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Summit County, Ohio — Portage Path Behavioral Health (PPBH) is excited to announce the launch of a transformative new program, funded by a generous grant from OneOhio Recovery Foundation, aimed at supporting pregnant women grappling with the dual challenges of opioid use disorder (OUD) and mental health conditions. This initiative addresses critical gaps in maternal healthcare in Summit County and reflects a committed response to the urgent needs of the community.
The program will establish a specialized clinic integrating behavioral health, maternal health, and OUD treatment through a collaborative approach. By bringing together various disciplines, the clinic will provide comprehensive, coordinated care, ensuring that pregnant women receive the full spectrum of support necessary for their health and wellbeing.
“Summit County has seen that 38% of drug overdoses from 2016 to 2024 occurred among females,” says Raman Krimpuri, MD, Vice President & Medical Director of PPBH. “This underscores the need for this program, particularly for women from marginalized backgrounds. Our goal is to reduce maternal mortality, prevent relapse, and expand access to mental health and substance use treatment.”
The clinic will operate twice weekly over the next two years, offering Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), integrated behavioral health care, and comprehensive case management. It will focus on early intervention for vulnerable women facing socio-economic challenges, addressing rising maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the U.S., which are partly driven by opioid misuse during pregnancy.
Services will include low-barrier access to comprehensive care, harm reduction strategies, and wrap-around support such as transportation, housing, and childcare to ensure effective patient engagement.
PPBH is aligning this initiative with national efforts like HRSA’s Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) and prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to ensure that care is accessible to underserved populations. Collaboration among prescribers, therapists, case managers, and community partners will provide holistic care that enhances both maternal and infant health outcomes.
“Thanks to the generous support from One Ohio Recovery, we have the opportunity to transform maternal health outcomes and serve those most in need in our community,” added Dr. Krimpuri. “This program is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team at Portage Path Behavioral Health. Together, we are paving the way for healthier mothers, healthier babies, and a stronger future for all.”