The "Harm Reduction Community Linkages Project" (HRCL) is a grant opportunity offered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) with the goal of enhancing harm reduction services for individuals affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) across Illinois. This project, funded through a combination of federal and state funds, focuses on strengthening capacity at harm reduction organizations, enabling them to expand their outreach and establish comprehensive linkages to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services for those affected by OUD, including the misuse of prescription opioids and illicit drugs like heroin. The program particularly targets communities that have high rates of opioid overdose deaths, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships between harm reduction stakeholders and providers of OUD treatment.

The total program funding available for the initial year is approximately $847,489, with nine anticipated awards ranging from $27,605 to $240,961, depending on the burden of opioid overdose in different regions. The grant cycle will cover a period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, with potential for two additional years of non-competitive renewal. Eligible organizations can apply to serve one or more of the nine regions across Illinois, but must submit a separate application for each region. The funding is allocated proportionally based on the incidence of opioid overdose deaths in each region, and must be used to support staff capacity, local travel, outreach materials, and harm reduction supplies. However, certain costs, such as research or the purchase of naloxone, are prohibited under federal funds.

To qualify for this grant, organizations must be based in Illinois and have at least three years of experience providing harm reduction or OUD treatment services. Additionally, they must employ a Harm Reduction Coordinator (HRC) with at least two years of experience in harm reduction services or managing a relevant IDPH grant. Organizations must also have an existing network of individuals who use substances and demonstrate their capacity to engage this population immediately. Agencies must commit to providing services such as syringe exchange and overdose prevention education.

Applicants are required to complete the prequalification process through the State of Illinois’ Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal and maintain an active registration with SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s grant management system, EGrAMS, by October 31, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The review process will include evaluation based on organizational capacity, project description, staffing, work plan, and the incorporation of health equity principles, which accounts for a significant portion of the scoring.

The program places a strong emphasis on health equity, aiming to reduce health disparities, particularly in marginalized communities affected by socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. Applicants are expected to align their projects with the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services and focus on addressing the social determinants of health, which affect the health outcomes and longevity of Illinois residents.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for organizations with a proven track record in harm reduction and those working in regions with a high burden of opioid overdose. Key dates include the application deadline of October 31, 2024, and the project start date of September 1, 2024.