The PRECOVERY PROJECT
Embedded Files
A rural education, prevention, and recovery initiative to strengthen access to community resources and care.
Marion & Clinton County,Illinios
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
People in Marion & Clinton County, Illinois often struggle to find reliable information quickly — whether they need mental‑health support, substance‑use resources, a mechanic, a plumber, an event, housing, employment, or any everyday service. Searching across multiple websites, outdated directories, or Facebook groups can be overwhelming, especially for individuals already dealing with stress, transportation barriers, addiction, or mental‑health challenges.
This is an innovative approach for community connection reducing the time that the limited resources such as social workers or physicians have to ensure that clients are getting as much information as possible to assist people in their needs and recovery. It is also a way for people to explore resources and see everything that is happening in their county in one place making it easier to attend free community events and more.
This hub brings everything into one place, making it easier, faster, and less stressful for residents and providers to find help, services, and community supports.
Our Mission
The Precovery Project exists to strengthen rural communities by connecting individuals, families, and organizations through one trusted place for health, wellness, education, prevention, and recovery resources. We believe healing begins at home and that every person deserves timely access to compassionate support—before a crisis occurs.
Our Vision
Our vision is to shift communities from crisis response to precovery—supporting people before they reach a breaking point, strengthening families before challenges become crises, and building resilient communities where prevention, compassion, and connection are the foundation of lasting wellness.
Healing starts at home. Strong communities start with connection.
Rural Mental Health Crisis Illinois
Rural Mental Health Crisis Illinois
This site is designed as a response to the rural mental health crisis which will help people in rural Marion County (and counties in close proximity) , Illinois quickly find the resources they need, especially when local services feel confusing, limited, or difficult to access.
Many rural residents struggle to locate crisis support, treatment options, harm‑reduction supplies, housing assistance, or basic information because services are scattered across agencies and not always easy to understand.
By organizing these resources in one place, the site helps individuals identify what they need, match their needs to available local or statewide options, and take small, manageable steps toward getting support.
The goal is not to provide direct services, but to make it easier for people to navigate what already exists—reducing frustration, saving time, and helping residents stay connected to the right programs rather than trying to figure everything out alone.
Please note if the resource is not available in your county,
the nearby options as well as state resources are available.
Data
Rural Communication
Rural Communication
Building Sustainable Rural Recovery Through Communication and Collaboration
Building Sustainable Rural Recovery Through Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is the foundation of resilient rural communities and is central to the vision promoted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Together, these agencies emphasize coordinated service delivery, cross-sector collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and person-centered systems of care that strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and overall community wellness.
In rural communities such as Marion County, effective communication extends far beyond simply sharing information. It requires building trusted relationships among healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, schools, social service organizations, faith communities, first responders, law enforcement, local governments, businesses, recovery organizations, and individuals with lived experience. When organizations communicate consistently and work toward shared goals, they reduce duplication of services, improve referral pathways, increase access to care, and strengthen the community's ability to respond to changing needs.
This collaborative approach is reflected in Illinois' Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) initiative, which encourages communities to develop sustainable partnerships that extend beyond individual programs or grant cycles. Rather than operating independently, organizations are encouraged to function as an integrated network where prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community wellness are shared responsibilities. By strengthening communication, promoting shared leadership, and engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors, communities can build lasting systems that continue serving residents long after initial funding has ended.
The Precovery Project was developed using these same principles. Rather than functioning solely as a community resource directory, the project serves as a collaborative community platform designed to connect residents with trusted local resources while strengthening relationships among community partners. By improving access to accurate information, increasing awareness of local services, and encouraging collaboration across agencies, the Precovery Project supports a healthier, more resilient Marion County.
A Hub-and-Spoke Model for Rural Community Wellness
A Hub-and-Spoke Model for Rural Community Wellness
The hub-and-spoke model provides a practical framework for organizing rural systems of care. In this model, a centralized community hub serves as a trusted source of information, resource navigation, education, and coordination, while individual "spokes" represent the organizations and stakeholders providing specialized services throughout the community. Within Marion County, these partners include healthcare providers, hospitals, behavioral health and substance use treatment agencies, Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs), Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) councils, schools, colleges, public health agencies, law enforcement, first responders, courts, faith communities, employers, housing agencies, social service organizations, veterans' organizations, youth-serving agencies, local businesses, and individuals and families with lived experience.
Rather than replacing existing organizations, the hub strengthens communication among partners by promoting coordinated referrals, increasing awareness of available resources, identifying service gaps, and encouraging collaborative problem-solving. Information flows in both directions. Community partners contribute their expertise, local knowledge, and lived experience, while the hub helps coordinate communication, share educational resources, connect residents with appropriate services, and strengthen relationships across the county.
This approach reflects SAMHSA's recovery principles and Illinois' statewide Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care framework, both of which recognize that recovery is sustained through strong community partnerships rather than isolated programs. A resilient community is built when healthcare providers, schools, businesses, faith organizations, local governments, recovery organizations, and residents work together toward a shared vision of health and wellness.
The Precovery Project embraces this philosophy by creating a sustainable community infrastructure that supports prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery, and lifelong wellness. As partnerships continue to grow and communication strengthens across Marion County, the community will be better equipped to address emerging needs, improve health outcomes, reduce barriers to care, and build a healthier, more connected future for individuals and families of all ages.
Communities interested in developing similar collaborative networks can explore guidance and technical assistance through SAMHSA's Recovery Resources (https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery), the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (https://www.dhs.state.il.us), the Illinois Department of Public Health (https://dph.illinois.gov), the Illinois Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) Initiative (https://www.govst.edu/Recovery-Support/Find-Your-Local-ROSC-Council), Chestnut Health Systems' Statewide ROSC Leadership Center (https://www.coalitionsupport.org/statewideroscil), and Prevention First's Leadership Center (https://www.prevention.org/leadership-center/). Together, these organizations provide evidence-based guidance for building sustainable, community-driven systems that strengthen prevention, recovery, and long-term resilience throughout Illinois.
Rural Substance Misuse
Rural Substance Misuse
Substance Use Disorder & Overdose in Marion County, Illinois
Substance Use Disorder & Overdose in Marion County, Illinois
Substance use disorders (SUDs) continue to be a significant public health concern across Illinois, particularly in rural communities such as Marion County. Rural counties frequently experience behavioral health workforce shortages, transportation barriers, reduced access to specialty treatment, and fewer recovery support services than urban communities, all of which contribute to poorer health outcomes and delayed access to care (Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA], 2026; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2024).
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), opioid overdoses remain one of the leading causes of preventable death in Illinois despite recent improvements. Illinois reported 2,419 overdose deaths in 2024, representing approximately a 30% decrease from the previous year. While this decline reflects expanded prevention efforts, fentanyl continues to be the primary substance involved in overdose deaths throughout the state, including Southern Illinois (Illinois Department of Public Health, 2025).
Although Marion County-specific estimates of substance use disorder prevalence are not available, national survey data indicate that approximately 8% to 10% of adults experience a substance use disorder each year (SAMHSA, 2024). Applying this estimate to Marion County's current population of approximately 36,400 residents suggests that roughly 2,900 to 3,600 individuals may be living with a substance use disorder in any given year (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025).
Several factors increase substance use and overdose risk within rural communities such as Marion County, including limited access to behavioral health providers, transportation challenges, chronic disease, disability, economic hardship, and shortages of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). These barriers often delay prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery (HRSA, 2026; Illinois Department of Public Health, 2025).
Strengthening prevention, expanding access to treatment, improving community awareness, and increasing coordination among healthcare providers, schools, social service agencies, and community organizations are critical strategies for reducing overdose deaths and improving long-term recovery outcomes in Marion County.
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2025). Illinois county health data. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/ County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
Health Resources and Services Administration. (2026). Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Dashboard. HRSA HPSA Dashboard
Illinois Department of Public Health. (2025). Illinois Overdose Data Dashboard. Illinois Overdose Data Dashboard
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
U.S. Census Bureau. (2025). QuickFacts: Marion County, Illinois. U.S. Census QuickFacts – Marion County, Illinois
Rural Barriers
Rural Barriers
Rural Barriers & Community Need in Marion County
Rural Barriers & Community Need in Marion County
Rural Barriers & Community Need in Marion County, Illinois
Rural Barriers & Community Need in Marion County, Illinois
Marion County, Illinois faces many of the same challenges experienced throughout rural Illinois, including shortages of healthcare providers, limited behavioral health services, transportation barriers, and reduced access to specialty medical care. These factors make it more difficult for residents to obtain timely healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, and other essential community resources (HRSA, 2026; County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2025). (HRSA Data)
Beyond healthcare, residents often spend considerable time searching for reliable information about housing assistance, childcare, legal services, food resources, transportation, local businesses, employment opportunities, and other everyday needs. For individuals already experiencing financial hardship, chronic illness, disability, or mental health concerns, navigating multiple websites and agencies can become overwhelming.
A centralized community resource hub reduces these barriers by bringing trusted local resources together in one easily accessible location. Improving awareness of available services helps residents connect more quickly with prevention programs, healthcare providers, behavioral health services, recovery supports, family resources, and community organizations.
Marion County is classified as a Rural-Urban Continuum Code (RUCC) 7 county, indicating a nonmetropolitan rural community where access to services is more limited than in metropolitan areas. The county is also designated as having shortages of primary care and mental health professionals, reflecting ongoing workforce challenges common throughout rural Illinois (HRSA, 2026). (HRSA Data)
According to recent county health data, Marion County continues to experience higher-than-average rates of obesity (approximately 39.7%), depression (23.6%), frequent mental distress (18.4%), and current smoking (17.7%)—all factors associated with increased demand for healthcare and behavioral health services (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2025; CDC PLACES). (RHT Compass)
Current U.S. Census estimates indicate Marion County has approximately 36,400 residents, with 23.2% of the population age 65 or older, 14.4% of residents under age 65 living with a disability, and 14.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level. These demographic characteristics further highlight the need for accessible, coordinated community resources (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025). (Census.gov)
The Precovery Project addresses these rural barriers by creating a single, trusted community resource hub where residents can easily locate healthcare, behavioral health, recovery supports, family services, educational resources, and local community organizations. Rather than waiting until individuals reach a crisis, this approach promotes prevention, strengthens collaboration among local partners, and improves community resilience by making trusted information easier to access.
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2025). Illinois county health data. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/ County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
Health Resources and Services Administration. (2026). Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Dashboard. HRSA HPSA Dashboard
Illinois Department of Public Health. (2025). Illinois Overdose Data Dashboard. Illinois Overdose Data Dashboard
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
U.S. Census Bureau. (2025). QuickFacts: Marion County, Illinois. U.S. Census QuickFacts – Marion County, Illinois
Rural Children
Rural Children
Children & Youth in Marion County, Illinois
Children & Youth in Marion County, Illinois
Why Investing Early Builds Stronger Rural Communities
Why Investing Early Builds Stronger Rural Communities
Children living in rural communities often experience unique challenges that affect their physical health, mental health, education, and long-term well-being. While Marion County offers many dedicated schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, families continue to face barriers common throughout rural Illinois, including shortages of pediatric behavioral health providers, transportation challenges, limited specialty services, childcare shortages, and economic hardship. These barriers can delay early identification of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns while making it more difficult for families to access timely care. (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps)
Marion County has an estimated population of 36,382 residents, with approximately 22.4% of the population under 18 years of age, representing more than 8,000 children and adolescents. At the same time, 23.2% of residents are age 65 or older, creating increased demand for services that support both children and aging caregivers. (Census.gov)
The Marion County Community Health Improvement Plan identifies mental health and addiction, including youth depression, substance use, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), among the county's highest public health priorities. Community partners also identified poverty, housing, transportation, and maternal and infant health as critical factors influencing children's long-term outcomes. (Marion Public Health)
Research consistently shows that children exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences—including abuse, neglect, household substance use, domestic violence, parental mental illness, incarceration, or community violence—are at significantly greater risk for depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, chronic disease, suicide, and poor educational outcomes throughout adulthood. Illinois encourages communities to build resilience by strengthening families, promoting positive childhood experiences, expanding early intervention, and improving access to behavioral health services before crises occur. (Illinois Department of Public Health)
For rural communities like Marion County, prevention begins long before a child enters a treatment program. Building resilient families means improving access to quality childcare, early childhood education, developmental screenings, school-based supports, mental health services, family resource centers, healthcare, nutrition programs, safe recreation, mentoring opportunities, and recovery supports. When these systems work together, children are more likely to experience healthy development, academic success, emotional well-being, and lifelong resilience.
The Precovery Project supports this vision by connecting families with trusted local resources in one accessible location while strengthening collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving agencies, public health departments, faith communities, and community partners. Rather than waiting until families experience a crisis, the project promotes prevention, early intervention, family engagement, and community resilience—helping every child have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Marion County & Regional Child and Family Resources
Marion County & Regional Child and Family Resources
Families in Marion County have access to several local and regional organizations that support children's health and development, including Marion County Health Department, which provides WIC, immunizations, maternal and child health programs, developmental screenings, and family case management; Child & Family Connections, Illinois' Early Intervention entry point for infants and toddlers with developmental delays; Community Resource Center and Community Resource Center – Salem, which provide behavioral health counseling and family services; Kids Hope United and Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, which offer foster care, adoption, family preservation, counseling, and youth development programs; and Southtown Youth Programs Center, which provides after-school and youth development opportunities for children and adolescents.
Additional statewide resources that strengthen rural families include Birth to Five Illinois, Illinois Early Intervention, the Illinois Department of Public Health Maternal and Child Health Program, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois State Board of Education, and SAMHSA's child and family behavioral health initiatives. Together, these organizations help create healthier children, stronger families, and more resilient rural communities.
Building Resilience
Page updated
Report abuse