Strategic prevention framework - partnerships for success for state - the illinois strategic prevention framework - partnerships for success (SPF-PFS) project aims to reduce youth substance use in the…

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded the Illinois Department of Human Services $7.190 million on September 30, 2025, under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.243) to reduce youth substance use on the South and West Sides of Chicago through the Strategic Prevention Framework—Partnerships for Success project.

The Illinois SPF-PFS project implements evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention strategies outside school settings targeting youth aged 8 to 24, subdivided into 8-to-15-year-olds and 16-to-24-year-olds at elevated risk due to underserved community environments, adverse childhood experiences, and social determinants of health. The project works with community-based organizations to address service gaps in areas lacking substance use prevention services. Activities include capacity building, technical assistance, and data-driven evaluation to enhance protective factors and decrease substance use risk factors. Collaboration involves state government, an academic institution, a small training and technical assistance business specializing in substance use prevention in underserved communities, and local direct service providers.

Performance extends from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2030, with place of performance in Chicago, Illinois.

The project distributes pass-through funding to three sub-recipients: the University of Illinois (sub-award H79SP084640-43CEZ04329, awarded June 17, 2026), Build Inc. (sub-award H79SP084640-43CEZ04325, awarded June 11, 2026), and Lawrence Hall (sub-award H79SP084640-43CEZ04324, awarded June 10, 2026), all designated as sub-awardees for Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse activities.

Strategic prevention framework - partnerships for success for state - the illinois strategic prevention framework - partnerships for success (SPF-PFS) project aims to reduce youth substance use in the south and west sides of chicago by implementing evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention strategies that are responsive to community needs. This project will focus on youth aged 8 to 24, subgrouped into 8-15-year-olds and 16-24-year-olds, who are at significantly higher risk of substance use due to underserved community environments and higher exposure to adverse childhood experiences and social determinants of health. The illinois SPF-PFS project will work with community-based organizations to deliver prevention programs outside school settings, addressing service gaps in areas that currently lack substance use prevention services. Through capacity building, technical assistance, and data-driven evaluation, the project seeks to enhance protective factors and decrease substance use risk factors. With a cross-sector collaboration that includes state government, an academic institution, a small training and technical assistance business specializing in substance use prevention in underserved communities, and local direct service providers, the illinois SPF-PFS project intends to create sustainable, community-centered solutions that align with national public health priorities.