University Health Allocates $30 Million from Opioid Settlements to Combat NAS
San Antonio, TX – University Health is directing over $30 million received from opioid settlements toward expanding care for mothers and babies impacted by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition resulting from opioid exposure before birth. The funding will bolster specialized medical teams and resources dedicated to treating infants experiencing withdrawal symptoms and supporting their families.
The surge in NAS cases, linked to the national opioid crisis, places a significant strain on local healthcare systems. Infants born with NAS often require prolonged hospital stays and intensive medical intervention to manage symptoms like fever, respiratory distress, and feeding difficulties. Mothers also face increased risks of complications following childbirth. This new funding aims to address these challenges head-on, improving outcomes for both mothers and newborns in Bexar County, which has consistently recorded the highest NAS rate in Texas.
From 2017 to 2021, Bexar County’s NAS rate stood at 7.7 cases per 1,000 hospital births, representing 23% of all NAS cases statewide, according to data from the Texas Department of State health Services. The influx of settlement funds provides a critical possibility to offset the significant costs associated with treating these complex cases.
“This is just additional funding that we now have in order to offset the costs associated with that, as sometimes they end up being born with multiple conditions,” said Rivela. “And it takes a multi-faceted medical care training team, 24/7, to properly care for this baby.”
The investment will support a comprehensive,around-the-clock care model for infants with NAS,ensuring access to specialized medical expertise and resources. This includes training for medical staff to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms and provide optimal care for affected newborns.