Illinois Department of Human Services

🧡 October is Substance Use Prevention Month. At IDHS, we’re committed to expanding access to recovery services that save lives. MAR NOW makes recovery accessible — anytime, anywhere. Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) combines medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone with personalized care to reduce the risk of fatal overdoses and support long-term recovery. Immediate help is available through MAR NOW. Connect with a provider for same-day treatment options or prescriptions by phone. 📞 Call 833-234-6343 to speak with a care manager and explore treatment options for opioid and alcohol use disorders. 

No estás solo, sin importar por lo que estés pasando o cómo te identifiques. La Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis ofrece apoyo gratuito, confidencial y disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, y con consejeros capacitados en crisis. Pedir ayuda es fácil:    📞 Llama al 988    📲 Manda un mensaje de texto al 988    🌐 Visita 988lifeline.org El apoyo está aquí. Tú importas. 🌈 

💼 Celebrating Value and Talent – Congratulations 2025 ICED Awardees!   This month, the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities (ICED) hosted its annual awards celebration at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield – and virtually statewide.   This inspiring event recognized outstanding individuals and organizations advancing inclusion and accessibility across Illinois during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. ✨ Honorees included:  🏆 Outstanding Employee of the Year: Julie Denno, Illinois Department of Revenue  🏛️ Outstanding State Agency of the Year: Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities  🎖️ Outstanding Legislator of the Year: State Representative Laura Faver Dias   The event featured remarks by Jim Bennett, Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and a keynote address by Bill Bogdan, Disability Liaison with the Illinois Secretary of State.   Together, we celebrate the talent, leadership, and contributions of Illinoisans with disabilities – and reaffirm our commitment to equitable employment and accessibility for all. 

📢 The State of Illinois condemns harmful federal overreach and remains committed to protecting people experiencing homelessness, immigrants, and affected communities.    The Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness is working to protect the rights and safety of people experiencing homelessness.    Their new outreach resource provides:   ✔️ Guidance on staying safe during enforcement activity   ✔️ Tips on keeping important documents and contacts secure   ✔️ A hotline for help or reporting concerns: 312-641-4148    Learn more and access the resource here: https://lnkd.in/esFnrDre  Together, we’re building a safer, more supportive Illinois. 

Federal officials with the Trump Administration have told all states that if the federal government shutdown continues, it won’t pay for SNAP (food stamp) benefits in November.    As a result, SNAP customers will not receive November food benefits – unless there is further action to reopen the government.    In the past, when the government shut down, Congress and the President usually fixed the problem before families missed their benefits. But this time, things are still uncertain. The situation is evolving, and the State of Illinois is sharing this information to help those of us who rely on food benefits plan ahead in case benefits are not available on November 1.     Illinois is awaiting further guidance from the federal government. Updates will be added to the SNAP Federal Impact Center: https://lnkd.in/gfSew2ab

💤 October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month. Every parent wants their baby to sleep soundly – and safely. Remember these Safe Sleep Tips:  👶 Always place babies on their back for every sleep.  🛏️ Room share, don’t bed share.  🧸 Keep blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys out of the sleep area.  Learn more: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gUt5VSAk

¿Necesitas ayuda legal o apoyo para personas LGBTQIA+? IL Pride Connect ofrece ayuda gratuita y confidencial con:   🌈 Cambios de nombre y marcador de género    🏡 Discriminación en la vivienda o el trabajo    🏫 Derechos en la escuela y la atención médica    🩺 Atención médica, inmigración, registros vitales, protección familiar, derechos de personas mayores y más   Horario de la Línea Legal: lunes a jueves, de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m.    📞 Llama al: 855-805-9200    💻 Aprende más: www.ilprideconnect.org 

In honor of Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month, we close the month by resharing this video message from IDHS Secretary Dulce Maria Quintero, a proud member of and champion for the Latine community.  Born in Mexico, they later followed their parents around the U.S. as they worked various jobs as farmworkers and street vendors. Much of Quintero's background in advocacy and lived experience has informed their perspective and passion for social and human services.    They are inspired by cultural and movement giants such as Frida Kahlo, Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta. Says Quintero, "We all have those magical gifts, we all bring our stories, no one can take that away from us. So, share your story, share your journey, be a giant. Sí, se puede!”    Watch here: https://lnkd.in/ew2353fU 

📢 Tus derechos importan. Encuentra apoyo de inmigración cuando más lo necesites. (English below)  📋 ⚖️ Servicios Legales:  Accede a evaluaciones legales y consultas gratuitas o de bajo costo en todo Illinois. Ya sea que necesites ayuda con defensa contra la deportación, renovación de DACA o peticiones familiares, proveedores legales calificados están aquí para ayudarte. 🚫 ¡Cuidado con el fraude migratorio y las estafas!  Los notarios no pueden dar asesoría legal. Busca ayuda legal verificada y de confianza. 🔗 Aprende más y protege tus derechos:  https://lnkd.in/eRWJn35S  ---- 📢 Your rights matter. Find immigration support when you need it most. 📋 ⚖️ Legal Services:  Get free or low-cost legal screenings and consultations across Illinois. Whether you need help with deportation defense, DACA renewal, or family petitions, qualified legal providers are here to assist you. 🚫 Beware of immigration fraud and scams!  Notaries cannot give legal advice. Seek verified, trusted legal help. 🔗 Learn more and protect your rights:  https://lnkd.in/eRWJn35S 

💼 October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. At IDHS, we’re proud to celebrate workers with disabilities and promote a workplace where everyone can succeed. Together, we’re advancing access, equity, and inclusion – this month and every month. ✅ Competitive salary & excellent benefits  👉 Apply today: www.dhs.state.il.us/jobs