Centers of Excellence Awarded for Perinatal Substance Use Care

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Washington State's Department of Health, State Hospital Association, and Health Care Authority announced the first Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certification recipients on Wednesday.

The certificate recognizes hospitals for supporting birthing parents and infants affected by drug abuse through perinatal care best practices, the DOH reports.

“Ensuring parents and people who are pregnant receive substance use recovery and supportive services is a top priority for our agency and our communities,” said Lacy Fehrenbach, Chief of Prevention, Safety and Health, DOH. “Our hope in creating the Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certification is to set a baseline of care and available resources for parents and infants affected by this epidemic. This joint effort is guided by proven science and human compassion.”

Behavioral health conditions stemming from drug use are the leading cause of preventable deaths related to pregnancy in Washington, according to the DOH.

From 2014 to 2020, 83% of unintentional overdose deaths during pregnancy, delivery, or up to one year after giving birth involved opioids, the DOH reports further.

Hospitals competing for this certification have to meet eight criteria concerning the maternal behavioral health care and treatment, according to the health department.

They include screening expectant patients for drug disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, in addition to providing resources for treatment and follow-up care when needed.

The University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest of Seattle, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center of Spokane and Providence Holy Family Hospital of Spokane are the first birthing hospitals to win this award.