Outreach Specialist Allison Gorrilla presented UW-CTRI research last month at a statewide summit for free and charitable clinics.
Gorrilla presented in one of five breakout sessions that the Wisconsin Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (WAFCC) Summit held. The conference brings in clinicians from free and charitable clinics that serve uninsured or underinsured patients from across the state.
With “#TheNeedContinues” serving as the summit’s 2017 theme, Gorrilla focused her presentation on the need to address tobacco-related health disparities in low-income populations, certain racial/ethnic groups and those with a mental health or substance abuse disorder.
Gorrilla touched on topics such as Dr. Bruce Christiansen’s work on motivating low-income populations to quit smoking, as well as the latest research on e-cigarettes and the Clinical Practice Guideline.
“I also emphasized how free and charitable clinics can not only be a vital bridge to accessing evidence-based treatments, but can more importantly provide information on how medications work,” Gorrilla said. “They’re safe and can increase success.”
Both Gorrilla and fellow UW-CTRI Outreach Specialist Amy Skora serve on the WAFCC Advisory Panel to review and provide feedback on the “Standards of Excellence” as they relate to tobacco dependence treatment. The Standards of Excellence provide measurable guidance specific to the FCC environment, practices and health services.