The MAssachusetts Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (MASBIRT) Program
For information about SBIRT Training and Technical Assistance, click here or visit www.MASBIRT.org.
The MAssachusetts Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (MASBIRT) Program was a clinical service that utilized specially trained Health Promotion Advocates to universally screen and help patients with risky or unhealthy drug and alcohol use through brief intervention counseling and facilitated referrals to specialty addiction treatment.
MASBIRT was funded through a cooperative agreement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. Boston Medical Center was contracted to implement the program from 2007-2012. MASBIRT provided screening services at Boston Medical Center, Quincy Medical Center, Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Dorchester House Multi-service Center, Codman Square Community Health Center, South Boston Community Health Center, Whittier Street Community Health Center and East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.
MASBIRT Clinical Program goals:
- Provide universal screening for unhealthy alcohol and drug (including tobacco) use in general health care settings.
- Offer on-site addiction counseling and facilitate addiction treatment referrals.
- Communicate results of addiction screening and recommended treatment options to the patient and health care team.
Funding source
This project is funded with a grant to the State of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). BMC was the primary contract with BSAS for implementation of MASBIRT.
The MASBIRT Program in the news
Read MASBIRT’s feature story “Questions & Answers” in the November 15, 2010 issue of the Boston Globe.
Substance-related Resources
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
MA Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)
BNI-ART Institute
Contact
Alissa Cruz, MPH; Program Manager
617-414-3749
MASBIRT@bmc.org