The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) was awarded a five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, to establish the CT Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (CT SBIRT) program.
The purpose of the CT SBIRT Program is to dramatically increase identification and treatment of adults, ages 18 and older, who are at-risk for substance misuse or diagnosed with a substance use disorder. CT SBIRT services are being implemented in 9 partnering community health centers and within the DMHAS-sponsored Military Support Program which provides behavioral health services to Connecticut National Guard and Reserve members. Through the program’s SBIRT Training Academy, training, technical assistance and monitoring are available to additional health centers, hospitals, treatment agencies or other community agencies within the State that are interested in embedding SBIRT services. A key aspect of CT SBIRT is the integration and coordination of screening and treatment components into a system of services. This system links a community’s specialized treatment programs with a network of early intervention and referral activities across different settings.
CT SBIRT Program Partners
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
DMHAS is the State agency through which the grant was funded. The agency provides administrative and support services for the grant and facilitates the expansion of SBIRT services throughout the state by identifying partners and coordinating the means to disseminate information about the program itself, training opportunities and educational sessions.
Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHCACT) and 9 Federally Qualified Health Centers
CHCACT supports clinical and administrative operations of many community health centers across Connecticut. They are involved in health policy advocacy and keep Connecticut’s decision makers, residents and elected officials informed of health center programs and performance. CHCACT supports the CT SBIRT program by serving as a liaison to the participating health centers and health educators. They help recruit health centers interested in providing SBIRT services and keep them informed of program goals and outcomes. Following is a list of participating health centers:
- Community Health Services, Hartford
- Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, New Haven
- Fair Haven Community Health Center, New Haven
- First Choice Health Centers, Inc., East Hartford
- Greater Danbury Community Health Center, Danbury
- Optimus Health Care – Barnum Avenue and Park City, Bridgeport
- Optimus Health Care – Stamford
- Southwest Community Health Center, Bridgeport
- StayWell Health Center, Waterbury
- United Community & Family Services, Norwich