Prenatal class on drug use losing funding

ROSEBURG, Ore. – A counseling program for pregnant women at risk for drug use is losing its state funding despite an increase in the number of women suffering from the problem.

The number of women who reported using illegal drugs while pregnant has shot up from two per 1,000 in 2002 to 15 per 1,000 in 2005, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

In addition, the Douglas County Commission on Children and Families said in its 2008-14 comprehensive plan that drug use by pregnant women – and the effects on their babies – appears to be one of the most serious health problems the county faces.

But the Community Response to Addicted Families Team, or CRAFT, a program run by drug treatment provider ADAPT in Roseburg, will cease to exist when its funding expires next June.

Women were referred to the program by physicians, child welfare officials and probation officers.

“It’s been free but the funding will end in June,” said Pauline Martel of ADAPT.

The program cost almost $100,000 a year to run. Without the state paying for it, the program will probably end, she said.

The commission noted that the CRAFT program “has been instrumental in policy development and screening, assessment and education services for pregnant women.”

The new comprehensive plan now goes to Douglas County Commissioners for review before it is sent to the governor’s office.