A new pilot program hopes to expand mental health support for hundreds of pregnant women with substance use disorder in West Virginia.
Mental health challenges are a major issue facing women served by the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership’s Drug Free Moms and Babies Program, according to Janine Breyel, the organization’s deputy director.
West Virginia faces critical shortages of both maternity care and mental health care. The state leads the nation in the rate of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome.
WVPP announced on Wednesday that it received a $110,000 grant to examine the use of the Moodr Digital Healthcare Solution, a product from a Morgantown-based tech startup designed to assist health care providers in proactively addressing, treating and evaluating mental health challenges.
“We are optimistic that this tool will help expand the reach and effectiveness of our program resulting in improved health outcomes for mothers and babies affected by substance use,†Breyel said.
The platform will allow for better follow-up and monitoring of patients, she added.
“We also anticipate that problems will be identified sooner and can be addressed before they become more serious,†Breyel said.
By the numbers
One in five mothers struggle with mental health during or after pregnancy, according to the World Health Organization. The rate can be higher in rural areas.
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Fifty-four of the state’s 55 counties have health professional shortages for mental health, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration.
“Lack of access to both behavioral health and maternity care is significant in our state,†Breyel said. “Nearly half of all counties in West Virginia are considered maternity care deserts, and over two-thirds of the counties lack a birthing facility … In some areas of the state, women must travel over 90 minutes for care.â€
The project will include a pilot study comparing up to 300 patients and their outcomes for Drug Free Moms and Babies Programs using Moodr Health by September 30, 2025.
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation provided the grant.
“Research shows that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions encountered by women of reproductive age. When left untreated, these conditions can have adverse effects on women and their children,†said Kim Tieman, vice president and program director of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. “The Benedum Foundation is excited about this partnership and the opportunity to serve women and families in time of need.â€
The grant also requires WVPP to collaborate with payors to explore the feasibility of covering the costs of the subscription service for participants through insurance and Medicaid.
WVPP’s Drug Free Moms and Babies Program services are located in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and comprehensive behavioral health centers.
More than 4,000 total women have been helped by the program since it began in 2012.
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