For Immediate Release:
Chicago, IL – August 2, 2024 – The Chicago Recovering Communities Coalition (CRCC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded funding through the Public Awareness Campaigns on Substance Use and Supports (PACSS) program, administered by Advocates for Human Potential (AHP). CRCC is one of four organizations selected to receive this funding, which is part of a larger initiative to develop and implement educational campaigns that align with the Public Act 101-0027 Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
The CRCC’s PACSS grant project will focus on addressing the needs of two diverse and at-risk populations across the state of Illinois: emerging adults aged 18-25 and adults over 21 who are legally permitted to use substances such as cannabis. The campaign will pay particular attention to Non-Hispanic Black emerging adults, a group that faces a disproportionately high rate of overdose fatalities. Additionally, the project will consider individuals at risk due to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), mental health conditions, a familial history of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and neurodivergence.
CRCC’s Executive Director, Dora Dantzler Wright, expressed her gratitude for the grant and the opportunity it provides to make a meaningful impact: “This funding allows us to extend our reach and address the critical needs of those most at risk in our communities. By focusing on public awareness and education, we aim to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and ultimately save lives across the state of Illinois.”
The project will be implemented across all 102 counties in Illinois, ensuring comprehensive statewide coverage. The need for such an initiative is underscored by data from SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set 2020, which reported 36,211 SUD treatment admissions in Illinois for individuals aged 18 and older. The primary substances involved included heroin, alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamines. Illinois continues to face significant challenges due to the opioid crisis, gaps in mental health care, and high poverty rates, particularly in rural areas.
CRCC’s campaign will be a vital tool in raising awareness about available treatment options and support services, helping to bridge the gap for the 80 percent of Illinois residents identified as needing substance use treatment but not receiving it. Through this project, CRCC aims to empower communities, reduce stigma, and ensure that those in need have access to the care they deserve.
