PCSS-MAUD
9 minutes
Warm Handoff Referrals to Substance Use Treatment
A warm handoff is a referral where you connect the person directly to the next helper. A cold referral is handing over a phone number or a flyer and hoping they call. Many people never make that call. They may feel shame, lose the paper, wait on hold, or change their mind. A warm handoff closes that gap. You might call the program together from your office. You might introduce the person to a peer worker in the same building. You might set the appointment before they leave and help plan the ride. First, ask the person if they want the referral. Get their consent before you share any of their information. Tell them what will happen next and who they will meet. Write down what you set up. Then follow up. At your next contact, ask whether they went and how it felt. If it did not work, try another option. A warm handoff turns a moment when the person is willing into a real first visit. After this Concept you can make a referral that links a person to a real helper at a real time, and follow up afterward.