Mom and baby:

the original duo

Virginia hospitals are strengthening their support for mom-baby duos through VNPC’s Evidence-Based Dyad Care – SUD project.

What we’re doing

The Evidence Based in the Dyad Care Substance Use Disorder (EBDC-SUD) project is for all of our pregnant and parenting women who are experiencing the impacts of substance use disorder (SUD). Through EBDC-SUD, Virginia hospitals and birth facilities will implement quality improvement projects to encourage compassionate, high-quality care. EBDC-SUD participants will learn best communications-practices and improve outcomes for mom-baby dyads affected by substance use disorder and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

  • Support women impacted by SUD in asking for help and access care

  • Commit to listening to and addressing parents’ concerns openly

  • Educate on and support harm reduction practices

Substance abuse disorder can impact any Virginian. The EBDC-SUD project helps us take the first step in acknowledging the issue and entering the clinical space with a supportive and open mindset.

4.8

per 1,000 birth hospitalizations in 2022 involved neonatal abstinence syndrome.

3x

More likely to experience Severe Maternal Morbidity if screened positive for SUD at time of birth.

Participating Hospitals

There are currently 12 participating hospitals in EBDC-SUD. The following hospitals were part of the initial EBDC-SUD pilot run in 2024:

  • Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
  • Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
  • Winchester Medical Center
  • UVA Health Medical Center
  • Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Substance Use Environmental Scan

The VNPC completed a statewide substance use environmental scan to identify areas of needed improvement in the space of substance exposure and substance use in mothers and infants. 

What Hospitals are Implementing

  1. Implementing the Eat Sleep Console care model
  2. Clinician education on substance use disorder, trauma-informed care, and working with community-based service providers
  3. Establishing processes for referral to outpatient treatment and support
  4. Care coordination and resource navigation

Not one and the same.

It’s a common misconception that substance use is the same as substance use disorder. Learn more about substance use disorder by clicking the button below.

Substance Use

Substance use is the act of using a substance, which might be alcohol or drugs.

Substance use disorder

Substance use disorders occur when someone is using alcohol and/or drugs enough that it causes “clinically significant impairment.” This might look like new or worsening health problems, or losing the ability to carry out responsibilities like going to work or picking up the kids from daycare.

Miracle’s Story

A story of resilience in motherhood, childbirth and recovery.

Shared with Miracle’s permission as part of the VNPC’s Turn the Page Project, a series of digital storytelling workshops for pregnant and parenting women to provide a supportive space where each respective group can gather to reflect, share their stories, and learn from each other.