Nevada – The State of Nevada is among six states selected to receive federal grant funding for a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at addressing drug abuse among pregnant and postpartum women. This initiative, known as EMPOWERED, is administered by the Roseman University College of Medicine in Las Vegas and has secured more than $894,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The grant will facilitate the expansion of the EMPOWERED program throughout the state, with a focus on providing comprehensive support services to pregnant and postpartum women grappling with substance abuse issues. The program’s offerings include wraparound services, peer recovery support, health improvement referrals, and strategies to foster sustainability in Nevada’s rural areas.

Andria Peterson, PharmD, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of EMPOWERED, underscored the profound impact the program has had on Southern Nevada communities. She emphasized that this grant would enable EMPOWERED to extend its reach to Reno, Carson City, and neighboring areas, thereby assisting more individuals in need. The significance of this expansion is underscored by the sobering fact that drug overdose remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nevada, as per the Nevada Maternal Mortality and Severe Maternal Morbidity Report.

EMPOWERED employs an innovative approach to recovery by integrating medications for opioid abuse with education, counseling, and peer support. By addressing substance abuse comprehensively, the program strives to empower women during pregnancy and postpartum periods, fostering resilience and enhancing overall health outcomes.

Credits: KOLOTV

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