During a recent meeting of the West Virginia Legislature, Dr. Stephen Loyd, the new Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy for the West Virginia Department of Human Services, provided an update on efforts to tackle the issue of substance-exposed infants in the state. West Virginia remains at the forefront nationally in terms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Intrauterine Substance Exposure rates.
Currently, 6.7% of births in West Virginia are affected by NAS, while IUSE impacts 8.8%. Although NAS cases have decreased since their peak in 2017, IUSE rates continue to climb, reflecting national patterns.
Dr. Loyd detailed several state-funded programs addressing this challenge:
– The West Virginia Prenatal Risk Screening Instrument is used during a woman’s first obstetric visit to identify high-risk conditions early.
– The Drug Free Moms and Babies program combines medical and behavioral healthcare with recovery support services.
– Seven residential treatment programs offer specialized care for pregnant women and mothers across various counties.
– Home visitation programs provide support from pregnancy through age five using models like Parents as Teachers.
– Long-acting reversible contraceptives are widely available to reduce unplanned pregnancies and IUSE.
Dr. Loyd emphasized reducing stigma around substance use disorders among pregnant women. “Stigma is one of the biggest obstacles to women asking for help,” he noted.
He also highlighted the Birth to Three Program’s role in providing early intervention services for developmental delays due to substance exposure.
Looking forward, Dr. Loyd stressed increasing LARC usage and expanding home visitation and treatment programs’ capacity. “Addressing the issue of substance-exposed infants is not only a priority for the Office of Drug Control Policy but also a vital step in securing a healthier future for West Virginians,” he stated.
For more information on ODCP’s programs, visit dhhr.wv.gov/Office-of-Drug-Control-Policy/Pages/default.aspx.
