A Statewide Response to a Critical Need
Substance use and overdose have emerged as leading contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality nationwide, including in Louisiana. Many of these deaths are preventable, yet gaps in screening, treatment access, care coordination, and postpartum follow-up persist across healthcare settings.
Project M.O.M. was developed to close these gaps—bringing together clinical sites, public health leaders, and community partners to implement evidence-based strategies that improve identification, treatment, and long-term support for pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by substance use.
The Role of a Catalyst Site
As a catalyst site, Woman’s plays a key role in piloting and operationalizing best practices that can be scaled across the state. This includes:
• Implementing standardized screening and referral pathways for substance use
• Strengthening connections to medication-assisted treatment and behavioral health services
• Enhancing care coordination during pregnancy and the postpartum period
• Supporting provider education and reducing stigma in clinical care
By testing and refining these approaches in a high-volume clinical setting, the program helps ensure that successful strategies are both effective and feasible for broader adoption.
Building Sustainable Systems of Care
Beyond individual interventions, Project M.O.M. emphasizes the development of sustainable systems that extend beyond pregnancy. This includes improving transitions of care, strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations, and addressing barriers that often limit access to treatment—particularly in the postpartum period when risk for overdose is highest.
Looking Ahead
Participation in Project M.O.M. reflects a broader commitment to advancing maternal health through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven care. Insights gained through this work will inform ongoing efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve outcomes for families across Louisiana.