The OOSA works collaboratively with the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board (IORAB) to develop nonbinding funding recommendations to present to the Governor’s Opioid Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee (Steering Committee). IORAB recommendations that are approved by the Steering Committee must then be certified by the Attorney General’s office and processed in accordance with state requirements.

Governor’s Opioid Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee (Steering Committee)

The Steering Committee guides the work of the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council and the IORAB, serving as the liaison between its stakeholders and the Governor’s Office and overseeing the ongoing implementation of the SOAP. The Committee was formed under Executive Order 2020-02 and renewed under Executive Order 2023-08.

Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board (IORAB)

The IORAB serves as a subcommittee to the Steering Committee. Its purpose is to inform the ongoing implementation of the SOAP and to make advisory recommendations on the use of Remediation Fund proceeds. The Board seeks to ensure an equitable allocation of resources to all parts of the state.

The IORAB has established three working groups. Members of the working groups are subject matter experts (SMEs) who provide expertise and perspective, which are critical as the Board works to implement the intent and requirements of the opioid settlement agreement and SOAP.

Medical and Research Working Group

The Medical and Research working group evaluates and submits recommendations related to evidence-based treatments and emerging medical practices for opioid use and other substance use disorders through analysis of current and relevant data. It also seeks to implement a systemic framework that distributes resources to at-risk populations to maximize positive outcomes and reduce health inequities and/or disparities associated with racial, socio-economic, geographical, and other social determinants of health.

Access and Equity Working Group

The Access and Equity working group evaluates and submits recommendations related to social and historical factors that impact access to affirming and culturally competent programs, practices, and policies intended to serve communities experiencing disparities in opioid use, overdoses, and other substance use disorders to make systemic changes for optimal health. The group seeks to ensure that settlement funds reach communities and populations disproportionately represented in the opioid epidemic and address racial and social inequities.

Workforce Development and Infrastructure Working Group

The Workforce Development & Infrastructure working group evaluates and submits recommendations that may reduce behavioral health workforce shortages and promote equitable organizational practices, with the aim of expanding access to and receipt of evidence-based harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for persons with opioid use disorder and substance use disorder (OUD/SUD).

The working groups, IORAB, and Steering Committee all meet regularly, and all meetings are available to the public. Details are available on the IORAB web page.