Shannon Egan Secures $750,000 Statewide Public Awareness Campaign Grant

Shannon Egan, a dedicated and talented grant writer, has successfully secured a $750,000 grant for the Chicago Recovering Communities Coalition (CRCC). This significant funding, awarded by Advocates for Human Potential (AHP), Inc., under the Public Awareness Campaigns on Substance Use and Supports (PACSS) sub-award, will be instrumental in advancing CRCC’s mission to combat substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) across Illinois.

About the PACSS Grant

The PACSS grant, administered under the Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA) grant and authorized by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, Public Act 101-0027, through the Illinois Department of Health Services (IDHS), aims to enhance public awareness and provide comprehensive support for individuals and communities affected by substance use.

Impact of the Grant

This grant will fund several key initiatives designed to create a lasting impact on the target populations:

1. Comprehensive Needs Assessment: CRCC will conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the specific needs of the target populations. This assessment will inform the development of effective campaign strategies and ensure the initiative’s long-term success.

2. Strategic Hiring: The grant will enable CRCC to hire a campaign coordinator, peer recovery support specialists, and a marketing consultant with lived experience in SUD education campaigns. This diverse team will ensure that educational materials are relatable and impactful.

3. Recovery Educated & Empowered Committee (REEC): CRCC will establish the Recovery Educated & Empowered Committee (REEC), comprising six partner organizations strategically located throughout Illinois. These partners will assist in recruiting members from the target populations and their families to participate in monthly meetings where campaign ideas and dissemination strategies will be developed and enhanced.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: CRCC will design, launch, and monitor five distinct public awareness and education campaigns tailored to the needs of different target populations across Illinois. These campaigns aim to reach 500,000 individuals within a year, utilizing interactive posters, peer-run Q&A sessions on college campuses, and a statewide website featuring campaign materials and resources.

5. Statewide Billboard Campaign: A key component of the awareness effort includes a statewide billboard campaign titled "Speak Up, Stand Strong: Breaking the Stigma." This campaign will focus on educating the public about SUD/COD, promoting harm reduction strategies, and fostering empathy and support.

Shannon Egan’s successful grant writing has secured crucial funding for CRCC and paved the way for a series of impactful initiatives that will significantly benefit communities across Illinois. Her dedication and expertise are invaluable to CRCC’s ongoing efforts to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

Stay tuned for more updates as CRCC embarks on this transformative journey to educate, empower, and support our communities.