The 7th Annual Rhode Island

Substance-Exposed Newborns Conference

About:

Join the Rhode Island Department of Health and the New England Addiction Technology

Transfer Center at the Brown University School of Public Health for the Seventh Annual Substance Exposed Newborns Conference. This year’s conference will bring together clinical, research, and community content experts to raise awareness of evidence and emerging best practices and policy information as well as statewide resources to support pregnant and postpartum people and their babies and families affected by prenatal substance exposure.

Rhode Island continues to experience an increase in the occurrence of polysubstance use, and behavioral health conditions. Annually, at least 5% of the approximately 10,000 babies born in Rhode Island experience prenatal substance exposure. Newborns, babies, and children who experience prenatal substance exposure may experience short- and long-term biopsychosocial effects that can be mitigated and prevented by early, intentional, and coordinated interventions and supports such as screening and referral, Family Visiting, medication-assisted treatment, mental health counseling, and certified peer recovery support.

Breakfast and check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. The conference will start at 9:00 a.m.

This hybrid event will be simultaneously livestreamed. Registrants can choose to attend in person or via Zoom webinar. All speakers will be live and in person.

View or download the Agenda

There will be prizes!

Mara G. Coyle, MD

Emerging Issue Update - Cannabis

Katie Gonzalez, BA, CPRS 

A Call to Action

Rebecca Karb, MD, PhD

Medical Street Outreach for Women

Arlo Narva, MSS

A Call to Action

Ashley Perry

How Bias and Discrimination Impacts Pregnant People Who Use Substances

Rachel Wightman, MD, FACMT

Emerging Issue Update - Fentanyl Drug Testing Considerations

Onanian School of Nursing

Presented by: Rhode Island Department of Health, in partnership with New England ATTC:

Resources and Educational Materials to Support Pregnant People Who Use Substances and Substance-Exposed Newborns 

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is working to raise awareness and offer resources to healthcare providers about substance use conditions, particularly as they relate to pregnant and postpartum people and their babies and families. RIDOH wants to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of the impact that various substances can have on their pregnant or postpartum patients and have the resources to support them.

Substance use and pregnancy 

Annually in Rhode Island, at least 5% of the approximately 10,000 babies born are exposed to substances that may affect their biopsychosocial health, development, or behavior in the short and/or long term. Substances of exposure can include certain prescribed medications, illicit drugs, alcohol, cannabinoids, and tobacco. 

Resources and supports are available

• Prenatal and Postnatal Peer Services.
• Pregnant and postpartum people living with a substance use condition can call or text 401-895-6592 to speak with a certified peer recovery specialist and access free, confidential help and support.  
• RI MomsPRN
• This is a free psychiatric telephone consultation resource for healthcare providers who treat pregnant and postpartum people. Healthcare providers can call 401-430-2800 or email RIMomsPRN@CareNE.org Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be connected to perinatal specialists in real-time.
• Family Visiting Program
• This program provides prenatal support and services for infants and toddlers, including linkage to care and available resources. To learn more or get connected, call 401-222-5960.

Provider and Patient Education Materials

The following education materials can be ordered free of charge through

RIDOH’s Publication Center:

• Safe Sleep flyers, to help prenatal providers have conversations with their pregnant patients about ensuring safe sleep practices and environments,
• Peer Services posters to help pregnant people using substances, and other substance-exposed newborn material.

Questions?

Contact Margo Katz, RIDOH, Chief, Substance Exposed Newborns Program