Register here!
From WVDoHS:
“The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), reports that current data shows a 40% decrease in overdose deaths from January to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with the reduction expected to remain above 36% as pending cases are resolved. Year-over-year figures for the 12 months ending in November 2024 reveal a 37.7% decline in drug overdose deaths in West Virginia, surpassing the national average decrease of 26.5%. This reduction translates into 468 more people that are alive today, continuing their journey toward recovery and stability.
During the height of the opioid epidemic, the former Department of Health and Human Resources began monitoring the correlation between overdose deaths, and the impact on social services programs. In calendar year 2024, caregiver’s substance use disorder was still the most common reason for removal, but new analysis from the DoHS’ Office of Quality Assurance Programs also shows that children removed only for parental substance use fell 54.5% from 2020 to 2024 and children removed with substance use as a contributing factor fell 39% from its peak in 2017 to 2024.
“These trends reflect the real-life impact of West Virginia’s shift toward recovery-focused, family-centered care,” said Alex Mayer, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “When we support parents in their recovery, we’re also protecting children and strengthening families, and that’s a win for everyone.”
“This data is encouraging when combined with the overdose death rates and suggests that the array of community interventions including naloxone distribution, quick response teams, stigma reduction efforts and treatment programs like Drug Free Moms and Babies are having a positive impact” stated Christina Mullins, DoHS Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders.
“We’re seeing the results of communities rallying around recovery,” said Dr. Stephen Loyd, Director of DoHS Office of Drug Control Policy. “But this fight isn’t over. These numbers show progress, not victory, and we must continue to invest in the programs that are saving lives.”
While this data is promising, we must continue to support the programs that make recovery possible.”
The WV Perinatal Partnership is thrilled to offer 100+ scholarships for this exceptional and informative training opportunity!
Every birthing facility will receive 2 scholarships for their staff/faculty. Each Drug Free Moms and Babies program site will also receive 1 – 2 scholarships.
There will be approximately 40 scholarships available for any others interested in attending this training. This is a $425 – $675 value being offered free of cost through generous grant funding from the WV Bureau for Behavioral Health.
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care: Registration Link
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training: Registration Link
Please contact Caroline Crislip at ccrislip@wvperinatal.org for a scholarship application.
THANK YOU to PSI-WV and the WV Department of Human Services for helping to bring this training to WV!
Presenters: TBD
These monthly skills integration meetings build on the Weave West Virginia training series webinars, which offered a framework for understanding the intersections of substance use, domestic violence, and substance use coercion with a particular focus on pregnant and parenting people. This new monthly series will provide technical assistance for providers via applied learning, practical strategies, and resource sharing to create survivor-centered and trauma-informed organizations.
WV Perinatal Partnership seeks applications for Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Project Coordinator.
This is a temporary part-time contract position.
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected and accepts the contract.
The Partnership would like to fill this position as quickly as possible. Please send a current resume or CV along with references to Juliana Frederick Curry, Tobacco Project Director at jfcurry@wvperinatal.org.
Where professionals in perinatal care come together to share best practices, current trends and experiences in patient care!
The Summit is designed to bring professionals from multiple disciplines together to discuss perinatal and child health issues. Sessions will include innovative research, best practices, collaborative and new strategies in perinatal health policy and education.
After attending the Summit, participants will be able to:
- Describe best practices in perinatal, neonatal and gynecologic health
- Identify quality improvement strategies to promote better health outcomes for pregnant women and newborns
- Discuss barriers and opportunities for improving access to care for women and infants in West Virginia
- Outline policies and practices that lead to improvements in the quality and delivery of health care in West Virginia
- Engage in collegial conversations about appropriate and necessary treatment for women and infants
- Build alliances and discuss initiatives to strengthen the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership
For full information about registration, lodging discounts, agenda details, speakers and more: click here
Group Discounts Available!
$215 for the Summit when you register 3 or more people at the same time.
Use code GROUP2025 at checkout for your discount!