The pilot program focuses on mental health care for pregnant women with substance use disorders in West Virginia. • West Virginia Watch

A new pilot program aims to expand mental health support for hundreds of pregnant women with substance use disorders in West Virginia.

Mental health issues are a major problem that women face According to the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership’s Drug Free Moms and Babies Program Janine Breyel, deputy director of the organization.

There is a severe shortage of both obstetric and mental health care in West Virginia. The state leads the nation in birth rate with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

WVPP announced Wednesday that it has received a $110,000 grant to study the use of the Moodr Digital Healthcare Solution, a product from a Morgantown-based technology startup Designed to help healthcare providers proactively address, treat and assess mental health issues.

“We are optimistic that this tool will help expand the reach and effectiveness of our program and lead to better health outcomes for mothers and babies affected by substance use,” Breyel said.

The platform will enable better follow-up and monitoring of patients, she added.

“We also expect that problems can be identified earlier and addressed before they become more serious.” Breyel said.

According to the World Health Organization, one in five mothers struggles with mental health issues during or after pregnancy. In rural areas the rate may be higher.

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 54 of the state’s 55 counties have a shortage of mental health professionals.

“Lack of access to behavioral health and maternity care is significant in our state,” Breyel said. “Nearly half of all counties in West Virginia are considered obstetric deserts, and more than two-thirds of counties have no maternity ward…In some areas of the state, women must travel more than 90 minutes for care.”

The project includes a pilot study comparing up to 300 patients and their outcomes for drug-free mother and baby programs using Moodr Health by September 30, 2025.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation provided the grant.

“Research shows that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in women of childbearing age. If left untreated, t“These diseases can have negative impacts on women and their children,” said Kim Tieman, vice president and program director of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. “The The Benedum Foundation is excited about this partnership and the opportunity to help women and families in times of need.”

The grant also requires WVPP to work with payers to evaluate the feasibility of providing coverage the cost of the subscription service to participants through insurance and Medicaid.

WVPPs The Drug Free Mothers and Babies Program services take place in various facilities, including: Hospitals, clinics and comprehensive behavioral health centers.

Since it began in 2012, the program has helped a total of more than 4,000 women.