February 23, 2007 - Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral Treatment Program
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"This legislative session, Governor Lingle and I are continuing the fight
against drug and alcohol abuse.
We have proposed a drug treatment program that would allow for direct
intervention when the abuser is most likely to listen - when they are in an
emergency room for a substance abuse problem.
Called "SBIRT," the Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment
program uses the emergency room experience as a "teachable moment" to
provide on-the-spot intervention, education and treatment for the
abuser. SBIRT allows medical personnel to make a difference during
this critical window of opportunity.
SBIRT is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and
is being effectively utilized in other states.
I urge you to contact your legislators to support SBIRT, and to help provide
immediate treatment for Hawai`i residents who are plagued with substance
abuse."