Grant Aims To Combat Opioid Addiction In Pregnant Women

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources received a three million dollar grant to help the state combat opioid use disorder among pregnant and postpartum women. 

The grant will support a new initiative called the Maternal Opioid Model, which focuses on improving the quantity and quality of care available to new moms and their babies with Medicaid. West Virginia is one of 10 states to be awarded the five-year federal grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

In a press release, the DHHR said the program builds on previous work done through the Drug Free Moms and Babies programs that provide services at 14 maternity sites across the state. 

Experts say pregnancy is a key opportunity for interrupting the cycle of addiction because moms want the best for their babies. Yet many counties don’t have programs for pregnant women or the care is fragmented. 

Marshall Health and the Marshall University Resource Corporation are spearheading the project with support from the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from Marshall Health and Charleston Area Medical Center.