Recognizing the unique challenges and obstacles to health care facing pregnant women suffering from substance consumption disorders, ECU Health has gathered a multidisciplinary team to provide integrated treatment, in particular obstetric care, mental health services, support for lactations, social work and educational resources. The clinic will also be served by doctors’ residents to train future medicine providers in drug addiction and obstetrics and gynecology.
“The impact clinic led by Dr. David Ryan is a huge step forward in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the ECU Health to give birth and growth of Mother’s and East Northern Carolina,” said Dr. James Whiteside, President of the Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology, ECU Health and The Brody School of Medicine. “Given the importance that mental health disorders have in maternal death and Northern Carolina disease, it is essential that these services and related services are widened.”
The impact clinic aims to improve results for pregnant people in North Carolina, where the mortality rates linked to substances are concern. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Caroline from North from 2019 to 2019, one in four maternal deaths was awarded to an involuntary overdose. With only five other state programs, offering care dedicated to Obgyn dependence in a single framework, ECU’s health will become the sixth, filling a critical shortcoming of resources for residents of eastern North Carolina.
“Access to specialized health care is often limited in rural communities, and ECU’s health works to change this,” said Brian FloydChief of the farm, ECU Health. “By establishing the impact clinic, we are expanding the essential treatment of drug addiction and maternal health services in eastern North Carolina, ensuring that pregnant women receive expert and compassionate care without having to travel long distances. Initiatives like the Impact Clinic support our mission and help us build the national model for university rural health care. ”
The clinic began to see the patients on May 7, 2025, through references from Obgyn suppliers, including private practices and health services. The services will be available for individuals who actively know the consumption of substances as well as those in recovery. Patients are looking for more information on the impact clinic can call 252-744-2350.