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, WSHA, and HCA, and supports the state’s Opioid and Overdose Response Plan.  

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 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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