This interactive, two-part webinar will help participants take stock of information that can support community outreach and services. Participants will explore formal data sources—such as SUDORS, the IDPH Statewide Semiannual Overdose Reports, and other state and national resources—alongside community knowledge, frontline observations, peer knowledge, and input from people affected by substance use. Together, they’ll consider what different sources can tell us, identify gaps and missing perspectives, and develop practical next steps for gathering, sharing, and using information. The workshop emphasizes that no single source provides a complete picture.
Part I: Identify Existing Data and Community Knowledge
Participants will explore information their communities already have, from reports and other formal data sources to knowledge held by people with lived and living experience, peer workers, families, and frontline teams. Examples may include SUDORS, IDHS information, and other state and national resources. Through small-group activities, participants will create a shared inventory, consider what the information can—and can’t—tell them, identify missing perspectives, and prioritize questions for further assessment.
Objectives:
- Identify and document formal data sources and community knowledge relevant to harm reduction, care, recovery, housing, and related supports.
- Consider what different sources measure, who they reach, their limitations, and how they may complement one another.
- Identify data gaps, underrepresented populations and experiences, and priority questions for further assessment.