Description
The Opioid Learning and Response Collaborative (OLRC) is hosting its second Regional Networking Event-Southern on March 5, 2026, in Carbondale, IL. This event will bring together professionals working in prevention, harm reduction, and street outreach to build connections and break down silos. Attendees will hear presentations from Megan Ragan of SIRAC and Chris Massey of SIU. Speakers will explore rural outreach for OUD, rural health, and resources to support people working in rural areas. OLRC will introduce its new website, offer a tutorial on using its resources, and get attendees excited about what’s to come. This event is open to all interested parties, with a focus on individuals with lived experience, those who supervise PLEs, and direct service workers, all working in rural settings.
SIU Medicine, Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development
Beyond Books: Leveraging Public Libraries for Harm Reduction & Overdose Response
This presentation outlines the evolution of the mobile harm reduction unit and addresses initial barriers to engagement in the Delta region. We will explore a strategic pivot toward utilizing public libraries as accessible, non-stigmatized entry points for connecting with individuals with Substance Use Disorder. The session details actionable plans for library-based tabling and equipping staff with critical overdose response and harm reduction training.
Learning Objectives:
- Address barriers and stigma in the Delta region for engagement of individuals with SUD
- Outline the evolution of Mobile Harm Reduction Units in rural areas
- Explore the use of libraries to connect individuals with SUDs to care
- Give attendees an actionable plan to utilize libraries by creating safe spaces for meetings, along with harm reduction and overdose response training
Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center
The Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC) delivers whole-person, community-based services designed to strengthen recovery, family stability, and overall health outcomes across rural southern Illinois. Guided by lived experience and a family-run approach, SIRAC addresses the complex challenges facing individuals and families by integrating recovery support, peer-led family services, community health initiatives, and basic needs assistance.
By tackling the social determinants of health that contribute to substance use, child welfare involvement, and health disparities, SIRAC provides a model for holistic, community-driven care. This presentation will explore SIRAC’s data-informed, collaborative strategies for building recovery-friendly, family-centered systems, highlighting practical tools, lessons learned, and measurable outcomes. Participants will gain insight into how community partnerships, peer engagement, and culturally responsive approaches can transform service delivery in underserved rural communities, ultimately fostering resilience, stability, and long-term recovery.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce SIRAC’s mission, services, and purpose
- Teach about SIRAC’s data-informed strategies for the creation of tools and resources within rural communities
- Learn to transform service delivery to be accessible for all and include to community itself
Prevention First
Prevention First will present on OTTAC and OLRC (mission, background, purpose), provide a tutorial on the new OLRC website and resource hub, and introduce upcoming events and opportunities. Attendees will leave having learned of a new resource to utilize and how OLRC can be a support for professionals and communities across Illinois.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce the background, mission, and purpose behind the programs.
- Demonstrate the website, its tools, and how to access key resources.
- Get participants excited and engaged with what’s next.