SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined legislators and leaders from the Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative at the Capitol on Wednesday to call for a $2.1 million investment to sustain a proven, community-based reentry health model that reduces recidivism and improves access to care for people returning from incarceration.

“We can deliver measurable reductions in recidivism through this program, supporting our neighbors’ health and well-being during their reentry,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works and it saves Illinois residents money. Recidivism costs taxpayers $151,000 per return to prison, so preventing just 14 returns would offset this investment. Supporting these investments translates to savings to the state of Illinois.”

Safer Pathways, a nonprofit affiliated with Safer Foundation, will serve as the backbone entity to sustain the SRNC, which is currently funded by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and family services through the end of 2026. Collins is leading Senate Bills 2847 and 3317 to continue this vital funding.

The SRNC will integrate health care, behavioral health, housing, employment services and benefits access for people with arrest and conviction records. The collaborative will also focus on the high-risk period leading up to and immediately following release from incarceration, coordinating services to improve stability and reduce recidivism.

“Healing happens in community,” said Safer Foundation Chief Program Officer Sodiqa Williams. “Safer Pathways and the Supportive Reentry Network strengthen the coordination systems that connect health care, housing, employment and justice partners so people are not navigating reentry alone.”

Since 2022, the model has served more than 1,250 participants and reduced returns to prison from 32% to 21%, a one-third reduction compared to similar populations. Faster access to primary care and coordinated behavioral health services have strengthened stability during the highest-risk post-release periods.

“SRNC delivers measurable reductions in recidivism, stronger healthcare access and workforce stability. Sustaining funding protects public safety and fiscal responsibility,” said State Representative Michael Crawford (D-Chicago). “Through House Bills 4345 and 4526, we are reflecting a commitment to and strengthening coordinated reentry across Illinois.”

SRNC provider partners include Cook County Health, Heartland Alliance Health, Healthcare Alternative Systems, HRDI, and Legal Council for Health Justice and Transforming Reentry Services.

“This work builds durable infrastructure that improves public safety and health outcomes,” said Kimberly Wallace, Transforming Reentry Services (TRS) a partner in the SRNC since 2022. “An appropriation for Safer Pathways ensures we can continue coordinated reentry services that are not reimbursed by Medicaid and continue to grow across Illinois.”

Safer Pathways and its provider partners are urging support for a fiscal year 2027 state budget appropriation to sustain care coordination, shared data systems and stabilization supports that are not reimbursable under Medicaid.

Collins will continue to push for sustainable investments in reentry services in the weeks ahead.

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