The opioid crisis has left a devastating impact on communities throughout Illinois. Among the many challenges faced by those affected, the need for proper wound care has become critical. Opioid use disorder often comes with a host of health issues, including infections and wounds that require consistent and adequate care. Unfortunately, many individuals do not have access to the necessary supplies to manage their wounds effectively.

The Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board (IORAB) is responsible for managing funds dedicated to opioid crisis relief efforts. By channeling some of these funds into grants for wound care supplies, we can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by acute and chronic wounds related to opioid use. These supplies are essential tools that can prevent infections, reduce hospital visits, and ultimately save lives. Our aim is to "flood the zone" with gauze - much like what has been done with naloxone to prevent overdoses.

In October 2025, a request was made to the IORAB for 20 annual grants in the amount of $6,000USD to be awarded to organizations providing wound care to individuals with OUD over a 3 year period for a total funding request of $360,000USD.

The objective of this funding request is the provision of wound care supplies for people who inject or use drugs (PWID/PWUD) and receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) within mobile health, street health, and community healthcare clinics including Medicaid accepting practices with sliding scale structures, harm reduction/overdose prevention programs, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s). Funding is being sought to promote access to healthcare services for those affected by opioids with wounds through dispensing of basic wound care supplies, wound treatment, and patient education during visits. Approximately 20% of those receiving MOUD have the presence of an acute or chronic wound, are not receiving wound care, and lack access to safe supplies.

We urge the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board to allocate necessary funds for this cause. Such an initiative will  contribute to the long-term well-being of individuals battling opioid use disorder across the state.

Please sign this petition to support the allocation of grant funding for wound care supplies and help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the opioid crisis in Illinois.