The 4th Annual Rhode Island Substance-Exposed Newborns Conference: Building a Community of Support for Pregnant People with Substance Use Conditions and their
Substance-Exposed Newborns

Wednesday, December 1st, 2021
11:00AM - 3:00PM

Registration information can be found here.

The New England ATTC is proud to partner with the Rhode Island Department of Health; Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council; Rhode Island College School of Nursing; Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families; and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals to sponsor the 4th Annual Rhode Island Substance-Exposed Newborns Conference. This year’s theme is Building a Community of Support for Pregnant People with Substance Use Conditions and their Substance-Exposed Newborns.

About the Conference

Providers who serve pregnant people who use substances and their substance-exposed newborns are adversely affected by the current syndemic of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing substance use and mental health crises. Low reimbursement rates, high staff turnover, and pandemic-related stress have placed unprecedented strains on providers who care for this population. In addition, pregnant people who use substances have unique vulnerabilities and needs that require robust, interdisciplinary care coordination, and continuity-of-care to reduce the risk of stress-related substance use, mental health symptoms, and relapse.

Speakers

• Evidence-Based Care for Pregnant People with Substance Use Conditions - Sharon Morello, RN 
   
• Supporting Families with Substance Use Conditions to Achieve their Best Outcomes - Judge Lia Stuhlsatz, Rhode Island Family Court, Safe, and Secure Baby Court, Magistrate Jeanne Shepard, Rhode Island Family Court, Family Treatment Drug Court
   
• Pioneering Preventive Measures: Child Welfare’s Response to Prenatal Substance Conditions in Rhode Island - Stephanie Terry, Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Dorcas Agbozo, Substance Use Liaison, Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Katie Gonzalez, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Parent Support Network, Liz-Anna Darling, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Parent Support Network, Sean Walsh, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Parent Support Network 
   
• The Importance of Care Coordination and Continuity-of-Care for Pregnant People with Substance Use Condition - Lori Dorsey, LICSW, LCDCS, Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals
   
• The Big Picture - Margo Katz, MA, Rhode Island Department of Health

Intended Audience

Substance Use Treatment Providers, Family Support Workers/Family Visitors, Department of Child, Youth, and Families, Pregnant/Postpartum Treatment Providers, Medical Providers, Mental Health Treatment Providers, Students, and Impacted Caregivers. 
 

More information about the event can be found here.