Massachusetts Department of Public Health launch program for pregnant women with substance use disorder

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has launched the Journey Project, an interactive web-based resource for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. The site, featuring informational slideshows, video testimonials and links to resources, is designed to increase access to treatment and provide support, guidance, and encouragement to women in recovery.

“The Journey Project adds another tool to our toolkit to help fight the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts and provides vital resources for women with substance use disorders to care for themselves and their babies,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “This project emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer support which is essential to seeking and maintaining treatment and recovery both before and after delivery.”

Featuring an interactive and easy-to-navigate platform, the Journey Project aims to engage women throughout every step of their treatment and recovery; and connects them to local services that can assist with all aspects of pregnancy, delivery, early parenting and managing their substance use disorder.

Services include:

connections to recovery coaches and peer support groups for families and loved ones of individuals with substance use disorders
linkage to two free hotlines for women struggling with post-partum depression and other behavioral health needs
guides to free breastfeeding support groups in Massachusetts
resources for women experiencing domestic violence
informational checklists on the birthing process and booklets on safe sleeping

“Through video testimonials, pregnant and parenting women share their stories to spread the message of hope and recovery to those who have yet to discover help,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H, “Showing these women with substance use disorder that there is hope and that there is help is the primary purpose of the Journey Project.’’

The Journey Project is sponsored by the Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services with support from the Institute for Health and Recovery and the Center for Social Innovation. The site was developed with the help of women with lived experience, pediatricians, OB-GYNs, advocates and experts in the fields of pregnancy and substance misuse, as well as the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Public Health.

The Journey Project is being promoted through DPH’s public health partnerships, including hospitals, community health centers, women’s treatment programs, opioid treatment and recovery support services, and via email and social media to reach its targeted audience.

For more information on the Commonwealth’s response to the opioid epidemic as well as links to the latest data, visit www.mass.gov/opioidresponse. To get help for a substance use disorder, visit www.helplinema.org, or call the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050.