In May 2023, PHIMC engaged FQA Institute for Social Impact to conduct a landscape analysis of 125 organizations to inform the design of a new program in Chicago. The new program is part of a statewide initiative to expand substance use prevention services for adolescents through partnerships with existing youth programs.

FQA Institute describes the work like this:

In their substance use related work, PHIMC employs a harm reduction framework and partners with direct service providers to integrate strategies for safer substance use, address mental health and trauma, and incorporate a non-judgmental approach. Inclusive partnerships, exemplified by initiatives like Opioid-Impacted Family Support, prioritize the voices of those most affected to shape program development and build upon past successes, such as the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances and medication-assisted treatment program support. PHIMC was selected by the Illinois Department of Human Services to set up a Regional Substance Use Prevention Integration Center (RSUPIC) for Chicago, alongside other agencies in different regions across the state. With their new RSUPIC, PHIMC seeks to harmonize substance use prevention efforts with other youth-focused prevention initiatives, spanning HIV, pregnancy, violence, suicide, and bullying, among others. By doing so, PHIMC aims to enhance organizational capabilities to address substance use and misuse among adolescents.

To learn about PHIMC’s collaboration with FQA Institute, please read more here.

Chicago’s Regional Substance Use Prevention Integration Center (RSUPIC) integrates evidence-based substance use prevention services into existing youth-focused programs.

Learn more here about this new program and how you can get involved.