Sandelich Lab
Advancing emergency care for adolescents and young adults through evidence-based screening, harm reduction, and linkage-to-care pathways.
The Problem
Adolescent substance use and behavioral health crises are increasing across the United States. Yet many youth who interact with the healthcare system are never screened for substance use or connected with appropriate treatment and support services. As a result, critical opportunities to intervene early and prevent long-term harm are often missed.
The Opportunity
Emergency departments care for millions of adolescents every year and represent an important point of contact within the healthcare system. These visits create a unique opportunity to identify substance use early, initiate brief interventions, and connect youth and families with evidence-based treatment and community resources.
Our Goal
The Sandelich Lab develops and evaluates strategies to improve how healthcare systems identify and respond to adolescent substance use. Through research, implementation science, and community partnerships, our work aims to ensure that youth are identified earlier, supported effectively, and connected to the care they need.
Substance Use Screening
Early identification of adolescent substance use in emergency care settings.
Implementation Science
Designing workflows that bridge clinical detection to ongoing treatment.
Community Outreach
Education and harm-reduction support for schools and youth organizations.
