SAMHSA announces $433,225 for brief interventions to deal with college students at risk of substance abuse
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced the award of $433,225 over three years to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University Health Services to combat underage drinking and drug abuse by promoting innovative screening, brief interventions and referral to treatment of college and university students with a high risk of substance use disorders. SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie presented a "big check" to the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu today.
"I would like to congratulate Nancy Stockert of the University of Hawaii, for the outstanding work that she and her team did in obtaining this grant. This is a shift in policy relating to underage drinking. I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Charles Curie, for his dedication and determination of addressing the issues surrounding illicit substance abuse and underage drinking. His visit acknowledges the relationship we have formed at the national level," said Lieutenant Governor Aiona.
The Hawaii grant is one of 12 Targeted Capacity Expansion Campus Screening and Brief Intervention grants designed to expand existing campus-based medical services by integrating into student health programs both screening for substance abuse and brief interventions to motivate students to take actions needed to end alcohol or drug abuse.
Substance abuse is a well-documented problem on college and university campuses. The new grants will assist colleges and universities with their efforts to reduce the health and social consequences of substance abuse. The colleges and universities are expected to screen and refer students in need to appropriate treatment, utilizing either university or community-based providers.
"A person‘s life is shaped in late adolescence and early adulthood. Drug and alcohol abuse can seriously derail an individual‘s emotional and social growth," SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie said. "College and university health service centers provide an ideal setting to identify and intervene early with students who are abusing drugs or alcohol. Brief and early intervention can help keep students on track towards healthy and productive lives."
This project will use evidence-based practices to provide on-campus health service identification and brief intervention for students with or at high risk of substance use disorders. The medical clinic will identify and refer students to the Alcohol and other Drug Education Program at the university. Follow-up referral to more intensive treatment will be provided as appropriate. Other campus student services will be trained in identification and referral, including groups who currently refer students for violations for residence hall or student conduct code policies.
For more information, visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/050718_Brief_Interventions.htm