December 21, 2021
Governments Invest in Early Intervention and Referral Program Focused on Mental Health and Addictions Treatment
The Canada and Manitoba governments are providing $650,000 over three years to support the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral initiative, which provides early interventions and referrals to treatment for adults living with mental health and addictions issues, Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett and Manitoba Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.
“I am pleased to support this innovative Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral initiative, which provides early interventions and referrals to treatment for Canadians living with mental health and substance use,” said Bennett. “Early intervention projects like this initiative can help reduce the need for longer-term support for Canadians in crisis. In providing funding to build on the original pilot project, the Government of Canada is continuing its commitment to collaborating with provincial and territorial partners to improve long-term health outcomes for people living with or at risk of addiction and harmful substance use across the country.”
“Timely interventions for people with mental health and addictions issues are one of the best ways to support their health and well-being over the long term,” said Gordon. “This program builds on the trusted relationship between an individual and their health-care provider to make the connection with the right supports and services as soon as possible.”
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral can be used with adults during their regular appointment with a primary care provider. Patients can be screened for mental health and addictions issues and be provided with early interventions or referrals to services as appropriate.
Early interventions may include providing information about a substance they are using, such as the low-risk alcohol or cannabis guidelines. In situations where an individual would benefit from receiving treatment, they would receive a referral for an appropriate service. Studies suggest this approach is effective in identifying individuals who are at moderate to high risk for alcohol and substance use, depression and anxiety.
The program will be managed by Shared Health with training provided to primary care staff and implemented in key sites throughout the province.
“The Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral initiative will give Manitobans an important tool for managing their mental health and possible alcohol issues,” said Dr. Jose Francois, provincial lead of family medicine, Shared Health. “This program will be become one of our best lines of defence against these serious issues and help oversee our patients’ long-term health.”
This initiative builds on a pilot project that previously ran in Manitoba from 2015 to 2016.
The minister noted the use of the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral program is expected to increase the use of early interventions and referrals to treatment, which should help reduce the need for intensive long-term interventions.
The program will provide linkages to Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinics, which are walk-in clinics for adults who would like medical assistance to reduce or stop their substance use. It also aligns with recommendations in the VIRGO report to increase access to prevention and early intervention services in Manitoba.
The ministers added this program has been made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada through the Substance Abuse and Addictions program, noting the views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
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