PROUD | Postpartum Warning Signs: Understanding Relapse Risk and Strengthening Care for Postpartum Women in Recovery | Part 2 – 9/15/26

This moderated panel will focus on practical strategies for supporting postpartum individuals in recovery from substance use disorders as they transition from hospital care to treatment, recovery, and community-based services. The panel is part of the multipart education series, PROUD: Strengthening Care for Parents in Recovery, being hosted by the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Parents Recovering from Opioid and Other Use Disorders (PROUD) is a SAMHSA-funded program of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

A community doula, hospital representatives involved in the Connecticut Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Bracelet Initiative, and a DMHAS residential treatment provider will discuss how the orange bracelet provided to birthing persons after delivery through the initiative, patient education, and an enhanced rack card with recovery resources can reinforce maternal safety and recovery support after discharge.

Panelists will explore opportunities for hospitals, doulas, treatment programs, and community providers to reinforce education for individuals who may not have received or retained a bracelet. Discussion will also address patient-centered communication related to relapse risk, substance use screening, urine toxicology, Department of Children and Families (DCF) involvement, and Family Care Plans, with an emphasis on strengthening trust and continuity of care.

The session will highlight opportunities for hospitals and community partners to create more consistent approaches to postpartum education and care transitions so that women in recovery continue to receive clear information about urgent maternal warning signs, recovery resources, and available supports throughout this period of increased vulnerability.

This session is designed for physicians, nurses, social workers, behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment professionals, hospital care teams, doulas, recovery support providers, community-based organizations, and other professionals caring for postpartum individuals impacted by substance use disorders.

To register for any session in the series, visit the PROUD Trainings webpage at cthosp.org/education/proud. Continuing Education (CE) credits are pending approval. CE status, presenter bios, and session details will be updated on each of the registration pages.