WV Impact

The WV IMPACT project is working with communities to create opportunities and address needs of children diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or exposed to substances in utero.

The program’s goal is to improve the health and well-being of children diagnosed with NAS, women who were, or are, using substances, and their families who receive services from home visiting programs.

IMPACT is a research study designed to develop strategies to expand services that encourage children’s healthy development and help families overcome barriers to achieving financial security and independence. The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities is collaborating with WV Home Visitation Providers, Burlington United Methodist Family Services and Wheeling Hospital to provide additional services to families who enroll in the WV IMPACT study.

Burlington United Methodist Family Services (BUMFS) provides care coordination for children and their families based on responding to immediate client needs. By collaborating with the WV IMPACT Project, they will expand community outreach, strengthen partnerships with other organizations, advocate for families, promote healthcare, educate families about access to resources, and identify the gaps in services to help overcome barriers and bridge services needed.

The WV IMPACT Program Navigator will be responsible for coordinating the care of multi-generational families impacted by substance abuse and or NAS. Services will focus on meeting “where the client is,” by responding to current client needs such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation, or childcare.

Participation in this study is voluntary. Taking part in this study, will have no effect on the services that you are receiving by a partner agency. To be eligible, you must:

– Have a child who was diagnosed with NAS or exposed to substances in utero.
– Be an active client in a home visiting program.
– Live in Marion, Harrison, Preston, Taylor and Monongahela counties

Now accepting clients and referrals. Please contact Ashley McKinsey at 304-813-5119 or aemckinsey@bumfs.org

Funding for this project is provided by the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED). This two-generational research project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award UK4MC32111-02-00. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

For more information please contact Ashley McKinsey at 304-813-5119 or aemckinsey@bumfs.org