Experts’ just-published article to influence children’s services support at Statehouse DCF hearing
McGRATHPR.com – A long-anticipated research article on the “Developmental implications of prenatal opioid exposure among school-aged children,” just published days ago, is set to impact two legislative bills being deliberated at the Commonwealth of MA hearing by the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Headed by MA State Rep. and House Chair Jay Livingstone (D-Suffolk) and Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), the Committee’s hearing includes legislative bills aiming to launch a continuum of care for children born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
“This has been a long time coming,” shares To the Moon and Back, Inc. Executive Director and Founder Theresa Harmon, RN, LICSW. “Until now, the concept that children born with in utero opioid exposure have long-term sequelae has been controversial. This study proves that children undoubtedly are at risk for enduring developmental, learning, and behavioral health consequences, even when controlled for other substances and trauma.”
“The timely publication of this research, and action by our legislators, supporters, and advocates, has the potential to drive a continuum of support for these children and families that is currently nonexistent.
This is so desperately needed,
as indicated by our research.”
~ Theresa Harmon, RN, LICSW
To the Moon and Back, Inc. founder and executive director
Founded in 2017 by Harmon, advocacy nonprofit To the Moon and Back, Inc. (TTMAB), is dedicated to supporting children born with in utero substance exposure as well as their families. A certified 501(c)3, TTMAB provides leadership in support and education for the children of the opioid epidemic, and for those who care for them, forging one voice in advocacy.
The newly published research article was championed by Harmon, together with expert scientist authors Andra Wilkinson and Hannah S. Rackers of Child Trends, the leading U.S. research organization focused solely on improving the lives of children and youth. The paper explores research pointing to long-term developmental implications of prenatal opioid exposure in children, and the lack of prior data to support the issue. [Article: Authors – Wilkinson, A., Rackers, H.S. & Harmon, T.M.; Developmental implications of prenatal opioid exposure among school-aged children: a mixed methods and community-initiated analysis. BMC Public Health 23, 1815 (2023). doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16702-8; rdcu.be/dmKwJ]
Conclusively, Harmon, Wilkinson and Rackers’ research confirms that “Nearly half of the children in the sample were diagnosed with multiple developmental delays, behavioral health conditions, and specific learning disorders. Roughly 85% of children have behavioral challenges.” The authors note that associations between prenatal opioid exposure and negative developmental outcomes did not vary by type of opioid nor by polysubstance use, while controlling for adverse childhood experiences.
On Tuesday, Harmon will offer oral testimony at the Statehouse hearing, supporting two pieces of related legislation, including bill S177, intended to ensure that NAS is a qualifying diagnosis to provide children with MA Department of Developmental Services (DDS) support throughout their lifespan. The second bill, H181, seeks automatic eligibility for early intervention for children born with in utero opioid exposure or dependence for the full three years it is available.
“It is a great privilege to champion the Commonwealth’s communities, families, and children through the vehicle of legislation and public service,” says MA State Rep. Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth), a co-sponsor of Tuesday’s bills and longstanding TTMAB supporter. “With this validated new evidence, we have a responsibility to ensure the future needs and success of these children by laying this groundwork as segway to their vital services spectrum.”
The public is invited to attend The MA Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities hybrid public hearing on DCF related matters, virtually and in person, at the Massachusetts State House Gardner Auditorium, 24 Beacon St., Boston, on Tuesday, September 26, from 10 am to 5 pm. More information and a live stream is available at malegislature.gov.
“We’ve tirelessly facilitated this research and these legislative bills as a board of volunteers for six years,” shares Harmon. “The sooner we put these kids’ needs in place, the sooner we enable them to access all of the support services they deserve. That includes the full support of a community who is committed to care for the children of the opioid epidemic, ensuring that they have the best chance of achieving their true full lifetime potential.”
For more information about the initiatives and mission of To The Moon and Back, Inc., or to donate, visit 2themoonandback.org, or follow To The Moon and Back on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @tothemoonma.
About To the Moon and Back, Inc.
Founded in 2017, advocacy nonprofit To the Moon and Back, Inc. (TTMAB), is dedicated to supporting children born with in utero substance exposure and their families, founded by Theresa Harmon, RN, LICSW. As a certified 501(c)3, TTMAB has served as the leader in providing support, education, and advocacy for the youngest victims of the opioid epidemic, and those who care for them. The organization’s mission is committed to forging one voice as advocates for children.
TTMAB provides an Educational Advocacy Program and support groups (for foster and adoptive parents, relative and non-relative caregivers) of children born with substance exposure or Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), serving as a welcoming resource for caregivers to connect with their peers. Expert speakers educate caregivers and inform communities on the latest in research and best practices. Education programs provide expert speakers and training to industry health providers and social services to guide effective care.
Nurture A Superhero care packages provide carefully cultivated newborn take home kits for children with NAS, provided at discharge from hospitals across the state including Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey, and UMass Medical Center.
To the Moon and Back, Inc. provides advocacy and recommendations to local and state leaders on the unmet needs and gaps in services for children born with exposure and their caregivers. The organization is committed to supporting legislative progress, aspiring to ensure that children born substance-exposed have every tool needed to thrive. The nonprofit also champions research, resource, and educational publications, including “The Caregiver’s Guide to NAS & Beyond;” produces an annual Beyond NAS Conference, and funds a Children’s Grant, supporting uncovered family expenses related to in utero substance exposure.
For more information, or to donate, visit 2themoonandback.org, or follow To The Moon and Back on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @tothemoonma.
