Perinatal Addictions
Prevention Project

The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project is a statewide effort with three primary goals: reduce the number of substance exposed pregnancies, limit the effects of substance use during pregnancy and educate the community about perinatal substance use. As the regional coordinator of the Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project for South Jersey, we support this mission with a comprehensive strategy of screening, education and prevention.

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SCREENING

The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project encourages the screening of all prenatal patients - early in pregnancy - for drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Early identification of risk enables early intervention which contributes to better outcomes. In support of universal screening, the Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project provides a range of free services that include the Perinatal Risk Assessment Tool (PRA), on-site staff training and technical assistance with PRA integration and ongoing use. Providers can also rely upon the Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project’s well-networked staff to assist with patient referrals for treatment services.

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EDUCATION

The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project offers educational opportunities designed to increase awareness of perinatal substance use disorders. Placing an emphasis on evidence-based practices, these offerings cover a variety of issues surrounding the topic. Formats include workshops, conferences, on-site training and webinars. Knowledgeable health educators are available to customize presentations for individual groups.

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PREVENTION

Increasing awareness about the health risks of perinatal substance use and working to improve the system of care for those at risk are the Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project’s core prevention activities. Community outreach and education is robust and occurs in the usual and not-so-usual venues. Staff frequently present at workplaces, schools and churches as well as at county jails and drug court. The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project team is a regular and valued contributor to system-focused initiatives convened to examine such things as access, policies and provider availability.