Some
of the foremost experts from around the country will join us on Sept. 28 to
discuss innovative, supportive care approaches designed to improve outcomes for
families and avoid staff burnout for those charged with caring for this
vulnerable population. Faculty from Southern Ohio Medical Center, at the
epicenter of the opioid epidemic, will share their presentation, "Dying to
Feel Better, Some Nursing and Psychiatric Perspectives About Caring for People
with Substance Use Disorders and Their Babies." Dr. Matthew Grossman of
Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital will share results of his work using the
"Eat, Sleep, Console" model to treat newborns suffering from opioid
withdrawal. Using this alternative approach has helped significantly reduce the
length of hospitalization for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
in his study. Past Chair of WV Perinatal Partnership, Dr. Stefan Maxwell will
share his experiences in developing procedures and protocols to address the
perinatal substance crisis in West Virginia, a state that was known for having
some of the worst health outcomes in the country related to low birth weight, infant
mortality and teen pregnancy. West Virginia’s collaborative approach continues
to yield positive results in the health of mothers and babies while impacting
their environments, family situations and futures, and their work has served as
a model as Indiana developed its pilot process. The cost to attend this event
is $50 per person. Learn
more about the event.