Lund

“Recover loudly so others don’t have to die quietly.”
Moms across Vermont are recovering loudly—these are their stories.

Data
Stories
Support
Partners

The Data

100% of perinatal deaths were directly related to substance use from October 2021 to early 2023 in Vermont, according to the Maternal Mortality Review Panel 2024.1

14% of women reported using a substance other than alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy, according to the Vermont Department of Health 2020 PRAMS Highlights.2

1 in 4 women experienced a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder in Vermont from 2018 to 2020 according to Estimating Costs of Untreated Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Vermont.3

The Stories

Ashlee’s Story

Content Warning: Overdose and Loss (this video discusses the topic of overdose and the impact of substance-related deaths)

“I really hope other mothers can understand there is a way out. There are people who want to help you.”

Amber’s Story

“It was not easy, but it was worth it. It still is.”

Ami’s Story

“I get to live this amazing, rich life, with so many different textures in it.”

Jen’s Story

Content Warnings: Strong Language and Abuse
(this video includes some profanity and discussion of child abuse and sexual assault)

“I trust myself more now. The home I live in, that I own, is safe for me and my kids, because we deserve to be safe.”

Mallory’s Story

“Being able to break the spiral of shame and guilt and hiding what I was doing was eye-opening for me.”

Rosemary’s Story

Content Warning: Infant Loss
(this video discusses the loss of an infant)

“The recovery community wrapped their arms around [me and my daughter].”

Support is Available

Project Partners

Learning Resources Available:

  • Stories of lived experience (individual stories and compilation film) and resources to support and guide conversations about substance use in the perinatal period and recovery
  • Facilitator guides for integrating these stories into treatment and recovery support group settings
  • Educational materials that can help providers and organizations understand the powerful role that
    storytelling can play in the recovery process

Interested in using our educational materials in your organization? Contact us to learn more about how these stories and resources can support your work.

Sources:

  1. Vermont Department of Health. (2024). Report to The Vermont Legislature, Maternal Mortality Review Panel, 2024. https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Legislative-Reports/2024-MMRP-Report-Final.pdf
  2. Vermont Department of Health. (2022). 2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Highlights. https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/HSI-stats-PRAMS2020-Highlights.pdf
  3. Platt, I., Pendl-Robinson, E., Dehus, E., O’Neil, S., Vohra, D., & Zivin, K. (Mathematica); Kenny, M. & Pentenrieder, L. (Vermont Department of Health). (2023). Estimating the Costs of Untreated Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Vermont. https://mathematica.org/publications/societal-costs-of-perinatal-mood-and-anxietydisorders-in-vermont