WBT Flipbooks

5 TFAH • WBT • PaininTheNation.org Studies show that even a single instance of SBIRT or another brief discussion about a patient's behavioral health can help lower healthcare costs, lessen rates of drug and alcohol misuse and reduce the risk of trauma. 26,27,28,29,30 For example, suicide screening is a central aspect of the successful Zero Suicide initiative discussed below (see box on page 6). Additionally, healthcare systems are coordinating with schools and other community partners to implement screening and provide access to treatment for individuals identified as at risk for substance misuse, suicide or other mental health concerns. Systems also play a role in supporting evidence- based primary prevention efforts in their community—including social- emotional learning programs. People, particularly students, who are socially and emotionally healthy are less likely to engage in substance misuse and have higher academic outcomes. 31 To support these programs, systems can use a mix of funding sources. For instance, nonprofit hospitals can use their community benefit dollars: Nationwide Children's Hospital uses community benefit dollars to place licensed behavioral health clinicians into first and second grade classrooms in Columbus, Ohio schools to help teachers administer the evidence-based PAX Good Behavior Game and Signs of Suicide SOS program with their students. 32 Using another strategy, through a $1.33 member per month investment, Trillium Community Health Plan Coordinated Care Organization supports teacher training and implementation of the PAX Good Behavior Game in Lane County, Oregon schools. 33 AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION'S (AHA) STEM THE TIDE TOOLKIT Health care systems can help to reduce the stigma associated with alcohol, drug and behavioral health conditions, both within healthcare systems and the broader community. This will help foster an environment in which individuals are willing to seek treatment. AHA's Stem the Tide opioid toolkit includes resources to help providers better understand and address stigma in patients with opioid use disorders and describes how many hospitals and health systems implement programs like Mental Health First Aid to combat stigma. 25 Studies show that even a single instance of SBIRT or another brief discussion about a patient's behavioral health can help lower healthcare costs, lessen rates of drug and alcohol misuse and reduce the risk of trauma.

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