Healthy Moms program growing to help opioid-addicted moms in NEPA

Aug. 10--SCRANTON -- Testimonials from opioid-affected moms and moms-to-be show that a collaborative program providing support for them and their babies is producing positive results.

Dozens of Healthy Moms program participants described how it helped them get their lives back on track and provided needed support -- key goals of the initiative.

The program helps new moms and pregnant women struggling with opioid-use disorder and babies suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome. Also known as infant drug withdrawal, NAS is a technical term for a group of problems that occur in infants exposed to addictive drugs, often opioids, while in the womb.

Embracing a nonjudgemental approach, more than 15 program partners are working to connect participants to essential services with the ultimate goal of improving the health of both mother and child.

What started with just 14 pregnant participants from Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties blossomed over the past seven or so months to include about 61 moms and moms-to-be from five Northeast Pennsylvania counties -- Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Susquehanna and Pike. As of late July, the program had played a part in 27 births, officials said.

Program partners pride themselves on providing a complete circle of care with regular follow-ups and clinical case reviews to make sure no women fall out of the loop. Officials encourage continued participation by women receiving services.

Through the "Mommy Dollars" program, for example, moms can earn points by keeping appointments and attending support group meetings, parenting classes and other forms of treatment that can later be exchanged for gift cards. The initiative is designed to encourage ongoing engagement after babies are born, said Kendra Menth, a case manager at the Wright Center for Community Health, a program partner.

Other officials, like Yurii L. Harden, a licensed clinical social worker with Maternal and Family Health Services, partly attributed the program's growth and success to clients trusting providers.

"They're hearing that we're doing this program ... and that we're a safe place," Harden said, noting participating moms feel comfortable discussing addiction issues without fear of judgment. "If you have areas where you feel you need help with, we're going to be there for you. And it's OK to say, 'I need help with this.'"

County human services Director Bill Browning also touted that trust, noting program providers offer the women a network of support they may lack at home. The program also offers officials, including those in his office, a way to "deal with addiction in a way that is not just a crisis-oriented emergency," Browning said.

A Wright Center project coordinator also is helping manage a state housing grant benefiting both Healthy MOMS clients and others struggling with opioid use disorder. To date, 11 moms have been referred to receive housing assistance through the grant.

As the program grows, another broad goal is to help moms achieve long-term independence, such as by helping them get drivers licenses, pursue higher education and earn their GEDs.

"It's actually looking long term so they are able to take care of themselves and their baby," Menth said.

For information on the Healthy MOMS program, including a list of partners and services, visit www.healthymoms.org. Services are offered to patients no matter their insurance status or ability to pay, according to the website.

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

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