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One in ten adults struggles with alcohol or other drugs, but only 10% of those folks ever come to a place like Ten16. We’re taking action to reach the other 90%, bringing a message of hope and recovery.
OUTREACH
Bringing hope to people across Mid Michigan
Why do so few of the people who struggle with alcohol or other drugs ever visit a place like Ten16?
Most of them don’t believe that their problem is bad enough to need professional help. If you ask their family or friends, you might get a different answer.
Rather than waiting for the missing 90% to show up at our doorstep, Ten16 is taking a message of hope to other places where they may end up.
This gives us an opportunity to talk with people about their current relationship with alcohol and drugs—without shame, judgment or confrontation.
Through outreach, we invite people to explore whether they would like to make a change and, if they do, connect them with places and resources to help.
In action: Project ASSERT
A good example of Ten16’s outreach is the Project ASSERT program.
Project ASSERT was created by Boston Medical Center over 30 years ago. ASSERT is short for Alcohol and Substance Use Services, Education, and Referral to Treatment.
Project ASSERT uses the lived experience of people in long-term recovery to begin a non-judgmental conversation with a patient in the Emergency Department about how alcohol and other drugs are impacting
their health and quality of life.
Through this program, we talk with over 1,300 patients each year. We often talk with their family members, too.
The Project ASSERT process
How Project ASSERT Helps Patients and Families
Many people don’t realize that their substance use might be connected to the health problems that bring them to the Emergency Room. Wellness Advocates help make that connection in a way that feels real and personal. Because they’ve been through similar struggles themselves, they can talk with patients in a way that feels understanding, calm, and free of judgment. This helps patients feel more comfortable and open to change.
Wellness Advocates are trained to spot what each person needs. They can connect patients with things like a regular doctor, substance use treatment, and other services that may help. They also support the families and friends of the person struggling, because healing works best when everyone gets the help they need.
How Project ASSERT Helps Hospitals
Emergency rooms are busy places, and medical staff often have to move quickly from one patient to the next. Wellness Advocates have the time to stay and talk with patients longer. This extra attention can lead to better health results, higher patient satisfaction, and a more positive experience for everyone in the hospital.
Ten16’s outreach locations
Through Project ASSERT, Ten16 has staff in the Emergency Department at several local hospitals across mid-Michigan, including:
- MyMichigan Health: Alma, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Mt Pleasant, Standish
- Corewell Health: Big Rapids, Reed City
They may not work out of our own locations, but these staff members are central to Ten16’s mission of promoting recovery and wellness at all stages.
Interested in having Ten16 staff provide behavioral health services at your hospital? Become a partner.
How can Ten16 help you?
If you’re concerned about a loved one or would like outreach programming for your organization, please fill out this form! We’ll get back to you within one business day.