Adolescent SBIRT

Deaths by overdose and suicide continue to increase despite state and national efforts.  Individuals with substance use disorders are at increased risk for suicide.  Efforts to jointly address substance use and suicide are warranted.  This webinar describes suicide risk among those who misuse substances and details multiple strategies for joint prevention, intervention, and treatment in the community and in various service settings.

As a result of participating in this webinar, you will:

• Describe how substance use and suicide are related;
• List ways in which communities can implement prevention strategies targeting substance misuse and suicide;
• Explain a method of jointly addressing substance misuse and suicide risk in general health care settings; and
• Describe how substance use disorder treatment providers may identify and intervene with patients at increased risk of suicide.

Dr. Harris is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Albany School of Public Health where she is designing a course in suicide prevention and collaborating on alcohol and drug prevention and early intervention projects. Prior to joining OMH and the University at Albany, Dr. Harris developed, implemented, and evaluated alcohol and drug Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) projects with the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). Dr. Harris serves on the Board of Directors of the New York State Public Health Association and was selected for the de Beaumont Foundation’s inaugural cohort of 40 under 40 Public Health Leaders. Dr. Harris received her Doctor and Master of Public Health from the University at Albany and her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.