OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced on Wednesday morning the first recipients of the Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certifications.
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane are two of the three birthing hospitals to receive this award, along with The University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.
According to a press release from the DOH, the certificate recognizes hospitals that have significant support for birthing parents and infants affected by substance use.
Hospitals looking to receive this certification must meet eight criteria laid out by the DOH that actively address maternal behavioral health care and treatment needs.
These include things like screening all people giving birth for substance use and perinatal mood disorders as well as providing resources for treatment and follow-up care. Hospitals must train staff and update policies to align with national best practice standards.
The DOH, WSHA, and HCA used the state’s Opioid and Overdose Response Plan to adopt a standard for perinatal care for those affected by substance use.
Behavioral health conditions like substance use are the leading cause of pregnancy-related preventable deaths in Washington state, according to a press release from the DOH.
“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.”
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