Yavapai County, AZ – MATFORCE is a primary prevention organization in Yavapai County, AZ, dedicated to preventing youth drug use before it begins. The organization is excited to announce the continuation of its virtual learning series, “MATFORCE Messages,” with a new presentation to launch the fall season. This series features subject matter experts who cover a variety of topics aimed at fostering healthier communities.
Substance Use in Pregnancy & Beyond: Impacts on Parents and Baby, presented by David Barko, Family Resource Center Director, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, is scheduled for Thursday, September 18th at 11:00 am.
This presentation explores the profound effects of substance use during pregnancy on both maternal and fetal health. It examines the impact of various substances on prenatal development, birth outcomes, and long-term child development. Topics such as polysubstance use, co-occurring mental health disorders, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) are discussed using current research, real-world scenarios, and public health data.
A critical component of the presentation highlights prevention and early intervention strategies, including the role of Healthy Families America (HFA)—an evidence-based home visitation program. HFA supports families through prenatal education, postnatal follow-up, developmental monitoring, and connection to substance use treatment and community resources. The program’s trauma-informed and strengths-based approach helps reduce risk factors, promote protective factors, and improve long-term outcomes for both parents and children.
The presentation concludes with practical tools, screening approaches, and resource referrals to support healthier pregnancies and family well-being.
Registration is required for these free virtual presentations. For more information or to register visit matforce.org, call (928) 708-0100 or email at info@matforceaz.org.
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MATFORCE is a community organization that educates and raises awareness about substance abuse issues, and advocates for policy change throughout Yavapai County. With over 300 active volunteers, MATFORCE encompasses the belief that stopping drug use before it starts through primary prevention strategies is an essential part of building healthier communities. Programs of MATFORCE include drug prevention education in the schools, the Yavapai Reentry Project, Trauma Lens Care, public awareness and education campaigns, and advocating for policy change at the state and local level. For more information about MATFORCE visit matforce.org or our family of websites: MarijuanaHarmlessThinkAgain.org | OpioidOD.com | YavapaiReentryProject.org | TraumaLensCare.org | SACLAz.org | NaloxoneAZ.com | TalkNowAZ.com | TheNewMeth.com | LearnMoreAZ.org | AZDrugSummit.org | CommunityReentryProjectsAZ.org