Comprehensive Drug Overdose Response: Child and Family Health

Established in 2023, the Comprehensive Drug Overdose and Morbidity Prevention Act (Minnesota Statues 144.0528) created comprehensive drug overdose and morbidity prevention activities, epidemiologic investigations and surveillance, and evaluation, to monitor, address, and prevent drug overdoses statewide through integrated strategies conducted by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). With the goal to address the drug overdose epidemic by implementing eight comprehensive strategies for substance use disorder education and intervention. Two of these strategies specifically address drug overdose and morbidity in those who are pregnant or have just given birth and their infants.

Enhancing outcomes for pregnant/postpartum families impacted by substance use disorder grants

The Child and Family Health division released funding opportunity for statewide organizations to identify, address, and respond to drug overdose and morbidity in those who are pregnant or have just given birth and their infants through multitiered approaches.

• Promote medication-assisted treatment options
• Support programs that provide focused interventions and services in accord with evidence-based care models for mental health and substance use disorder, and/or neonatal abstinence syndrome, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and professional organizations that focus on quality improvement initiatives related to substance use disorder.
• Implement substance use disorder-related recommendations from the maternal mortality review committee (2017-19), example recommendations include:
  • Support statewide improvements for birthing people who have substance use disorders (SUD) or mental health conditions, including adequate identification of substance use and mental health conditions in the birthing population, referral to behavioral health services and support groups, and increased funding to expand treatment and access to treatment throughout the state.
  • State and systems should enhance funding for increased access to SUD and MH services. Expanding telehealth capabilities and physical facilities, increasing the number of waivered providers, improving access to treatment, implementing Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention practices statewide.
  • During the pregnancy and postpartum period, health systems and social services need to coordinate to assist in birthing person to have correct placement in SUD treatment/ housing, working with birthing person to support their needs during this time.
  • During the pregnancy and postpartum period, health systems and social services need to coordinate to assist in birthing person to have correct placement in SUD treatment/ housing, working with birthing person to support their needs during this time.

Grantees and Awards

Comprehensive Drug Overdose Response: Child and Family Health Awards, May 2024-June 2028 (PDF)

Additional Grantee Resources

• Incentive Guidelines for MDH Grantees (PDF)
• Grantee Incentive Card Tracking Form (Excel)

Questions

Please contact health.mch@state.mn.us or call 651-201-3650.