Overview
Project ASSERT (Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services, Education, and Referral to Treatment) helps patients in the Day Kimball Hospital Emergency Department access support, education, treatment, harm reduction resources, treatment services, and referrals related to alcohol and substance use.
Implemented by the Yale New Haven Hospital Emergency Department since 1999, Project ASSERT is an evidence based program that helps connect patients with specialized care and community resources through trained Health Promotion Advocates.
Since its launch, Project ASSERT has connected more than 52,000 patients to treatment and support services. Day Kimball Hospital is proud to bring this model of care to Northeastern Connecticut.
NEED HELP TODAY? Ask to speak with a Health Promotion Advocate in the Emergency Department.
Meet our Project ASSERT Team
We Screen. We Educate. We Connect.
A Health Promotion Advocate (HPA) is a specialized counselor who:
- Screens patients for substance misuse
- Listen, support and help patients navigate their options without judgment
- Helps patients identify treatment options
- Connects patients to treatment programs, primary care, and community resources
- Helps bridge the gap between emergency care and long-term recovery
Our Project ASSERT team includes:
Crystal Lanning
Grant Supervisor
Emily Laprade
Health Promotion Advocate
Courtney Peltier
Health Promotion Advocate
Access to Care
Common Resources
HPAs help link you to local treatment programs, counseling, recovery support, and other community resources, including:
• 2-1-1
• Food Share
• Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
Understanding Alcohol Use
Know Your Limits
What is a standard drink?
1 shot of liqour 1 regular beer 1 glass of wine
(1.5 oz.) (12 oz.) (5 oz.)
Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines
- Men: Up to 14 drinks per week and up to 4 per occasion
- Women: Up to 7 drinks per week and up to 3 per occasion
- Age 65+: Up to 7 drinks per week and up to 3 per occasion
Drug Use & Harm Reduction
Make Safer Choices
- Risks increase when using illegal drugs, misusing prescription medications, or mixing substances.
To Prevent Overdose:
- Never use alone
- Carry Naloxone
- Use Fentanyl Strips
- Start with small amounts
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition. MOUD uses FDA
approved medications as treatment.
- Suboxone is a prescription medication that commonly used to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of relapse.
- Methadone is a long-acting medication used to treat Opioid
Use Disorder and sever, chronic pain. It targets the same brain receptors as drugs like heroine or oxycodone, but alleviates cravings and withdrawal symptoms.