Perinatal substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing maternal health today. Behind the statistics are real families: women navigating pregnancy while struggling with addiction, stigma, poverty, and a healthcare system that hasn’t always known how to support them. But one Wisconsin hospital is showing what’s possible when we take a coordinated, compassionate approach.
As part of a statewide quality improvement initiative led by the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care (WAPC) and the Wisconsin Perinatal Quality Collaborative (WisPQC), Marshfield Medical Center – Marshfield set out to better identify and support pregnant and postpartum patients affected by SUD. The results speak volumes and we’re excited to share them.
➡️ Download the Full Report (PDF)
Why It Matters
According to the Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review, 48% of pregnancy-related deaths in the state were due to overdose with most occurring 6 to 12 months after birth. This isn’t just a crisis. It’s a call to action.
That’s why the Marshfield team focused their efforts on two key areas: education and screening.
- Education: All staff and providers received training on perinatal SUD, including how to provide compassionate, respectful care.
- Screening: The hospital implemented universal, evidence-based screening protocols to ensure every pregnant and postpartum patient is assessed—early and often.
What Changed
When the initiative began, only 74% of admitted patients were being screened for SUD. Within 16 months, that number rose to 97% thanks to staff education, consistent protocols, and a shift toward more empathetic care.
Beyond the numbers, this project created a culture shift, where patients feel safer disclosing their struggles, and providers feel more confident supporting them.
What’s Next
Improving outcomes for families affected by SUD doesn’t stop here. Marshfield Medical Center is now working to:
- Sustain universal screening both in clinics and upon hospital admission
- Strengthen relationships with social services and behavioral health providers
- Provide families with up-to-date community resources
- Develop a Maternal SUD and NAS/NOWS Safety Bundle across the entire Marshfield Clinic Health System
A Model for Others
This initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when care teams work together to improve systems and center the humanity of the people they serve. We hope this report serves as inspiration, and a practical roadmap, for other birthing hospitals in Wisconsin and beyond.
📝 Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us at wapc@wiperinatal.org
📄 Click here to download the full PDF summary
Together, we can reimagine perinatal care, so that every birthing person receives the support, dignity, and respect they deserve.
