$45K grant to bolster substance use programs in rural Illinois communities

SIU School of Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD) has awarded $45,000 to enhance or establish drug courts in five rural Illinois counties: Pike, Williamson, Clinton, Marion and Richland. The funding aims to strengthen existing programs and create new ones in areas without these critical resources.

The initiative is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a State Opioid Response grant (TI087748) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Drug courts offer an alternative to probation or incarceration for high-risk, high-need defendants, offering intensive, individualized treatment and court supervision. Participants typically spend one to two years in these programs, which have proven highly effective. Nationally, drug court graduates have a 10–15% recidivism rate, compared to 66% for individuals on traditional probation or in prison.

“Drug courts not only reduce recidivism but also transform lives,” said Liesl Wingert, CRHSSD program coordinator. “By addressing the root causes of substance use, these programs help participants rebuild their lives, strengthen families and revitalize communities. These programs provide a pathway to recovery and long-term success for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.”

The $45,000 in funding reflects CRHSSD’s mission to improve the health and well-being of rural communities and is part of a broader effort to foster innovative solutions to substance use challenges across Illinois. The announcement of this support underscores the importance of community partnerships in fostering innovation and solutions for rural Illinois.

Visit the CRHSSD website for more information about its programs and services.