Program Connects Pregnant Women With Substance Use Disorders With Services

The Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse met in Indianapolis Thursday to discuss programs to treat pregnant women with substance use disorders. Community Health Network provided an update on their work so far.

In 2018, 106 pregnant women with substance use disorders were treated through Community Health Network’s CHOICE program. The program was funded by a more than $500,000 grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Dr. Anthony Sanders, an OB-GYN at Community East Hospital, leads the program with nurse practitioner, Brooke Schaefer. He says they’re now close to 200 pregnant women helped through wraparound services like medication-assisted treatment, therapy and social services.

"If you don’t know even the first number to call, then it’s gonna be nearly impossible for you to get the help that you need," Sanders says.

The program is based in Indianapolis, but it's helped women from all across the state, including South Bend and Kokomo.

READ MORE: Moms-To-Be With Addiction Face Obstacles At Every Turn

Community Health Network’s Dr. Indy Lane says helping connect women to local wraparound services are what makes the program successful.

“It’s clear that we need to provide other components, to truly deliver good health care. And I think the CHOICE program exemplifies that,” Lane says.

Sanders says this program is a solution that helps address two of the state’s health concerns: infant and maternal mortality, and treating substance use disorders.