The Florida BRITE Project Pilot Program (2004-2007)

The Florida BRITE Project began in 2004 as a pilot program funded by the Florida DCF/SAPO to address the needs of Florida’s rapidly growing elder population. Guided by CSAT best practice approaches and treatment improvement protocols, and training from experts from the Florida Mental Health Institute of the University of South Florida and the University of Michigan, BRITE was initiated by substance abuse provider agencies in Broward, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties in 2004. BRITE expanded to Orange County in 2005 and in Hillsborough County in late 2006. Counselors also screened for depression and risk for suicide. Screening and brief interventions were usually offered in the clients’ homes, at senior centers, or other sites appropriate for elders.

From March 2004 through May 1, 2007, a total of 3,497 people were screened by counselors in the first four programs in Broward, Orange, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Most were referred for one of three problems: 68% for depression, 23% for prescription medications, and 8% for alcohol problems. Illicit drug use, over-the-counter medication misuse, or suicide risk amounted to about 1% of referrals each, although the percentage of those screening positive for suicide risk was 14%. Individuals screening positive for substance misuse were typically provided 1 to 5 sessions of Brief Intervention using the Florida BRITE Health Promotion Workbook written by nationally recognized expert and BRITE Project consultant, Dr. Kristen Lawton Barry of the University of Michigan. Participants requiring more intensive services were offered Brief Treatment based on a 16-session curriculum published by SAMHSA and authored by FMHI faculty members Dupree & Schonfeld. About 17% were provided at least one brief intervention service and were followed for up to three months after discharge. For those completing treatment there were statistically significant decreases in scores on the alcohol and depression scales at follow-up.

The results of the Florida BRITE Pilot project were published in the American Journal of Public Health.

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