WVU CED launches new website to provide resources for families impacted by substance use disorders

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) launched a new website designed to provide resources to help educate families and providers on the effects of substance use on the family unit and child development.

Developed by the CED’s IMPACT WV program, the site provides a variety of ways that allow families and professionals to get connected. Families can find resources, get connected to providers, read blogs and learn strategies for improved health, parenting and resiliency. Professionals can access resources including community services, tip sheets or checklists, and obtain professional development through online learning modules.

The IMPACT WV program is working with communities to create opportunities to address needs of children diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or exposed to substances in utero. The program’s goal is to improve the health and well-being of children diagnosed with NAS, women who were, or are, using substances, and their families who receive services from home visiting programs.

The website is only one component of the IMPACT WV program. The program also provides funding to demonstration sites around the state to implement a patient navigation study. Through collaborations with WV Home Visitation program, families can enroll in the IMPACT research study. The study will look at the best way to expand services that encourage children’s healthy development. In addition to traditional home visiting services, education and employment specialists will work with the whole family to develop skills and help overcome barriers to financial security and independence.

To be eligible for the study and additional services, families must have a child born within the last three months who was diagnosed with NAS or exposed to substances in utero; be an active client (or enroll) in a home visiting program prior to the child turning three months old, and live in Marion, Harrison, Preston, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler or Wetzel counties.

For more information, visit wvimpact.org.