Illinois Joins Global Campaign to Raise Awareness About Opioid Recovery During National Recovery Month (Chicago, IL) — The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced that the Chicago Skyline will be lit purple to honor those in recovery from September 8, through September 14, in recognition of September as National Recovery Month. Illinois residents are also encouraged to join over 13,000 IDHS staff and wear purple throughout the month to celebrate family and friends who are in recovery.
“IDHS is deeply committed to preventing overdose deaths and to helping people throughout their recovery journey. We recognize the many systemic inequities that have, too often, created barriers to treatment, recovery resources, and other social services,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou. “IDHS is actively working on reducing these barriers by breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across IDHS’ divisions and other State agencies to advance health equity for Illinois residents. We would also like to thank our community partners for hosting events this month, and the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago for lighting their buildings purple to raise awareness.”
Events such as trainings, speaking engagements, memorials, and online activities will be hosted by IDHS’ community partners during Recovery Month. These events are critical to addressing and removing the stigma associated with overdose deaths and encouraging the public to support families and communities in remembrance of those who have lost their lives.
IDHS is dedicated to making naloxone, the lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, accessible. IDHS’ DOPP authorizes organizations to conduct overdose education and Narcan distribution services throughout Illinois. This includes local public health departments, community-based organizations, hospitals, and clinics. These organizations, particularly harm-reduction organizations that do street-level outreach, distribute Narcan to people who use drugs, as well as their friends and loved ones.
For crisis support, dial 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anytime (24/7/365).
For recovery and wellness support, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953, Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. This line provides phone-based wellness and recovery support for anyone in Illinois. It is staffed by people who identify as individuals in recovery and therefore provides a unique blend of self-directed, empowering support, with education that includes resource materials and contacts.
Illinois Joins Global Campaign to Raise Awareness About Opioid Recovery During National Recovery Month