Despite efforts to fight against the abuse and misuse of opioid, Tennesse is confronted by a rising number of overdose deaths and the growing number of babies born with drug addiction. Amid the rising of the crisis that has already been referred to as an epidemic, a Nashville mother starts a novel project that aims to protect unborn babies from opioid abuse.
The statistics of Tennessee's public health care reveal that in the year 2008, the center had recorded 264 babies born with drug addiction, as per Tennessean. The numbers have increased in an alarming rate since then. In 2014, records reveal that the number rose to 1,063 babies, a whopping 300 percent increase in just six years. This is coupled by the increasing number of deaths due to opioid overdose.
With a condition called neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, babies already become drug dependent upon birth. This is caused by the exposure of the fetus to opioids like oxycodone, heroin and the like while in they are still in their mother's womb.
Alarmed by the overwhelming figures, a mother decides to take action. Melanie McCarter is all set to start a new job that is aimed at providing women with the right support and resources they need to stay away from drugs.
McCarter, a mom of a 15-month-old baby boy, is set to start 180 Health Partners, a company that is dedicated to provide multidisciplinary and collaborative care for expecting mothers who are addicted to illegal drugs. The company is attracting support from many investors interested to support the cause. The project is set to launch next month.
McCarter's company 180 Health Partners aims to become peers and advocates who can understand the current dilemma and help expecting mothers who are addicted to drugs to connect to the resources and motivation they need to come and stay clean.
With efforts from concerned citizens like McCarter, there is still strong hope that Tennesse and the rest of the world can save unborn babies from drug addiction. So, what are your thoughts about the opioid abuse in America?
