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A new pilot program in West Virginia seeks to expand mental health care for pregnant women struggling with substance use disorder, a growing concern in the state. The initiative, led by the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership's Drug Free Moms and Babies Program, comes at a critical time when the state is grappling with severe shortages in both maternity and mental health services. This program, supported by a $110,000 grant, focuses on improving mental health outcomes for mothers and their babies, with a particular emphasis on addressing substance use issues.
The Drug Free Moms and Babies Program has long been a lifeline for women battling substance use during pregnancy, but according to Janine Breyel, the program's deputy director, mental health challenges have emerged as a significant barrier to success. The West Virginia Watch reported that nearly one in five mothers experience mental health struggles during or after pregnancy, and the numbers are even higher in rural areas like West Virginia. Many of these women are also navigating substance use issues, further complicating their care and the well-being of their babies.
West Virginia faces an especially dire situation in terms of health care access. The state is the leader in the nation for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition caused by drug exposure in the womb. Adding to the challenge, 54 of the state's 55 counties are experiencing critical shortages of mental health professionals, and nearly half of West Virginia’s counties are considered maternity care deserts. Many women in these rural areas must travel long distances, sometimes over 90 minutes, to access the care they need.
To address these concerns, the new pilot program will use Moodr, a digital healthcare solution developed by a Morgantown-based tech startup. The platform is designed to assist health care providers in proactively addressing mental health challenges, allowing for more efficient treatment and follow-up. Moodr will help ensure that mental health concerns are identified earlier and addressed before they escalate into more serious issues.
The project, which will involve up to 300 women, will monitor the outcomes of those receiving services from the Drug Free Moms and Babies Program with the added benefit of the Moodr platform. The study will be completed by September 2025, with hopes that it will significantly improve both maternal and infant health outcomes. The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, which provided the grant funding, is optimistic about the impact this partnership could have on the lives of women and children in need.
Mental health issues like perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions for women of reproductive age. When untreated, they can lead to negative outcomes for both mother and child. Addressing these challenges early in the pregnancy or postpartum period can help prevent long-term consequences. Kim Tieman, vice president and program director of the Benedum Foundation, expressed excitement about the potential for this project to improve the lives of women and families in West Virginia.
In addition to providing direct care, the grant will also explore ways to make the program's services more accessible by working with insurers and Medicaid to cover the costs of the Moodr subscription for eligible participants. By ensuring that more women can access these critical services, the pilot program hopes to make a lasting impact on maternal and child health across the state.
Since its inception in 2012, the Drug Free Moms and Babies Program has provided support to over 4,000 women. With this new initiative, the program aims to reach even more women, particularly those in rural areas, offering them the mental health care and substance use treatment they need to ensure healthier pregnancies and brighter futures for both themselves and their babies.
If you or your loved one are experiencing mental health issues, or struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. Our staff are experts in addiction, and have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions and live happy and meaningful lives. Contact us today to begin the journey towards the sober future you deserve.