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New Report: The Economic Impact of Perinatal Substance Use Support

By Katie Breen, MPH

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What happens when healthcare systems are designed to meet people where they are, at one of the most critical moments in their lives?

Accidental overdose is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Colorado, accounting for 1 in 5 maternal deaths—all of which were determined to be preventable.

Addressing this challenge requires more than awareness. It requires coordinated systems of care that identify needs early and connect people to support at the right time.

Our latest study, conducted by the Center for Social Investment at Omni Institute, examines the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of CPCQC’s Turning the Tide initiative, a hospital-based approach designed to strengthen how care teams identify and respond to perinatal substance use.

Read the Executive Summary
Read the Full Technical Report

Key Findings:

  • 2:1 Return: For every dollar invested in Turning the Tide, $1.99 in social value is generated through improved management of substance use disorders (SUD).
  • 94% Screening Rate: Nearly all birthing people at participating hospitals were screened for substance use, helping ensure concerns are identified early.
  • Connection to Care: 87% of those who screened positive received a referral or treatment during their hospital stay.
  • Sustained Treatment: An estimated 34 additional birthing people maintained engagement in SUD treatment as a result of the program’s implementation. In a state that saw 28 pregnancy-associated overdose deaths over the most recent two years of available data, that increase puts into perspective how meaningful sustained treatment engagement can be for maternal health and overdose prevention.

Turning the Tide works by strengthening systems at the point of care: embedding screening, reducing stigma, and ensuring that support is available before patients leave the hospital. These are practical, evidence-informed steps that help translate clinical encounters into ongoing care and improved outcomes.

These findings show that stronger systems of care can save lives, improve outcomes, and create lasting value for Colorado families and communities.

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