UNE students receive SBIRT training in interprofessional event

On February 24, Assistant Clinical Professor Bethany Fortier, MPH, helped to coordinate an interprofessional training between her Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies (HWOS) students and UNE graduate students. More than 50 students from Fortier’s Substance Misuse & Prevention course were in attendance, in addition to osteopathic medicine, social work, physical therapy, occupational Therapy, physician assistant, and pharmacy students. The interactive session focused on Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for substance use disorders, as well as motivational interviewing techniques. 

SBIRT is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce and prevent problematic use, abuse and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. This session's additional emphasis on motivational interviewing involved one hour of facilitated practical experience using motivational interviewing techniques to practice SBIRT through role playing and interprofessional debriefing discussions.

UNE students receive SBIRT training as part of the “Collaborative SBIRT Training for Maine’s Future Health Profession Leaders" project, supported by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Fortier serves as a qualified SBIRT trainer for the project. 

To learn more about the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit www.une.edu/wchp

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions