Salt Lake City, UT — The University of Utah has unveiled its plans to establish a groundbreaking research center aimed at tackling the alarming rates of maternal deaths associated with substance addiction. This initiative comes as substance use emerges as the leading cause of pregnancy-related fatalities among women in Utah.
Securing a substantial boost, a federal grant amounting to $14 million will facilitate the establishment of the ELEVATE Center, situated in Salt Lake City. The center’s primary objective is to curb the rising maternal mortality rates caused by addiction-related issues.
Chosen as one of the ten recipients nationwide, the University of Utah will receive funding from the National Institutes of Health grant, spanning a comprehensive research program spanning seven years. This initiative aims to foster advancements in maternal health research on a variety of fronts.
Heading the project is Torri Metz, an accomplished maternal-fetal medicine physician at the university. Metz emphasized the chronic nature of addiction as a medical condition and underscored the imperative to enhance patient outcomes, given that addiction stands as the foremost cause of maternal mortality in the state.
Initial phases of the project will encompass center development and collaboration with key partners. The University of Utah will undertake training of prospective medical practitioners, paving the way for the establishment of a specialized clinic catering to pregnant women and new mothers grappling with addiction, both during and post-pregnancy.
Crucially, the ELEVATE Center’s mandate extends beyond campus boundaries. Collaborative efforts with Sacred Circle, a healthcare division of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, are geared toward offering culturally tailored care for Native mothers in underserved communities. Additionally, partnerships with Moab Regional Hospital and Central Valley Medical Center are designed to extend training to medical personnel in rural regions, facilitating their interaction with patients dealing with substance abuse.
In the later stages of the grant, the focus will shift to a statewide approach. The intention is to distill the knowledge gained from the center’s operations into a practical toolkit, enabling dissemination to various clinics and medical facilities. This dissemination is especially crucial in rural areas of Utah where accessing specialized care proves challenging.
Meghan Welchman, an intake specialist at Southwest Behavioral Health Center, highlighted the significance of programs like Desert Haven that cater to women dealing with addiction. Welchman stressed the barriers faced by women, such as childcare concerns, which might prevent them from seeking help. The misconception that admitting addiction might result in the loss of their children and the lingering cultural stigma surrounding addiction as a moral failure, rather than a medical condition, further complicates the matter.
The University of Utah’s initiative carries potential for transformation, as the project aims to bridge the gap in specialized addiction care for pregnant women and new mothers. Sandie Shaw, a recovery assistant at the House of Hope, understands the challenges firsthand and emphasizes the importance of accessible support.
With enhanced funding and focus on addiction treatment for women in Utah, these initiatives are anticipated to empower more women to take the crucial step toward recovery. Until then, centers like House of Hope and Desert Haven will continue their valiant efforts in supporting recovery, one patient at a time.
Welchman urged those in need to reach out for assistance, reminding them that there are individuals ready to provide unwavering support throughout their journey to recovery.