An Innovative Pathway Out of Opioid Use Disorder
A new program helps mothers stop or avoid dangerous opioid use by weaving mental health services into perinatal care.
Carrissia Feaster, CNM, FNP-C
NATIONALLY, DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS HAVE been falling for two years, according to a 2026 article in JAMA. Still, in northern Nevada, opioid overdoses and limited treatment options continue to strain both patients and the healthcare system. Renown Women’ s Health – Ryland is helping to ease the burden for pregnant and postpartum women.
In June 2025, the clinic received a $ 1.5 million, two-year grant from the Fund for a Resilient Nevada. This state-administered fund distributes opioid recovery settlement money to bolster Nevada’ s long-term response to the epidemic.
“ One of the fund’ s key priorities is supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals who are at risk for or currently experiencing opioid use disorder,” says Carrissia“ Carr” Feaster, CNM, FNP-C, certified nurse-midwife and section chief of OB / GYN advanced practice providers at Renown Women’ s Health.“ Renown Women’ s Health – Ryland is well-positioned to use these resources to expand timely, comprehensive perinatal care, including improved access to substance use treatment, justice system navigation and community health support.”
Support From a Diverse Team of Experts The grant funding enabled Renown Women’ s Health – Ryland to establish an interdisciplinary support model, bringing together a perinatal therapist, a community health worker and a registered nurse coordinator to treat patients. A certified perinatal mental health provider offers medication therapy when appropriate.
Mental health services lie at the heart of the care model.
“ An in-clinic therapist provides specialized support to pregnant and postpartum patients, addressing trauma and adverse childhood experiences that significantly increase opioid-related risk,” Feaster says.“ Strengthening mental healthcare during the perinatal period is essential to reducing long-term vulnerability to opioid misuse.”
For referrals or appointments, call Renown Women’ s Health – Ryland at 775-982-5640.
10 | CLINICAL CONNECTIONS
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
The grant that Renown Women’ s Health – Ryland received from the Fund for a Resilient Nevada allowed the clinic to enhance its collaborations with local organizations dedicated to caring for women who are uninsured, underinsured or on Medicaid. The clinic can also see high-risk perinatal patents with commercial insurance, and refer them to community partners as needed. These organizations include STEP2, which helps women overcome substance use disorder, and Northern Nevada HOPES, which provides medical care to people with few resources.
“ Through our relationships with these organizations, the clinic can coordinate care more effectively, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, wraparound services and dyad-focused support,” says Carrissia“ Carr” Feaster, CNM, FNP-C, certified nursemidwife and section chief of OB / GYN advanced practice providers at Renown Women’ s Health.“ This integrated approach enhances access to essential resources for patients with substance use, helping them engage in care and progress toward their long-term goals.”
The grant funding enabled Renown Women’ s Health – Ryland to partner with Northern Nevada HOPES, Community Health Alliance, the University of Nevada, Reno and other community organizations on additional initiatives. These programs seek to reduce sexually transmitted infections and expand access to contraception for uninsured and underinsured people.