IL substance use treatment providers, harm reduction specialists highlight barriers to care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — There were approximately 18,600 opioid overdoses in Illinois during 2022 alone. While overdoses have trended down over the past two years, Illinois still faces a crisis for substance use care.

State lawmakers hope to address the financial and administrative challenges preventing more people from receiving substance use treatment during the 2025 session.

Providers and harm reduction specialists told lawmakers Thursday that they are on the front lines of the substance use and opioid crisis, but many struggle with lack of funding and a growing need for care.

"I came today with heaviness in my heart due to another participant overdose fatality just this week," said Chris Schaffner, Executive Director of the Jolt Foundation. "I also come with a sense of desperation because these are preventable deaths. I'm also here with anger in my heart because we can make a serious positive impact on this crisis, but we lack the resources and often the political will to do so."

The Jolt Foundation in Peoria receives multiple grants from the state, but Schaffner noted there are serious limitations on how funds can be used and the organization cannot bill insurance for care.

"On paper, it might appear that we have sufficient funding," Schaffner said. "But, each grant dictates a narrow set of allowable expenses. We're rarely able to allocate funds to our most pressing needs, leaving critical gaps in our services."

Industry leaders also said the substance use treatment field has suffered from nearly 20 years of inadequate reimbursement rates from the state. While Illinois has increased reimbursement rates recently, providers said more funding is needed for medically monitored detox treatment.

The state currently only covers half of the expense for this critical care.

"We have seen detox programs close across Chicago and other parts of Illinois as a result," said Jeff Collord, vice president of operations for Haymarket Center. "This costs the state more money because individuals needing that level of care will go to hospital emergency departments, where the cost is considerably higher, or they'll die."

Providers also argued that Illinois should increase payments to treatment centers to allow competitive hiring of bilingual and culturally-competent counselors.

"It is essential that rates for bilingual and culturally adept professionals match the cost of living so we can continue to attract and retain staff," said Adriana Trino, Executive Director of the Latino Treatment Center.

Rep. Lindsey Lapointe (D-Chicago) said lawmakers must address the real challenges facing providers in order to strengthen the system of care and expand access to safe supplies, treatment, street outreach and recovery housing.

"It is critical that we eliminate barriers to care," said Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview). "These conversations are essential so we can give our providers the support that they need to eliminate roadblocks to essential care for our friends and loved ones."