Implementing the Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, and Treatment (SBIRT) Model for Substance Use and Abuse in Community Health Centers Serving Diverse Communities

This project supports community health centers (CHCs) in adopting the SBIRT model, with support around implementation, funding mechanisms, and reporting requirements.

Purpose:

• Implement SBIRT within diverse community health centers to screen for and identify individuals with or at-risk for substance use-related problems
• Provide effective strategies for intervention prior to the need for more extensive or specialized treatment
• Connect CHCs in diverse communities with the SBIRT model in order to better address health disparities with a focus on prevention

Population Addressed: Those served by community health centers in diverse communities.

Rationale and Relevance:

• Regardless of current level of alcohol or drug consumption, diverse community members can benefit from education on safe alcohol consumption and knowing how their own usage compares to accepted limits
• Many change their behavior when educated about health risks of substance use
• Brief interventions made possible by the SBIRT model can reorient people away from behavior that, unchecked, can lead to addiction
• Preliminary SBIRT data show 74% of high-risk individuals reported lowering their drug or alcohol consumption after one or more brief treatment sessions, and 48% reported stopping use.

To learn about SBIRT click here.

Click here to download the one pager for this learning cluster.

Click here to enter the SBIRT Sharepoint site.  Note: You must be a member of the SBIRT Learning Cluster and have a username and passcode.

Back to Learning Clusters page