Portal Offers Free Take-Home Medication for Substance Users

The Illinois Dept. of Human Services (IDHS) has launched an improved, streamlined reporting portal for the Drug Overdose Prevention Program (DOPP), designed to help hospital emergency departments (ED) and inpatient staff provide free naloxone kits to at-risk individuals. Naloxone is a safe and effective medication used to reverse opioid overdoses and save lives. Providing naloxone kits directly to patients with opioid use disorder who are at risk of a fatal overdose is crucial step in harm reduction and preventing overdose deaths. 

The process for dispensing naloxone now only involves three simple steps once a hospital is enrolled for the DOPP program:

  • Order naloxone kits online directly from the manufacturer;
  • Dispense naloxone to at risk patients; and
  • Report number of kits distributed once a month through the new reporting portal.

On Dec. 5, IDHS will host an information session for healthcare providers, community organizations, clinics, and hospital staff to explain the new DOPP process. The session will include updates on the simplified ordering and reporting system and provide guidance on how non-participating organizations can sign up and order naloxone for their patients. To register for the event, click here.

Following IHA’s successfully advocacy for passage of Public Act 102-0598, hospitals also have a streamlined, simplified enrollment for the DOPP program. This primarily requires selection of an organizational contact for the program and the aforementioned monthly reporting of the number of kits distributed. IHA will continue to spotlight education and training opportunities to improve access to opioid use disorder treatment and harm reduction, as member feedback to a 2023 survey reflected a strong interest in these opportunities.

For more information about becoming a DOPP enrolled program, naloxone training, and related resources, please visit the Illinois Saves Overdose website. Moving forward, IDHS asks that DOPP enrollees report monthly naloxone distribution data in the reporting portal instead of submitting spreadsheets via email. Please email DHS.DOPP.Coordinator@illinois.gov if you have any issues accessing your account in the reporting portal.

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