IMPACT WV program to give away a specialized baby swing during Recovery Month to help infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome

Eligible to residents from eight West Virginia counties who care for children 5 years old or younger who have been exposed to substances in utero.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

MORGANTOWN, W.VA – The IMPACT WV program at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) is giving away a MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing to coincide with National Recovery Month.

IMPACT WV assists families in West Virginia with infants born exposed to substances in utero or diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The MamaRoo swing has been used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to help soothe infants with withdrawal symptoms. The swing’s design mimics the womb, calms the baby, plays soothing sounds, and can bounce up and down and sway side to side. Those interested in the giveaway can view eligibility requirements and enter for free via an online form. Entries will be accepted throughout the month of September.

National Recovery Month is observed every September, offering a chance to raise awareness about addiction recovery and celebrate the recovery community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics data from 2022, West Virginia leads the country in overdose mortality rate at 80.9 deaths per 100,000 total population. In recent years, overdose deaths from synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, have increased dramatically.

IMPACT WV focuses on improving the health and well-being of children diagnosed with NAS, women who have used or are currently using substances, and their families who receive services from home visiting programs. The program partners with WVU Medicine Children’s to host a weekly NAS Follow-Up Clinic, and has developed an online learning portal with self-paced trainings and resources to help educate families and providers on the effects of substance use on the family unit and child development. IMPACT WV is also offering direct aid for qualifying families to assist with basic needs, transportation, dental and more.

To learn more about IMPACT WV and/or the NAS Follow-Up Clinic, contact Program Manager Sue Workman at charlotte.workman@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-293-4692.

The Regional Transition Navigator Services (RTNS) program at the CED is also helping West Virginians affected by substance use disorder. RTNS offers info, support and resource connection for youth and young adults ages 14-25 who are experiencing, have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing serious emotional disturbance, mental illness and/or substance use disorders. More info and referral form can be found at rtn.cedwvu.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melina Danko
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
304-293-4265; mdanko@hsc.wvu.edu