Pubdate: Mon, 11 May 2009
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Copyright: 2009 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Contact: http://starbulletin.com/forms/letterform.html
Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196
Author: Helen Altonn
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

DRUG PROGRAM SUCCEEDS BEYOND 'WILDEST DREAMS'

Pregnant Women Get Health Care for Their Babies and Help in Leaving Meth Behind

A program providing health care and drug treatment for pregnant women
addicted to crystal methamphetamine is succeeding "beyond our wildest
dreams," says Dr. Tricia Wright.

The clinic's pre-term birth rate is 7.7 percent -- well below state
and national averages of 12 percent, she said.

Advocates say the government-funded program is money well
spent.

"Given that each pre-term birth costs taxpayers in excess of $56,000,
we as taxpayers are getting our money's worth," said Wright.

An assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the University
of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Wright developed the
clinic as a pilot program on the grounds of the Salvation Army Family
Treatment Center in Kaimuki.

The unique program combines prenatal care with substance abuse
treatment and counseling and offers parenting workshops, hands-on care
with children and classes on healthy habits, nutrition and sewing.

She said 75 percent of the women show up after making the first phone
call, and 90 percent stay with the program. "Some women who delivered
20 months ago still call us and keep in touch."

Results are "unbelievable," said Executive Director Renee Schuetter,
explaining that 81 percent are drug-free within three months. She said
97 percent have maintained custody of their children eight weeks after
birth, and 94 percent have retained custody after six months.

"The secret seems to be that the staff is small and very consistent,
open and not judging of them at all, and we allow them to set their
goals," said Schuetter, a registered nurse.

The women care about their pregnancy and health of their babies, she
said. "That's a place we can work from."

[sidebar]

FUNDING FOR PERINATAL ADDICTION TREATMENT OF HAWAII

It is operating on a 2007 state appropriation released in January and 
is seeking two
federal grants to support its services.

In July it will receive $100,000 under a Health Department contract
for perinatal support and screening.

It recently received $25,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to
build a healing garden with Hawaiian herbs, a play area and meeting
space.

The March of Dimes also provided $10,000 for a motivational incentive
program.

Perinatal Addiction Treatment of Hawaii, observing its second
anniversary, has had 52 births, including two sets of twins, said
Wright, founder and medical director of the program.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake