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."