May 25, 2016
Peer Assistance Services Inc. and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) are teaming up to provide free training and technical assistance to providers on screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for Colorado Medicaid patients.
SBIRT is an effective preventive health service to identify, reduce and prevent problematic substance use. The Medicaid project goals are to increase the statewide adoption of SBIRT to help prevent substance use disorder, detect risky use and offer support, and refer patients in need to substance use treatment.
Since 2006, Peer Assistance Services has offered SBIRT trainings for healthcare professionals throughout the state. SBIRT is an initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health.
With additional support from HCPF, Peer Assistance Services is able to offer more statewide trainings for health professionals who provide care for patients enrolled in Medicaid.