Expand the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education and Screening Brief Intervention Referral to Treatment (WISE-SBIRT) Model

Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#108)

Disclaimer

Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.

 

Summary

Expand the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE)/Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model to the 10 economic development zones (EDZ) across the state to improve reporting accuracy, increase quality of health information, develop safe spaces for substance use concerns, and provide interventions and referrals. 

 

Justification

Support for older adults experiencing health concerns from substance use and addiction will experience improved health outcomes and quality of life from identification and intervention services and supports. 

 

Full Proposal

Older adults face additional health risks from substance use and addiction. Support healthy aging, cultural and generational diversity, and identification of substance use and addiction by expanding the WISE-SBIRT model to the 10 economic development zones (EDZ) across the state to:

  • Improve reporting accuracy about substance use in SBIRT.
  • Increase quality health and wellness information.
  • Create safe spaces for concerns about substance use.
  • Provide brief, individualized interventions and referrals.

This proposal is focused on secondary prevention. 

 

 

MPA Council Commentary

This proposal is categorized as near-term. This proposal is currently being implemented at the OASAS and in partnership with NYSOFA. Expansion of the nationally recognized model is in development for an additional “train the trainer” iteration and expansion to additional populations for 2025.