PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 17, 2022) — Jefferson College of Nursing (JCN) students will have a unique opportunity for hands-on training, as Maternal Addiction Treatment, Education and Research (MATER), a comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program at Jefferson Health, comes under the purview of the college.
MATER provides wrap-around services and resources to care for women and families in need of healing. Led by Diane Abatemarco, PhD, MSW, MATER boasts a team of nationally renowned, researchers, specialists and experts in a wide range of disciplines. They work in partnership with pregnant and parenting women and their families at every point in the decision-making process, from planning initial steps to managing ongoing care for SUD. MATER’s approach is mindful of the history of trauma – including stigma, violence and homelessness – that many patients face before, during and even after pregnancy. Services are tailored to each person’s needs and include individual, group and family therapy, medical care and psychological care. The program also offers social service support to address many of the often-overlooked barriers to successful treatment and recovery.