SANTA FE – State releases ePrevention, a new online screening and intervention tool to combat alcohol misuse in New Mexico.
ePrevention leverages the power of E-SBIRT (Electronic Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment), an evidence-based, public health approach that empowers individuals to assess their alcohol consumption, receive personalized feedback and access necessary support services.
“Alcohol misuse is a major contributor to injuries and deaths in New Mexico,” says Rebecca Neudecker, the Section Manager for the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention at the New Mexico Department of Health. “The hope with ePrevention is that we can connect with more people who want to seek assistance with lowering their alcohol use and even dependence” added Neudecker.
The survey asks questions to help the user identify and determine their current risk level of alcohol misuse. From there, the individuals are presented with interventions, which can include recommended resources and education and, where appropriate, referrals to providers experienced with alcohol misuse. For providers, ePrevention offers an additional tool to identify at-risk individuals, guide them through assessments and connect them to appropriate treatment.
“Improving access to online screening and intervention for alcohol misuse is a much-needed step forward,” said Tami Spellbring, Deputy Director for Clinical and Prevention Services at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. This screening tool will assist medical providers, social workers and mental health professionals in helping New Mexicans get the support they need.”
Individuals interested in assessing their risk can use the following links to access ePrevention: English Assessment or Evaluación en Español.
To ensure this investment is well-utilized, the roll-out and promotion of ePrevention includes a comprehensive marketing campaign encompassing email, social media, and digital engagements. This strategy aims to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, encouraging them to adopt the tool and support its widespread use.
The new tool is the product of a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) and CHESS Health.
For more information, providers who are interested in learning how to use this tool as part of their practice are invited to click here.
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