Massachusetts Grant Will Support Perinatal Behavioral Health Program

South Shore Health is among five healthcare organizations which has been granted funding to expand access to postpartum and newborn care across Massachusetts.

The state’s Health Policy Commission recently approved $1.4m in awards to five applicants for the Cost-Effective, Coordinated Care for Caregivers and Substance Exposed Newborns (C4SEN) Investment Program. South Shore Health’s SHORE (Supporting: Hope, Opportunity, Resilience, Empowerment) program, as part of its larger Perinatal Behavioral Health program, will benefit from the funding.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need to invest in behavioral health care services. Through this funding we are supporting five community hospitals as they provide culturally competent care for substance exposed newborns and their caregivers,” said David Seltz, HPC Executive Director.

“Since launching our Perinatal Behavioral Health Program in late 2018, we've helped hundreds of South Shore mothers manage their behavioral health needs while keeping their baby's health front of mind,” said Julie Paul, CNM, CNP, Director, Perinatal Behavioral Health Program.

Our goal is to help moms make the best choices for themselves and their babies by providing the most up-to-date information about taking medication during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

“We’re building a program that gives women on the South Shore a community that is nurturing, free from judgment and has the resources in place to support mothers during pregnancy and beyond,” Paul said.

“South Shore Health is committed to improving the health status and well-being of all residents living throughout our community, including moms that may have complex needs or face barriers to care,” said Allen Smith, MD, MA, President & CEO, South Shore Health.

The SHORE program, part of South Shore Health’s Perinatal Behavioral Health program provides care for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders (SUD). Patients must be at least 18 years old to participate in our SUD treatment program.

“Through the C4SEN program, the HPC is targeting much needed resources for the most at need patients, communities, and health care providers,” said Seltz. “The HPC is thrilled to work with our awardees to expand access to comprehensive postpartum and newborn care across the Commonwealth.”