Accidental overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana since 2018. Secretary of Health, Bruce Greenstein says, in an effort to keep women alive and families intact, the Department of Health has launched a program to bridge the gaps between emergency care, prenatal services, and ongoing substance use treatment.
“Project M.O.M. aims to close those gaps by delivering person-centered care navigation within a statewide system of coordinated care,” Greenstein said.
LDH says substance use disorder is a chronic, treatable medical condition that has dangerous impacts on pregnant women and their infants. Greenstein says data shows a vast majority of overdose deaths are preventable.
“We think about all of those deaths as preventable. It’s a double tragedy. It means that we lose a mother, and we risk the safety, instability and future of her child,” Greenstein explained.
Project M.O.M. (Maternal Overdose Mortality) is designed to normalize SUD screening, address stigma and bias, and implement evidence-based practices to create safer, more effective pathways to care. Greenstein says 11 hospitals around the state are participating.
“Pregnant and postpartum women affected by substance use can access the comprehensive medical, behavioral, social supports needed to achieve a healthy pregnancy and sustained recovery,” Greenstein said
To learn more about the program, go to Project M.O.M. (Maternal Overdose Mortality) | Louisiana Department of Health