Washington State Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Program

This report describes the accomplishments of the Washington State Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (WASBIRT) Program, funded by federal grant. The WASBIRT Program was conducted in nine hospitals within six counties in the state. Over 104,000 screenings were completed in the hospital emergency departments. Detailed results of the WASBIRT evaluation project are provided. Findings include reductions in substance use, reductions in medical costs, improvements in social and mental health outcomes, and reduced risk of death. Activities to sustain SBIRT services in Washington state in the future are also described.