Loss of Two IDHS/SUPR Team Members: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of two dedicated IDHS/SUPR colleagues, Carolyn Bowers and William “Gajef” McNeill. Both Carolyn and Gajef were a tremendous asset to our division and contributed significantly each day to make a difference. They established relationships with team members within our organization and beyond that can only be built with trust, consistency, and compassion. We will miss them both personally and professionally, and we will always admire their bravery and strength.

Faces & Voices of Recovery Training:

Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) is collaborating with IDHS/SUPR to build the capacity of Recovery Community Organizations through training and technical assistance. For more information, please visit FAVOR’S Illinois Recovery Project. The FAVOR trainings are available to ALL, so please share with your staff, board members, stakeholders, clients, and other community members.

In July, they are hosting a Science of Addiction & Recovery (SOAR) training. This is a curriculum developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This training provides individuals with a better understanding of the science behind addiction and recovery. While experience changes beliefs, the facts about how substances dramatically affect the brain are a key component in helping the public understand the recovery process. When: July 7-8th, 1-4:30pm (each day) Register: July SOAR Training.

IDPH Harm Reduction Summit: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Harm Reduction Summit will promote the delivery of harm reduction services in Illinois, which engage people who use drugs to support connection, safety, and an improved quality of life. The 2022 IL Harm Reduction Summit will take place virtually on August 23-24th, 2022. To learn more, visit IL Harm Reduction Summit.

2022 CRSS/CPRS Competency Trainings: In March 2022, SUPR shared information regarding 2022 Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Trainings hosted by IDHS/Division of Mental Health. Registration for Sessions 5 & 6 are now open. To register, click on the training date and time you wish to attend. Please register for only one training in each section. See attached Smart Alert for dates and registration links.

See Smart Alert for more information.

SUPR July 2022 Newsletter