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.
