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Gov. Bevin to spend $34M to help pregnant women with substance use disorders

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CINCINNATI -- Those on the frontline of treating addiction are hopeful more pregnant women will be able to receive treatment under Gov. Matt Bevin’s new proposal.

Bevin vowed to spend an additional $34 million Tuesday to help alleviate the opioid epidemic; the funding will specifically impact pregnant women with substance use disorders.

Tasha Brown sought treatment when she was pregnant with her daughter at St. Elizabeth's Baby Steps. 

RELATED: 'Baby Steps' program helps expecting moms kick addiction

As a nurse liaison for Baby Steps, Danielle Mathiew works with moms-to-be who want to achieve sobriety. She said she thinks Bevin’s proposal is a huge commitment.

A baby exposed to opioids in utero can develop neonatal abstinence syndrome, causing numerous problems after birth. Mathiew said more residential treatment facilities for pregnant women is a priority within the community.

“I think it's an amazing investment,” Mathiew said. “How can you put a dollar figure on a child?”

In addition to the $34 million, Bevin also pledged to spend $24 million to hire more social workers and give raises to the ones already employed. He also promised to spend an extra $10.8 million for supporting adoption and foster care children.