- NEDHSA is launching the third installment of its Opioid Education Series on March 18, focusing on opioid use among pregnant women and mothers.
- The Community Opioid Symposium, titled 'Addiction and Maternal Health: Opioid Use in Vulnerable Populations', will feature Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell as the keynote speaker.
- The series includes webinars on prescription opioid use during pregnancy, evidence-based treatments, and building collaborative policies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) is launching the third installment of its Opioid Education Series on March 18, bringing together healthcare professionals, public health leaders, and community members to tackle the pressing issue of opioid use, particularly among pregnant women and mothers. The series aims to deepen understanding of the epidemic’s impact on families while exploring ways to improve care, support recovery, and strengthen maternal and infant health outcomes. This year’s series will culminate with the 2026 NEDHSA Opioid Summit.
The series begins with a Community Opioid Symposium, presented in collaboration with the Foundation for Wellness and the Louisiana Department of Health. Titled 'Addiction and Maternal Health: Opioid Use in Vulnerable Populations', the symposium will focus on the challenges women face when navigating addiction during pregnancy and early motherhood. It will examine how opioid use affects both mothers and their infants, discuss available treatment options, and highlight policy and community-driven solutions designed to support families.
Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a nationally recognized expert in women’s health and maternal care, will be the keynote speaker. As System Medical Director of Health Outcomes and Medical Director of Quality for Women’s Services at Ochsner Health, Dr Gillispie-Bell leads initiatives aimed at improving safety and outcomes in obstetric care. Her work has influenced maternal health programs at state and national levels, and she brings a wealth of experience in addressing disparities in healthcare. In her presentation, Dr. Gillispie-Bell will share regional, state, and national data to help attendees grasp the scale of the opioid crisis and the importance of coordinated, evidence-based approaches to support mothers and infants.
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The series will continue with webinars that explore prescription opioid use during pregnancy, highlighting its effects on fetal health, dependency risks, and neonatal withdrawal. Participants will also learn about evidence-based treatment options for pregnant women experiencing opioid use disorder, including clinical guidelines and successful interventions. The final session will focus on building collaborative policies and practices that strengthen care systems, emphasizing cross-sector partnerships and community engagement as critical tools in improving outcomes for mothers and children affected by addiction.
The opioid epidemic remains a significant public health challenge across Louisiana, with pregnant women and mothers facing unique barriers to accessing care. Monteic A. Sizer, Executive Director of NEDHSA, stresses the importance of treatment models that support not only recovery but also family stability. He notes that women often encounter systemic hurdles when seeking help, and comprehensive programs that address both addiction and maternal health are essential. NEDHSA’s RISE inpatient treatment facility offers trauma-informed care specifically for women, integrating support for their roles as mothers while addressing their treatment needs. By partnering with Ochsner LSU Health, the organization is building a model that unites prevention, clinical care, and recovery services to give vulnerable families a real chance at healthier futures.
NEDHSA encourages community members, healthcare providers, and public health professionals to engage with this virtual education series. By coming together to share knowledge and strategies, participants can help improve care for mothers and infants affected by opioid use and foster stronger, healthier communities.
