Sorensen Announces More Than $860,000 to Improve Mental Health and Fight Substance Abuse

PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced more than $860,000 to improve mental health services and fight substance abuse for his neighbors in Central Illinois.  

$759,758 will go to Chestnut Health Systems in Bloomington to enhance care and reduce burnout for peer recovery support specialists (PRSSs) who work with clients in recovery. $100,876 will go to Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in Bloomington to develop mental health and suicide prevention strategies. 

“Central Illinoisians care about their neighbors, and they want to check in and make sure they are doing okay,” saidSorensen. “We are responsible for providing them with the tools to do just that. This important grant funding coming to Chestnut Health Systems and Illinois Wesleyan University will connect those who need it with resources and services to remain healthy. I am grateful for the work these organizations do to make our communities a better place to live and raise a family in.” 

“We’re excited to further research in peer recovery support,” said Micheal Dennis, Ph.D., Director of Chestnut’s Lighthouse Institute. “This grant enables us to contribute meaningful knowledge to recovery efforts worldwide.” 

“Today's college students face significant mental health challenges that impact their academic success,” said Karla Carney-Hall, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Illinois Wesleyan University. “This generous Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant allows us to support student success by expanding direct service, training faculty and staff, and educating students about mental health and suicide prevention strategies, especially for our most at-risk populations.” 

Chestnut Health Systems’ Lighthouse Institute was awarded a six-year research grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) National Institute of Drug Abuse Office to test the innovative PATH (Peer Advanced Training in Harm Reduction) program. Led by Principal Investigator Dennis Watson, Ph.D., senior research scientist at Lighthouse Institute, this project focuses on a virtual training program designed for PRSSs. The goal is to enhance care, reduce burnout, and ultimately improve outcomes for both PRSS workers and the clients they serve. This project reflects Chestnut’s ongoing commitment to advancing integrated health and recovery through innovative solutions and leadership in research. 

IWU was awarded the SAMHSA grant from HHS’s Center for Mental Health Services Office which leads federal efforts to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for Americans with mental health conditions. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

###