MONROE – November 10, 2026 -- Pregnant and parenting women in Northeast Louisiana can call the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) to start an assessment for substance use treatment, recovery support and referrals to maternal healthcare.
NEDHSA's Maternal Health Initiative links treatment with healthcare and recovery
The initiative brings together clinical treatment, healthcare coordination, recovery resources and community support. Instead of handling substance use, mental health and maternal healthcare separately, it addresses them together. Services include behavioral health screening and assessment, outpatient substance use treatment, case management, recovery support, and referrals to maternal and primary healthcare.
NEDHSA also offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which can combine medication with counseling and other behavioral health services. Women with opioid use disorder can receive medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) when clinically appropriate.
Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer said, "Maternal health is not just about what happens during a medical appointment." He described the aim as helping mothers access treatment, find support during recovery, connect with healthcare providers and give their families the resources to move forward.
R.I.S.E. Treatment Center will let children stay with their mothers
The agency will soon open the R.I.S.E. Treatment Center, a residential program for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. Its family-centered design allows dependent children to remain with their mothers during residential treatment.
Women do not need to wait for a residential placement. Those who may eventually need one can contact NEDHSA now to begin the outpatient assessment process and connect with treatment, care coordination and recovery support.
NEDHSA is building referral ties with hospitals and community groups
The agency is strengthening referral relationships with healthcare providers, hospitals, community organizations and other partners, so they can more easily identify women who need assistance and connect them with services.