LaPointe, Fine to Hold Hearing on Barriers For Substance Use Providers, Harm Reduction Practitioners

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe and Senator Laura Fine will lead a joint subject matter hearing with the House and Senate Mental Health and Addiction/ Behavioral and Mental Health
Committees to identify and address the financial and administrative challenges facing substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers and harm reduction practitioners on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. in the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago (160 N. LaSalle Street). The hearing aims to deepen awareness and drive policy solutions that enable these providers to connect individuals struggling with substance use to essential, life-saving support.

The hearing builds on previous hearings and roundtable discussions, where providers emphasized issues such as inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates, high workforce turnover, prior authorization challenges, and budget limitations that impede the delivery of vital care and support.

“By addressing the real challenges facing our treatment providers and harm reduction specialists who are on the frontlines of Illinois’ substance use and opioid crisis, we aim to
strengthen our system of care so more people can access support across the spectrum, including street outreach, safe supplies, treatment, recovery housing, and more,” LaPointe said.

“It is critical that we eliminate barriers to care,” said Fine. “These conversations are essential so we can give our providers the support that they need to eliminate roadblocks to essential care for our friends and loved ones.”

Speakers include:
● Illinois Association of Behavioral Health
● Harm reduction specialists from the Jolt Foundation (Peoria), the Puerto Rico Project
(Chicago), and Rush University Medical Center
● SUD perspectives from Rosecrance, Latino Treatment Center, and Haymarket Center
Who: State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, SUD treatment providers, harm reduction specialists, and
others
What: Joint Mental Health & Addiction Subject Matter Hearing
When: Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Michael A. Bilandic Building (C-600), 160 N. LaSalle St., Chicago

For more information, please contact Info@RepLaPointe.com or 773-647-1174.