OSU Medicine unveiled a pioneering health initiative aimed at pregnant and postpartum patients struggling with substance use disorder. The program, named OSU Maternal & Addiction Recovery, is the first of its kind in eastern Oklahoma and will be based out of the university’s Tulsa campus.

Integrated care for mothers and babies

Patients enrolled in the program will receive coordinated treatment from board‑certified addiction medicine specialists and obstetric‑gynecologists. By merging prenatal care with addiction services, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers that often force expectant and new mothers to choose between their health and the health of their unborn child.

Key components of the program

• Integrated prenatal and addiction treatment: Simultaneous management of pregnancy and substance‑use disorder under one care team.
• Rapid access to care: Same‑day appointments and streamlined referral pathways to ensure timely intervention.
• Delivery and postpartum support: Comprehensive obstetric care through birth and the critical postpartum period.
• Recovery support for families: Counseling, peer‑support groups, and resources for partners and extended family members.
• Newborn care services: Monitoring and support for infants exposed to substances in utero, including developmental assessments.

Why the program matters

Substance‑use disorder among pregnant women remains a pressing public‑health challenge in Oklahoma, where rates of opioid and other drug use have risen in recent years. By offering a unified treatment model, OSU Medicine hopes to improve maternal health outcomes, reduce neonatal complications, and support long‑term family stability.

Community and faith‑based support

The university emphasized that the program aligns with the community’s commitment to family values and the sanctity of life. Local churches and faith‑based organizations have expressed willingness to partner on outreach and education, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on parental responsibility and the well‑being of unborn children.

How to access services

Patients can learn more and begin the enrollment process by visiting the OSU Medicine website or contacting the program’s intake line. The initiative is open to all pregnant and postpartum individuals residing in eastern Oklahoma, with a particular focus on serving underserved populations.

Looking ahead

OSU Medicine plans to track outcomes such as maternal sobriety rates, birth outcomes, and family retention in recovery programs. The data will help refine the model and could serve as a template for similar initiatives across the state.

For additional information, please visit OSU Medicine’s Maternal & Addiction Recovery page.

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.