Confluence Health earns perinatal care designation

WENATCHEE — Confluence Health has been designated a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use by the Washington State Department of Health, the Washington State Hospital Association and the Washington State Health Care Authority, recognizing the hospital system's care for pregnant patients with substance use disorders.

The certification recognizes hospitals that implement evidence-based, family-centered practices designed to support both birthing parents and infants affected by substance use disorders.

According to Confluence Health, the designation reflects years of work by physicians, nurses and support staff to provide coordinated, respectful care tailored to the needs of patients experiencing substance use disorders during pregnancy.

"This recognition reflects our commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for every patient who comes through our doors," Kelly Allen, Confluence Health's chief nursing officer, said in a statement. "At Confluence Health, we believe every family deserves access to exceptional care close to home."

To receive the certification, hospitals must meet standards that include screening patients for substance use and perinatal mental health conditions, ensuring access to providers who can manage medications for opioid use disorder, supporting parents and infants remaining together whenever medically appropriate, coordinating postpartum follow-up care and training staff in respectful, equitable care practices.

Tami Clark, Confluence Health's director of inpatient maternal and child health, said the designation recognizes the work of maternal and child health teams to create a supportive environment where patients feel respected and connected to needed resources.

State health officials said hospitals receiving the certification help improve birth outcomes by providing evidence-based care that supports both parents and babies.

Confluence Health said the designation allows families throughout North Central Washington to access nationally recognized specialty care close to home rather than traveling outside the region.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media