of annual workplan activities.
The coalitions initially met in March of 2024 and have ongoing quarterly and working group meetings. Each coalition produced a workplan to inform their activities in June 2024. If interested in participating in a coalition, please contact us at the RCCA Help Desk.
Join a Regional Coalition
Is your organization or are you engaged in supporting recovery in your community? Contact us at the RCCA Help Desk if you would like more information about participating in a regional coalition.
Illinois Department of Public Health Regions (2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the coalition?
Membership is open to everyone. The coalition consists of community-based organizations, service providers (e.g., behavioral health, health care, emergency services), business and private sectors, advocates, individuals with lived and living experience, faith-based groups, and other community members.
What is expected of members?
Members share insights, resources, and feedback; represent diverse perspectives; and support collaborative decision-making to advance the coalition’s mission. They are expected to attend four quarterly meetings yearly and to participate in meetings and work groups when able.
Does the coalition work impact the community?
Yes, community members are encouraged to leverage the expertise, thought leadership, creativity, and ingenuity of the coalition, which is made up of community stakeholders with a vested interest in creating solutions to the opioid crisis in the community.
Where can I learn more about the regional opioid advisory coalitions?
Please contact the regional coalition facilitator for your region.