Lincoln University Takes Lead in Addressing Substance Misuse

(MyChesCo) -- Lincoln University, PA -- On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) visited Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University, to highlight successes within their Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) initiative aimed to address substance misuse among students at higher education institutions.

SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders (SUD), as well as those who are at risk of developing these disorders. Primary care centers, hospital emergency rooms, trauma centers, and other community settings provide opportunities for early intervention with at-risk individuals before more severe consequences occur.

“We know that substance use disorder does not discriminate based on age, race, or socio-economic status and can often go undetected,” said DDAP Deputy Secretary Ellen DiDomenico. “I commend Lincoln University for their focus and diligent work on reaching young adults through early detection screenings, helping to reach a population of individuals who may not otherwise seek treatment or understand the course of their continued at-risk behaviors.”