Preventative care in free clinic settings aims to mitigate health risks for vulnerable populations. Heavy alcohol intake is a major threat to physical and mental health. Wellness care for free clinic patients must include regular screening for alcohol use in accordance with national guidelines. The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate an evidence- based practice change to improve alcohol screening and intervention in a free clinic setting. The NIH/NIAAA screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBiRT) process was implemented. A convenience sample of de-identified patient charts was reviewed to assess alcohol screening before (n = 38 charts) and after (n = 30) a staff education intervention; data collected (n = 68) did not include demographic or patient identifiers to protect privacy. Comparison of HEDIS scores before and after intervention showed improved alcohol screening and intervention/referral for treatment rates
