YOUNGSTOWN — Meridian Healthcare of Youngstown has been awarded a grant of $287,184 to expand access to treatment and support services for pregnant women and mothers of young children living with substance use disorders.

Meridian was one of 45 providers who were awarded funds through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, according to an ODMHAS press release.

Agencies in other area counties also received funds, including the Family Recovery Center in Columbiana County ($133,262), CHC Addiction Services of Stark County ($569,974) Lake Area Recovery Centers in Ashtabula County ($263,713) and Townhall II in Portage County ($214,287).

“All children deserve the chance to live up to their full, God-given potential,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Supporting Ohio’s mothers, whether they are recovering from addiction or finding treatment, gives them an opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives and support their kids.”

Providers in 31 counties will use the funds to serve an estimated 8,500 Ohio families with evidence-based, family-centered care. Services may include:

• Behavioral health treatment

• Medication for substance use disorders

• OB/GYN and pediatric care

• Primary care coordination

• Therapeutic services for children

“These investments are a step forward in addressing the unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “With these funds, we can expand access to the most compassionate care during a particularly vulnerable time and help thousands of women reclaim their lives, strengthen their families and build healthier futures.”

The perinatal period — during pregnancy and up to at least one year after delivery — is a time of heightened vulnerability. Women are more likely to experience co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions, and overdose is one of the leading causes of maternal death in this period, the press release stated, citing the American Medical Association as its source.

According to the latest Ohio Medicaid Assessment, nearly 76,000 Ohio women — including 7,600 expecting mothers — received treatment for alcohol or drug use in 2023. However, an estimated 13,728 women who needed treatment did not receive it.

Many are hesitant to reach out for help due to stigma or fear. And when they do, they may not disclose their substance use.

These funds aim to reduce those barriers, encourage engagement and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Funded through the Women’s Treatment portion of the federal Substance Use Block Grant, the awards will assist in removing common barriers to care by funding programs that provide integrated services for both mothers and their dependent children.