CPPR and IRIS Celebrate Another 100,000 Referral Milestone
A Milestone in Community-Driven Systems Change
In May 2019, Illinois planted the seed to grow a more connected, responsive system of support for families with IRIS. What began as a promising pilot with the All Our Kids (AOK) Networks has become a statewide collaborative effort. An effort that has reached a defining milestone of over 100,000 referrals.
From Fragmentation to Connection
Previously, area referral systems were fragmented and inconsistent, often leaving families to navigate complex systems on their own. The result was missed connections, delays in care, and lost opportunities for support.
Area leaders and partners jointly championing the use of IRIS changed that, providing a centralized platform that streamlines referrals between providers, tracks outcomes and response times, reduces duplication and gaps, and ensures families are connected to appropriate services.
Local Autonomy and Statewide Vision
Illinois’ 100,000 referrals milestone signals both progress and possibility.
Since 2019, 25 IRIS communities spanning 48 counties have taken root, each shaped by local needs but aligned with a shared vision: ensuring that all families can access the services they need to thrive.
Over 2,000 organizations have partnered with IRIS communities and over 52,000 families have received at least one referral.
State-level leaders are working to meet communities where they are, focusing on unique needs while empowering local leaders to align with a statewide vision and goals to support all Illinois families.
While adhering to the larger statewide vision, IRIS is:
- Addressing perinatal depression in Tazewell
- Bridging behavioral health and opioid treatment in Kane County
- Expanding youth and mental health services in Southwest Chicago
This balance of local autonomy and statewide coordination positions IRIS to continue growing; transforming how Illinois families access care.