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Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers Maternal Substance Use Disorder Program

Women who are pregnant and struggling with addiction can now get help from the Maternal Substance Use Disorder Program at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The program offers comprehensive care through medication, behavioral therapy and social support services.

Dr. John Dougherty, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Penn State Health Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hershey, launched the program in 2023. He began it following the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s decision to make neonatal abstinence syndrome and substance use disorder in pregnant women its primary focus.

“The Maternal Substance Use Disorder Program is designed to treat every aspect of addiction and pregnancy care under one roof,” Dougherty said. “The care coordination and services provided are linked closely to ensure quality care and rapid provision of services. We’ve helped many women and their babies over the years.”

The program’s mission is to:

  • Become central Pennsylvania’s trusted source for evidence-based, person-directed substance use disorder treatment that is welcoming and inclusive
  • Apply the latest research for treatment during pregnancy
  • Achieve healthy family goals by optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes

Patients can self-refer, and physicians can make referrals by calling Penn State Health Obstetrics and Gynecology at 717-312-7764. The practice is located at 35 Hope Drive, Suite 202/204, Hershey.

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