The goal of the Leadership Center is to increase knowledge and use of medication-assisted recovery and reduce opioid and stimulant use disorder by working across the Care Continuum and using a systems-based approach. Contact the other Leadership Centers by clicking on the links below.
Rush University Medical Center
Carle Foundation Hospital
Chestnut Health Systems, Inc
SIU Center for Rural Health
Prevention First Leadership Center Harm Reduction ECHO focuses on harm reduction issues and community-based strategies to prevent substance use-related overdoses, deaths, or other harmful impacts, including decreasing the stigma surrounding harm reduction. Each ECHO session will have a 20-minute presentation facilitated by a guest speaker on various topics, including evidence-based harm reduction strategies, stigma, obtaining community buy-in, and current trends. The remainder of the session involves case presentation(s) and peer discussion on strategies to overcome the issues presented.
Who should attend? Individuals who work in or are interested in harm reduction:
People with Lived Experience
Community members impacted by opioid use disorder or overdose
Prevention and Overdose Prevention Professionals
Peer Recovery Support Specialists
Community-Based Organizations, ROSCs, or Coalitions
Public, Mental, and Behavioral Health Professionals
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers
Healthcare Providers & First Responders
Harm Reduction Specialist
Schedule: Each session is from 10:00-11:00 AM
January 14, 2025
Topic: Individuals who Inject Drugs
Harm reduction for people who use drugs is a public health strategy aimed at minimizing the negative health, social, and legal impacts of drug use. It focuses on the dignity and rights of drug users through non-judgmental and respectful practices. Key initiatives include needle and syringe programs, supervised consumption sites, naloxone distribution, drug-checking services, educational outreach, and medication-assisted treatment. This evidence-based approach emphasizes community involvement and easy access to comprehensive health and social services, recognizing the complex factors influencing drug use and aiming to improve overall well-being.
February 11, 2025
Topic: Individuals who are Unhoused, Unsheltered, or Experiencing Unstable Housing
Harm reduction for Individuals Experiencing Unhoused, unsheltered, or Unstably Housed with substance use disorders (SUD) aims to reduce the negative impacts of drug use while addressing the challenges of unstable housing. This approach respects individuals' dignity through non-judgmental practices and includes key initiatives such as needle and syringe programs, supervised consumption sites, naloxone distribution, and drug-checking services. It also involves educational outreach and medication-assisted recovery to promote safer drug use and recovery. By focusing on evidence-based interventions, community involvement, and access to comprehensive health and social services, harm reduction efforts seek to enhance the well-being of individuals facing both housing instability and substance use issues.
March 11, 2025
Topic: Individuals with Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Harm reduction for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders focuses on minimizing harm while addressing both conditions simultaneously. It involves a supportive, non-judgmental approach and includes strategies such as medication-assisted treatment, mental health counseling, needle exchange programs, and naloxone distribution. This integrated approach aims to improve overall health outcomes, reduce substance-related harm, and support comprehensive recovery by addressing the complex needs of individuals with dual diagnoses.
April 8, 2025
Topic: Pregnant Women and New Mothers
Harm reduction strategies for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) are critical to protecting the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. These strategies focus on minimizing harm rather than enforcing abstinence and take into consideration the complex needs of pregnant women. These harm reduction strategies aim to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where pregnant women with OUD can access the care they need to improve their health outcomes and those of their babies.May 13, 2025, Topic: Adolescent and Young Adults
May 13, 2025
Topic: Adolescent and Young Adults
Harm reduction for adolescents and young adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of drug use while addressing the unique developmental and social challenges faced by this age group. It includes educational outreach and mental health support tailored to younger individuals. By prioritizing evidence-based practices and community involvement, harm reduction aims to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the risks associated with opioid use, recognizing the complex needs and circumstances of adolescents and young adults.
June 10, 2025
Topic: Individuals who are Justice-involved
Harm reduction support for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) who were recently incarcerated focuses on mitigating the risks associated with drug use during the reintegration process. This approach includes strategies such as medication-assisted treatment to manage OUD, needle exchange programs, and naloxone distribution to prevent overdose. It also involves providing educational resources, mental health support, and assistance with accessing housing and employment. By prioritizing evidence-based practices and creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment, harm reduction aims to support successful reintegration, reduce relapse and overdose risks, and improve overall health outcomes for individuals transitioning from incarceration.
July 8, 2025
Topic: LGBTQ+ and Harm Reduction
LGBTQ+ populations often face unique health challenges compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. These challenges include higher rates of substance use, mental health issues, and sexually transmitted infections, among others. Harm reduction strategies are interventions designed to reduce the adverse health effects associated with these issues. Harm reduction can be particularly beneficial for LGBTQ+ populations. The stigma and discrimination they often face can lead to increased substance use or risky sexual behaviors, so harm reduction strategies can help minimize these risks.
Interested? Sign up through this link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PreventionFirst1/HarmReductionECHO2024
State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan (March 2022)
November 2024 Implementation Report
IDHS: Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Overview
IDPH Opioid Dashboard
Drug Overdose Deaths
Illinois Overdose Prevention Providers
These providers are funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) to provide Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) services in Illinois. The OEND programs are registered with the IDHS/SUPR Drug Overdose Prevention Program, which gives them the ability to distribute the opioid overdose antidote naloxone. They can assist individuals and organizations with obtaining naloxone and support substance use treatment programs, human service agencies, and other institutions with establishing their own OEND services.