V A S T

Violence, Alcohol, Substance Abuse, Tobacco Use

V.A.S.T. Program

V.A.S.T. is an essential screening questionnaire used in New Mexico’s public health offices that allows the public health workforce to identify VAST problems throughout the state and to conduct further assessments and clinical management in our public health settings. This screening tool focuses on questions pertaining to violence (family violence and domestic violence), alcohol, substance abuse, and tobacco use.

Public health and health provider settings should be safe places to identify the people who are affected by these issues, to assess the extent and depth of the problem, and if needed, to provide further assistance or referrals.

Early detection and intervention can result in reduction of injury, illness, and death related to family violence, alcoholism, substance abuse, and tobacco use and ultimately improve the quality of life for many people in New Mexico.

The VAST Training is #2 of the three trainings required of all clinical staff who have contact with Title X family planning clients in New Mexico within 30 days of hire. The VAST Workbook and training CD were sent to each clinic site for staff use in January of 2006. All clinic staff must have a Certificate of Completion on file at their work site for audits. You can take the training with the CD or you can click on the link below to view or to take the training.

VAST Training Instructions Please print this guide before begining the BVAST training. These instructions will explain how to download and complete the training.

VAST Workbook

VAST Training Power Point File

Print the Certificate of Completion and have your Supervisor sign it.