Public Health Out Loud
Public Health Out Loud is a podcast that delves into the broader public health concerns and issues facing everyday Rhode Islanders. From discussions about safeguarding against future pandemics to actionable plans for families to help keep their loved ones safe from preventable diseases, Public Health Out Loud is a no nonsense resource for listeners who want to stick to the facts. Host Dr. Philip Chan promises to deliver accurate, light-hearted, and informative public health updates that matter to you. This podcast is brought to you by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Public Health Out Loud
Healing Mother and Baby: Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Through Recovery
In Rhode Island, about 100 babies are born each year with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition in which a baby experiences symptoms of withdrawal due to the cessation of opioids or other substances they were exposed to in utero. Some babies with NAS receive medication in the hospital and may not be able to go home right away. Exposure to drugs like heroin or fentanyl may result in the baby going into foster care.
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island’s Healing Mother and Baby Program helps mothers and babies stay together. Peer recovery support specialists (also called “coaches”) with lived experience connect pregnant and parenting people to local treatment and recovery services; help them develop a long-term, individualized plan; and support them on their path to recovery.
This week’s guest experts are Katie Gonzalez, a certified peer recovery support specialist supervisor at PSNRI, and Margo Katz from the Division of Community Health and Equity at the Rhode Island Department of Health. Gonzalez shares her personal story of recovery, as well as some of the success stories she has seen in the Healing Mother and Baby Program. Download this week’s episode to learn more.