Goal
Portage County individuals and families will have an increased awareness of the impact from the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, as well as available community resources to address their impact.
Outcomes
By 2010
-
All primary care providers in Portage County will universally screen for and counsel on alcohol, other drugs, tobacco use, and mental health concerns among teens and adults.
By 2008
-
A standardized screening tool(s) for alcohol, other drugs, tobacco use and mental health concerns will be adopted by providers in Portage County including but not limited to: primary care, emergency, obstetric/gynecologic, pediatric, and mental health practitioners; school counselors and social workers.
-
Portage County health care providers will be knowledgeable of available alcohol, other drugs and tobacco cessation and mental health services, eligibility requirements and referral mechanisms.
-
Portage County retailers will continue the practice of limiting over the counter medication sales to youth.
Strategies
-
Research validated screening tools for alcohol, other drugs, tobacco use and mental health concerns for teens and adults (e.g., Medicaid Health Check standards). Gather input from mental and primary care providers as to strengths and weaknesses of the various screening tools. Select screening tool(s). (Cross walk with Mental Health goal number two.)
-
Work with health insurance plans and carriers to encourage and promote universal screening among primary care physicians.
-
Inventory alcohol, other drug and tobacco cessation and mental health services available for Portage County residents according to eligibility requirements and referral mechanisms. Identify current gaps in services. (Cross walk with Mental Health goal number two.)
-
Outreach to primary care providers encouraging adoption of universal screening among teens and adults.
-
Inventory existing high school curricula in the area of alcohol, other drugs, tobacco use, mental health and nutrition.
-
Research national and state model high school curricula in the area of alcohol, other drugs, tobacco use, mental health and nutrition.
-
Outreach to high school administrators, curriculum committees, counselors and teachers to promote adoption of recommended curricula.
-
Support retail efforts to reduce the sales of over the counter medications to youth.
Who to Reach
Primary care providers including but not limited primary care, emergency, obstetric/gynecologic, pediatric, and mental health practitioners, school administrators, counselors, teachers and curriculum committees.