Boone County, IL
Boone County Government
ILlinois
Rural | Population: 53,470Boone County, Illinois, is a rural community in the northern part of the state with an estimated population of approximately 53,470 as of 2025. Boone County, Illinois, like much of the state, has been severely impacted by the opioid epidemic, with overdose deaths and nonfatal overdoses rising sharply, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Boone County experienced a 43% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020, outpacing the statewide increase.
Boone County, Illinois, is taking bold steps to address substance use and mental health challenges through its Community Outreach, Advocacy, & Recovery (COAR) program. This program, initiated in 2022 under a Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, Substance Use Program, demonstrates a commitment to public safety and individual well-being.
Transforming Lives Through Early Intervention
“These funds have allowed us to expand access to community behavioral health resources. We have also enhanced our forward-facing data dashboard so that key staff and the public can visibly celebrate program successes.”
—amanda mehl, public health administrator
The COAR program distinguishes itself by diverting individuals to behavioral health services and intervening before they encounter the criminal justice system. This forward-thinking strategy reflects a commitment to addressing the root causes of these challenges rather than simply reacting to their consequences.
The COAR program’s emphasis on early intervention reflects a growing focus on prevention and community engagement. Boone County is reshaping how behavioral health care is delivered by creating pathways for individuals to access services before crises escalate.
Key Components of the COAR Program
Emergency and Law Enforcement Response
The COAR program recognizes the vital role of law enforcement in identifying individuals who need behavioral health services. By partnering with local police and fire departments, the program streamlines referrals and ensures a rapid response within 48 hours. A dedicated Community Law Enforcement Officer bridges the gap between first responders and the COAR team, ensuring consistent communication and program awareness.
Jail-Based Services and Reentry Planning
For those already involved in the justice system, COAR provides targeted support, including substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and mental health counseling. Before release, a Navigator works with participants to develop personalized reentry plans, connecting them with peer support networks and outpatient treatment providers.
Community-Based Early Intervention Services
COAR expands community-based resources for treatment access and overdose prevention. The Bridge Clinic enables participants to start or continue medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Naloxone cabinets are strategically placed across Boone County to reduce overdose fatalities, showing commitment to overdose prevention and saving lives.
Cross-Agency Collaboration
COAR coordinates efforts across multiple sectors, including law enforcement, housing providers, and behavioral health organizations. This collaborative approach ensures individuals receive comprehensive and tailored care. Real-time data collection and a public-facing dashboard enhance program effectiveness and transparency, fostering public support for the initiative.
Since its inception, COAR has…
facilitated
1,100+
successful linkages to behavioral health services
strategically placed
4
narcan cabinets throughout the COUNTY with a 5th on the way
responded to
100%
of referrals within
48
hours
Conclusion
Boone County’s COAR program exemplifies how coordinated efforts across law enforcement, health care providers, and community organizations can transform behavioral health care delivery. Boone County is improving public safety and individual well-being by prioritizing early intervention, fostering collaboration, and leveraging data-driven strategies. The COAR program exemplifies how a common-sense approach can transform lives and create a healthier, safer community for all.
Collaborative Partners
17th Circuit Courts
Belvidere Fire Department
Belvidere Park District
Boone County Board of Health
Boone County Health Department
Boone County Housing Authority
Boone County Jail
Boone County Probation
Boone County Public Defender’s Office
Boone County Sheriff’s Department
Boone County State Attorney's Office
City of Belvidere Police Department
Crusader Community Health
Mile Square/LP Johnson
Northern Illinois NAMI
Remedies Renewing Lives
Rosecrance Behavioral Health
Project Director
Adam Hartzell, Program Manager
Boone County Health Department
ahartzell@boonehealth.org
815-708-4123
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.