VIENNA – Arrowleaf has been awarded a five-year federal grant through the Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Program, receiving $250,000 annually to expand substance use prevention efforts across Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, and Union counties.

These rural communities face persistent poverty, limited healthcare access, and some of the state’s highest rates of methamphetamine and fentanyl use.

The initiative will focus on transition-age youth (18–25), pregnant women, and families involved in child welfare—groups at heightened risk for substance use and barriers to care. Using the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework and the Institute of Medicine’s prevention strategies, Arrowleaf will expand early screening, strengthen referral pathways, and increase evidence-based prevention initiatives.

The program will integrate Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and validated assessment tools to improve early identification of substance use risk. A new Southern Illinois Communities for Substance Use Prevention (SI-CSUP) Advisory Council will bring together child welfare, healthcare, education, and community partners to support implementation and sustainability. Key activities include training local providers in SBIRT, implementing the Nurturing Parenting for Substance Use Disorders curriculum, and hiring a Program Manager and Peer Liaison to support community outreach and family navigation. Harm-reduction education, stigma-reduction efforts, and overdose-prevention strategies will also be incorporated.

Over five years, Arrowleaf expects to serve 1,125 individuals, including 125 in the prorated first year and 250 annually thereafter. Program evaluation by REA Analytics will guide continuous improvement and measure outcomes such as increased referrals, expanded harm-reduction
access, and stronger community engagement.

“Arrowleaf is committed to building healthier, more resilient communities,” said Sherrie L. Crabb, CEO of Arrowleaf. “This funding allows us to expand prevention efforts and support families throughout Southern Illinois.