i_opioidsubstance_2018a_2018-08-14t09:38:25z6 Hearing Summary

Jade Woodard, Illuminate Colorado, presented to the committee and distributed a handout (Attachment H).  She described her work as co-chair of the Substance Exposed Newborn Steering Committee, which is housed in the consortium.  Ms. Woodward described the membership and initiatives of the steering committee.

Ms. Woodard provided data on substance use by pregnant and postpartum women.  She described long waits for short term treatment programs for pregnant women because of lack of providers.  She responded to questions regarding the effects of marijuana and other substance use on unborn children.

Ms. Woodward provided data on substance exposed newborns and noted that it can be difficult to identify these newborns right after birth.  She discussed work group successes including privacy protections for pregnant women, provider education efforts, the success rate of the Special Connections program, and creation of a pilot program on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Ms. Woodward described challenges in treating pregnant women for SUD, including lack of providers and lack of standardized screenings.  She suggested revisions to the Colorado Children's Code and support for policies to improve caregiver behavioral health.  She described other policy considerations including increased data collection, home visitation, increased child care options, and changes to the juvenile justice system for youth with fetal alcohol syndrome.