About SPARK

Supporting Chicago youth in developing healthy relationships with substances.

Who We Are

In partnership with the Praxis Institute, the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) created the SPARK (Substance Prevention and Awareness Resource Kit) portal to enhance the efforts of institutions and organizations in Chicago supporting youth. IDHS’s Regional Substance Use Prevention Integration Center (RSUPIC) program funds and supports this work, aiming to bolster the capacity of these entities. Visit IDHS’ website to learn more about PHIMC’s youth substance use prevention work. 
RSUPIC is dedicated to fostering healthier, safer communities across Illinois through comprehensive and collaborative substance use prevention strategies. The joint mission is to enhance the capacity of institutions, organizations, and providers to support youth and combat substance misuse with evidence-based practices. 
The SPARK site integrates prevention services into existing youth-focused programs, providing various resources and support. These include free, high-quality educational curricula for schools, dynamic engagement tools such as videos and podcasts, and interactive online educational games that make learning about substance use engaging and informative. Resources extend to vital support systems like the Illinois Helpline and Overcome Opioids, aiding individuals on their path to recovery and sobriety. SPARK is a comprehensive tool for substance use prevention and awareness, enhancing our ability to support communities across Illinois.
Our commitment to collaboration and inclusivity is strengthened through these partnerships, which help us provide specialized training, educational programs, and community-based processes that establish and reinforce norms and policies around substance use. By working closely with community members, educators, and health professionals, we aim to create a culture of prevention that values the well-being of every individual. RSUPIC serves numerous counties across Central Illinois, ensuring that our initiatives reach diverse communities and effectively address local needs. 
Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to pave the way for a future free from the adverse impacts of substance misuse, promoting the overall health and well-being of our youth and communities.We developed this curriculum to empower high school students aged 14-18 to make informed and safe decisions about substance use, focusing on harm reduction and healing. Recognizing the limitations of past programs like DARE and “Just Say No,” our approach provides practical strategies for minimizing risks, whether students are non-users, occasional users, or regular users.Designed for facilitators in after-school programs, our curriculum is user-friendly and easily integrated, with downloadable lesson plans that complement existing programs. 
Guided by insights from Chicago youth and out-of-school facilitators, our content prioritizes trust, non-judgmental spaces, engaging activities, and honest, practical information.Youth emphasized the importance of building trust, fostering respect, and creating empathetic communication. They also valued direct and comprehensive information about substances, including both benefits and risks, and strategies for harm reduction. Facilitators highlighted the need for accessible lesson plans, foundational topics like Social and Emotional Learning, and engaging multimedia resources. They also expressed a strong desire for a supportive peer network. 
By incorporating these valuable insights, our curriculum aims to create a positive and supportive environment for both students and educators, promoting informed decisions and healthier outcomes.

This Substance Use Prevention and Resource Kit (SPARK) website was developed in partnership by the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago and Praxis Institute and designed by Rudd Resources.

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