Haymarket Center is launching the Supportive Services and Treatment for Accessible Recovery – Together (START) program to support pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorders. This transformative initiative focuses on improving healthcare outcomes for women from areas of Chicago disproportionately affected by opioid use. It builds on Haymarket’s existing Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW) program, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care and addressing healthcare disparities.
“Most of the women we serve—99.9%—have experienced some form of trauma in their lives,” says Pamela Williams, Assistant Clinical Director. “Having a trauma therapist on board is absolutely phenomenal.”
The START program takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving recovery specialists, peer doulas, and a trauma therapist who work collaboratively to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for mothers and their infants. Participants will receive personalized intake assessments followed by a full year of support tailored to their unique needs, with a program goal of stabilizing 20 women annually.
The program goes beyond medical treatment, addressing broader needs such as emotional support, health education, and social services. By connecting participants with essential resources—START helps build a sustainable foundation for recovery and well-being for both mother and child.
Pamela emphasizes the importance of addressing societal stigma. “In the past, women with opioid use disorder, especially those who are pregnant or postpartum, were often unseen or ignored. Our goal is to change that by desensitizing and destigmatizing opioid use disorder in this population. Having staff with lived experience, combined with education and empathy, is key to breaking the stigma and helping women succeed.”
Melinda McMichael, a Haymarket staff member, exemplifies this approach through her role as a peer doula. Having achieved sobriety in January 2018, Melinda understands firsthand the challenges faced by women in recovery.
“I believe that the work we do is important. Programs like this, where other recovering people help others, are vital. We guide people through their recovery journey and show them how to navigate life in recovery,” Melinda says.
The START program fosters strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, connecting patients to a network of care and creating a sense of connection and solidarity. This approach not only supports recovery but also helps to reduce healthcare disparities.
The long-term vision for the START program is to create lasting, positive change for both mothers and their children. By focusing on trauma-informed care, peer support, and sustainable recovery, the program strives to reduce the stigma and empower more women to rebuild their lives and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
Funding provided in a whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through the Opioid Remediation Trust Fund or the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. The Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA) is administered by Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., as authorized by CSFA 444-26-3078.