Promoting Innovation in State and Territorial Maternal and Child Health Policymaking.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Substance Use Disorders

Background:

• The Promoting Innovation in State and Territorial MCH Policymaking (PRISM) Learning Community was established to enhance capacity in maternal and child health (MCH) agencies.
• Substance use disorders (SUD) in the perinatal population emerged as a critical area requiring increased attention and improved state-level strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To build state and territorial health agency capacity for policymaking and program implementation related to perinatal SUD.
• To expand access to care and treatment for pregnant individuals with SUD.

Main Methods:

• The PRISM Learning Community utilized intensive capacity building, cross-agency team collaboration, and technical assistance.
• Broad programming informed the MCH field on innovations in perinatal SUD policy and practice.
• A program evaluation included assessments and key informant interviews to gauge impact.

Main Results:

• Participating states reported increased knowledge of perinatal SUDs and strengthened cross-agency partnerships.
• Key priorities identified include improving multisector collaborations, equitable SUD screening, strengthening the perinatal behavioral health workforce, and enhancing Medicaid coverage.
• Barriers encountered included the COVID-19 pandemic and stigma associated with perinatal SUDs.

Conclusions:

• The PRISM project has successfully supported multiple jurisdictions in advancing policies and programs for perinatal SUD care since 2018.
• Capacity building, technical assistance, and virtual programming were key components of PRISM's success.
• Lessons learned from PRISM can guide other states in addressing perinatal substance use disorders.