The BIG Initiative
The BIG Initiative hosted by NORC at the University of Chicago is a national workforce development initiative that engages many of the leading EAP vendors, businesses, EAP professionals, and benefits consultants who are working together to advance the use of SBIRT across the EAP industry. Through government and EAP industry financial support, and support from our partners, the campaign created and delivered a training program to more than 10,000 health and behavioral health professionals that was developed and promoted as a common curriculum of seven national professional associations representing behavioral health clinicians. This effort led to adoption of best practice recommendations and credentialing requirements EAPA for employee assistance professionals.
Through this project, The BIG Hospital SBIRT:
- Offers training, technical assistance, and a variety of services in the area of SBIRT;
- Uses the technology transfer model to move research findings into practice;
- Disseminates best practices and new research to stakeholders interested in SBIRT; and
- Is part of a national network of experts in the area of substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Connect with Us
What is SBIRT?
SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with risky and dependent alcohol use, treatment and ongoing recovery supports.
Screening quickly assesses for the presence of risky substance use, follows positive screens with further assessment of problem use, and identifies the appropriate level of treatment.
Brief intervention focuses on increasing insight and awareness regarding substance use and motivation toward behavioral change.
Referral to treatment provides those identified as needing more extensive treatment with access to medications, primary care counseling or specialty care as needed by the patient.