Zepf Center has been awarded $261,349 through the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Office of Treatment Services to expand access to critical treatment and recovery supports for pregnant and parenting women living with substance use disorders.
The grant is part of a new statewide initiative called the Ohio Integrated Maternal Wellness Pilot Project, which focuses on delivering coordinated, compassionate care to women and families in underserved and rural communities.
Through this pilot, Zepf Center will replicate a successful hospital-based model that integrates medical care, behavioral health services, and social supports into a seamless continuum of care. Services will expand into six rural northwest Ohio counties, including Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Ottawa, Paulding, and Williams, ensuring women can access care closer to home.
“This program is about meeting women where they are and walking alongside them through every stage of pregnancy and recovery,” said Mirisa Castellese, SUD Clinical Manager of Integrated Care at Zepf Center. “By coordinating care and removing barriers like transportation, housing, and access to treatment, we’re empowering mothers, reducing risks, and supporting healthier, happier futures for families.”
The expanded model will provide wraparound services that address the full scope of each client’s needs, including primary care, mental health and substance use treatment, housing support, transportation, vocational training, education, and developmental services.
Known as MATernity Journey, the model was originally developed by Marietta Memorial Hospital in partnership with DBH. It emphasizes early engagement in care, intensive coordination throughout pregnancy, and continued support after childbirth. As part of this initiative, Marietta Memorial Hospital will serve as a consultant and trainer to support successful implementation in community settings.
“This investment allows us to expand a proven, integrated model of care into rural communities, helping pregnant and parenting women access the support they need,” said Deb Flores. “By bringing together medical, behavioral health, and social services, we’re creating a more connected system of care that supports healthier outcomes for mothers, babies, and families across northwest Ohio.”
This initiative builds on promising outcomes from the original pilot, which supported nearly 200 women and demonstrated measurable improvements in maternal and infant health, increased access to medication-assisted treatment, and reduced system costs.
For more information about this grant or related services, please call 419-841-7701.