Confluence Health Recognized as Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use

“This recognition reflects our commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for every patient who comes through our doors,” said Kelly Allen, chief nursing officer for Confluence Health. “At Confluence Health, we believe every family deserves access to exceptional care close to home. Our teams have worked hard to build programs and practices that support parents with dignity, strengthen family bonds, and help give babies the healthiest possible start in life.”

The Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use program was created by the Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Hospital Association, and Washington State Health Care Authority to recognize hospitals that align their care practices with national best-practice standards for perinatal substance use. Certified hospitals train staff, implement evidence-informed policies, and focus on nonjudgmental, family-centered care that supports both parents and infants.

For Confluence Health, the designation reflects years of work by caregivers, nurses, physicians, and support staff to ensure patients facing substance use disorders during pregnancy receive coordinated, respectful care tailored to their individual needs.

“As caregivers, we have the privilege of supporting families during some of the most important moments of their lives,” said Tami Clark, director of inpatient maternal and child health at Confluence Health. “This designation recognizes the dedication of our maternal and child health teams to creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel respected, empowered, and connected to the resources they need. By caring for both parent and baby together and providing comprehensive support before, during, and after birth, we can make a meaningful difference for families throughout our region.”

“Hospitals certified as Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use are improving birth outcomes and saving lives,” said Michele Roberts, assistant secretary for prevention and community health at the Washington State Department of Health. “They’re leaders in providing equitable care that centers the needs of babies and families.”

To achieve certification, hospitals must meet rigorous standards that include screening patients for substance use disorder and perinatal mental health conditions, ensuring access to providers who can manage medications for opioid use disorder, supporting parents and infants rooming together whenever medically appropriate, providing nonpharmacological interventions as the first line of treatment for infant withdrawal symptoms, offering coordinated postpartum follow-up, and educating care teams on respectful, equitable care practices.

These standards align closely with Confluence Health’s mission of local care by and for our community. By offering this level of specialty care close to home, families throughout North Central Washington can access nationally recognized services without leaving the region.

“Every family’s story is unique, and every patient deserves compassionate care that meets them where they are,” Allen explained. “This recognition demonstrates Confluence Health’s commitment to ensuring people receive the support they need, close to home, while helping us all move forward together to create healthier futures for parents, babies, and our community.”