GBMC is helping to address not just the opioid crisis in Maryland, but also drug and alcohol addictions that can uproot lives and cost millions in medical care. The hospital uses the Maryland Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program to identify those individuals who may need help.
Through a series of questions in the ER or during a hospital stay, GBMC staff can refer those who screen positive to a peer recovery coach.
Qualified peer recovery coaches are recovering drug or alcohol users who can help a patient identify harmful behaviors and can give them the resources to take the steps to recovery. Coaches follow up with the patients throughout treatment. Patients who have the opportunity to speak with someone who has been through drug or alcohol treatment may feel heard or supported for the first time. These counselors help bring a level of empathy and support in a non-judgmental environment that patients may not have access to outside of the hospital.
The Maryland SBIRT program is helping to change lives all across the state, with patients returning to thank the team of peer coaches, doctors, and nurses that have aided their recovery.
Learn more here.
Day In The Life is presented by GBMC
