National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), a nationwide alcohol screening initiative, is being held in April 2003.  NASD, sponsored by Screening for Mental Health, raises public awareness about the consequences of at-risk drinking and alcohol’s effect on general health, as well as specific medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The program addresses a range of behaviors from risky drinking to alcohol dependence and promotes early intervention.

In addition to in-person screening conducted by community mental health centers, clinics, treatment centers, hospitals and colleges/universities, employers may register and utilize Screening for Mental Health’s confidential, telephone and online screening program that features customized, company-specific EAP referrals.  The program is accessible 24/7 for employees and adult family members. Once registered, employers receive: 

• Customized screening resources (telephone and online tools)
• Special educational and promotional materials to conduct an Alcohol Awareness Campaign
• Participation in a monthly EAP development Teleconference Series in which mental health experts present current research about alcohol treatment and  related topics
• NASD kits for corporate and satellite sites

Even though the official NASD is April 10, 2003, employers can conduct their own Alcohol Screening Day Campaign throughout the month of April 2003. Employers interested in registering can contact the NASD office at 781-239-0071 or visit the Screening for Mental Health Web site at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/alcohol.asp.

NASD is a program of Screening for Mental Health (SMH), and is conducted in collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)  and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.