Help children, families and communities thrive.
It’s important.
Providers are a primary source of screening, early intervention and treatment for people and families experiencing physical or behavioral health challenges.
Use screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment.
Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a public health approach to delivering early intervention and treatment.
- Screen for alcohol, tobacco or drug use and depression.
- Ask questions to guide conversations about behavior.
- Complete warm hand-offs to behavioral health or substance use counselors.
Resources
- Implement SBIRT in your practice training video.
- Five SBIRT screening tools—available in 7 languages, including editable versions.
Ask about social determinants of health.
The conditions in which people live, learn, work and play are called social determinants of health (SDOH). They affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. Watch Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ TED Talk, How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime, to learn more.
Ask about adverse childhood experiences.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include abuse, neglect, domestic violence and parental mental illness or substance use. Exposure to ACEs affects children’s brain development, hormonal systems and immune systems—even their DNA. This can cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties and physical health issues. Long-term exposure to ACEs can lead to chronic health conditions later in life.
Resources
- How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime—Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ TED Talk.
- ACES Screening Tools
Questions?
Contact Bonnie Corns, Project Manager, at (253) 327-3728 or bcorns@tpchd.org.