CHESS Health’s automated SBIRT solution has rolled out nationally in New Mexico

Rochester, New York, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CHESS Health is pleased to announce its partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the New Mexico Healthcare Authority (HCA) to implement ePrevention, a automated SBIRT platform designed to assess alcohol use, provide personalized feedback, and recommend interventions that promote essential support services.

ePrevention empowers users to assess their own alcohol and/or drug use through an evidence-based approach. Surveys can be disseminated to consumers through links to the public on flyers, emails, and social media posts, or they can be positioned on websites as a digital gateway to available resources. In addition, health care providers can use this tool in one-on-one interactions, guiding patients through a process of discovering their substance use habits. Once an assessment is completed, the platform assesses the level of substance use risk and, if problems are identified, provides tailored interventions that include educational resources and referrals to clinical support as appropriate. The tool is available in English and Spanish.

Given the critical problem of alcohol abuse, which is a significant contributor to injuries and deaths in New Mexico, state officials are initially focusing on this vital area. “Through the ePrevention program, we hope to reach more people who are seeking help to reduce their alcohol use and dependence,” said Rebecca Neudecker, Section Manager for the New Mexico Department of Health’s Office of Alcohol Abuse Prevention .

“Improving access to online alcohol abuse screening and intervention is a significant step forward for our state,” noted Tami Spellbring, assistant director for clinical and prevention services at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “This tool will increase our ability to support New Mexicans in need of assistance.”

To ensure effective ePrevention rollout, the state will use elements of a comprehensive set of marketing tools developed by CHESS Health. This toolkit includes email communication, social media engagement and digital communications designed to encourage widespread use of this valuable resource among various stakeholders. They also offer customizable promotional posters and flyers.

Hans Morefield, CEO of CHESS Health, emphasized the importance of prevention in addressing the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis. “Our ePrevention solution improves accessibility and effectiveness in SUD screening and intervention by addressing challenges such as low screening rates and discomfort around substance use discussions. We are proud to partner with NMDOH and HCA to address health inequities in New Mexico by offering this digital SBIRT tool that connects with a diverse population and empowers individuals to take charge of their health.”