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Program to address newborn addiction
David Jude, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, talks about a $50,000 grant awarded by Carelink Health Plans, Inc. to University Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Marshall University to assist with startup costs for new Maternal Addiction and Recovery Clinic on Wednesday Jan. 11, 2012.
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON — A $50,000 grant awarded Wednesday, Jan. 11, will help fight the most common high-risk problem found among pregnant women — opiate addiction.
The money was presented to officials of University Physicians and Surgeons Inc. and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine by Carelink Health Plans Inc. The money will assist in start-up costs for a new maternal addiction and recovery clinic.
“Maternal opiate addiction is the most common high-risk problem that we encounter in our obstetrical patients,” said Dr. David Jude, professor and chairman of Marshall’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We see more pregnant patients with opiate addiction than those with hypertension or diabetes.”
Jude cited a recent survey in the West Virginia Medical Journal showing that one in five pregnant women in West Virginia show evidence of drug or alcohol use during pregnancy. Opiate addiction in pregnant women has been linked with birth defects ranging from spina bifida to cleft lip and palate and congenital heart defects.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in a patient population addicted to opiates,” Jude said. “If we can reverse that, we’ll see better outcomes, fewer instances of pre-term birth and fewer babies born addicted.”
The maternal addiction and recovery clinic will be located in the Marshall University Medical Center on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital. It will provide a new treatment option for expectant mothers with abuse issues, including counseling sessions throughout their pregnancy. Perinatologists Drs. David Chaffin and Ryan Stone will be the primary providers of prenatal care for expectant mothers who will use the clinic.
Jude said pregnant women with opiate addiction will receive comprehensive care for both their pregnancy and their addiction. Additionally, resident and student physicians will receive education in the evaluation and management of women with dependencies.
Funds will be used for start-up costs, including additional nursing and support staff and a full-time addiction counselor.
“Substance abuse in pregnant women is a leading preventable cause of mental, physical and psychological problems in infants and children and it is a tragedy for the entire family,” said John Muraca, president of Coventry Health Care and Carelink Health Plans Inc. “The Maternal Addiction and Recovery Clinic at the Marshall University Medical Center will make a significant impact on this growing national problem within the Huntington community.”
