Excessive alcohol use, which affects almost a third of adults, is the nation’s third leading cause of preventable death. It is a major risk factor for many health, social, and economic problems. In addition, the problem has worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic.
NC AHEC will help primary care practices implement evidence-based interventions such as screening for unhealthy alcohol use; brief interventions for adult patients who drink too much; and medication-assisted therapy for patients with an alcohol use disorder. This activity is funded by AHRQ’s Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) initiative.
AHEC practice support coaches are available to work with you to implement an efficient and effective process to screen for unhealthy alcohol use and to help patients who engage in risky drinking or who have alcohol use disorder. We are now enrolling practices across North Carolina in STUN (Stop Unhealthy Alcohol Use Now). At present, practices are signing up to participate but we are interested in ensuring that all 100 counties are represented in this effort.
We understand that changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic are your focus right now. AHEC practice support coaches will continue to help you with your practice support needs.
Practices who enroll in STUN will receive help with screening patients, conducting brief counseling, prescribing medications, and billing for services. As a participating practice, you will be asked to complete surveys and report data for which you will receive stipends. If interested in learning more, please contact Chris Jones at cjones@wakehealth.edu.
Join us on Wednesday, August 12 from 12-12:30 p.m. for an introduction to the STop UNhealthy (STUN) Alcohol Use Now project!
Our practice support coaches are working with primary care providers to implement screening, brief interventions, and treatment or referral for patients who engage in risky drinking or have an alcohol use disorder.
Register for the webinar: https://www.ncahec.net/
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