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Skagit Valley Hospital recognized as Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use

Skagit Valley Hospital was recognized as a leader in addressing the complex health needs of pregnant women with substance use disorders. Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Hospital Association and Washington Health Care Authority certified Skagit Valley Hospital as a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use.

“The interdisciplinary workgroup saw the need to provide excellent care to the mothers and newborns afflicted with this disease process,” said Tami Schnell, Regional Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Skagit Regional Health. “This group has been meeting for the last 1-2 years to look at increasing our education to staff and providers in substance use while still achieving great outcomes.”

“Hospitals certified as Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use are improving birth outcomes and saving lives,” said Michele Roberts, Assistant Secretary for Prevention and Community Health, Department of Health. “They’re leaders in providing equitable care that centers the needs of babies and families.”

Centers of Excellence follow these best practices:

  • Women who give birth at the hospital are verbally screened for substance use disorder, mood disorders, anxiety and depression.
  • A health care provider who can manage medications that treat opioid use disorder is on-site or on-call.
  • The mother and infant room together unless one of them must be in an intensive care unit.
  • The hospital supports breastfeeding for parents who are on medication to treat opioid use disorder.
  • The hospital requires the use of non-pharmacological interventions as the first line of treatment for withdrawal symptoms in the infant.
  • The hospital care team is familiar with current guidelines for notifying and reporting to child welfare services, including having family-centered dialogue about what to expect.
  • A care coordination system is in place to ensure patients schedule postpartum appointments before they leave the hospital.
  • OB providers and nurses receive education on respectful and equitable care for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders.

For more information about the Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certification program, contact DOH-PIO@doh.wa.gov.

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About Skagit Regional Health: Skagit Regional Health includes Skagit Valley Hospital, Cascade Valley Hospital and a network of more than two dozen healthcare facilities providing primary and specialty outpatient care in Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties. Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, licensed for 137 beds, features a full range of services including comprehensive cancer care, surgical services, a Level III Emergency Department, a well-appointed Family Birth Center, comprehensive diagnostics and advanced heart and vascular care. Cascade Valley Hospital includes the 48-bed acute care facility in Arlington providing acute care, critical care, general surgery, a level IV Emergency Department and a wide array of outpatient and diagnostic imaging services. More than 3,000 employees and medical providers work and care for patients across Skagit Regional Health.

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