Certificate recognizes hospitals that support pregnant people and infants affected by substance use 





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Joint News Release

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*For immediate release:* July 10, 2024 (24-081)

*Contact:* DOH Communications <[email protected]>

State agencies announce first recipients of Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certification

"Certificate recognizes hospitals that support pregnant people and infants affected by substance use  "





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*OLYMPIA *-- The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) are pleased to announce the first Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use [ [link removed] ] certification recipients. The University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest [ [link removed] ] of Seattle, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center [ [link removed] ] of Spokane, and Providence Holy Family Hospital [ [link removed] ] of Spokane are the first birthing hospitals to receive this award.  

This certificate recognizes hospitals that have made significant progress in supporting birthing parents and infants affected by substance use disorder by adapting perinatal care best practices. It was created in collaboration between DOH [ [link removed] ], WSHA [ [link removed] ], and HCA [ [link removed] ], and supports the state’s Opioid and Overdose Response Plan.  [ [link removed] ] 

Behavioral health conditions, including substance use, are the leading cause of preventable deaths related to pregnancy in Washington state. Between 2014 and 2020, 83% of all unintentional overdose deaths during pregnancy, delivery, or up to one year after giving birth involved opioids. 

“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.”   

Hospitals seeking this certification must meet eight criteria [ [link removed] ] addressing the maternal behavioral health care and treatment needs of Washington. These include screening all people giving birth for substance use disorders and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as providing resources for treatment and follow-up care when needed. Hospitals must also train staff and update policies and treatment practices to align with national best practice standards for perinatal substance use. 

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