Safe Care Coalition
Safe Care Coalition of Lancaster County is a collaboration among healthcare and human service providers across sectors who serve pregnant and parenting people impacted by substance use.
Safe Care Coalition of Lancaster County grew from a group focused on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). As the number of attendees increase, it was clear the focus extended beyond the impact of opioid use. In conjunction with conversation surrounding Plans of Safe Care (POSC), the coalition saw a need to highlight needs of caregivers, older children in the home, as well as the initial focus of mothers and infants.
NOWS is a collaboration among healthcare and human service providers across sectors who serve pregnant and parenting people. With backbone support from Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Joining Forces for Children initiative, NOWS works closely with Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency to proactively support families impacted by substance use. This proactive, preventative approach aims to ensure that parents/caregivers have the skills and resources needed to safely parent their children and minimize child welfare involvement.
Our Goals
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Prevent Substance Use During Pregnancy
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Mitigate the Impacts of Substance Use During Pregnancy
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Increase Access to Evidence-Informed & Evidence-Based Family Services
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Increase Communication Among Providers Across Sectors
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Reduce Negative Attitudes and Beliefs about People who Use Substances
Plans of Safe Care
The plan of safe care is a community approach to the protection of mothers and substance exposed infants. The plan is a written list of helpful people and organizations that can support you and your baby.
Plans of Safe Care partners can request welcome kits, survey incentives, and educational materials.
Nutrition Models
A module created by Lancaster’s Safe Care Coalition. Good prenatal nutrition is essential for the health and development of both the baby and the mother. It provides the vital nutrients needed to support fetal growth, brain development, and the formation of organs and tissues. A well-balanced diet during pregnancy also helps reduce the risk of birth defects, preeclampsia, and complications during delivery. For the mother, proper nutrition supports energy levels, immune function, and overall well-being, laying the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and recovery postpartum.
A module brought to you by Lancaster’s Safe Care Coalition. Nutrition plays a powerful role in addiction recovery, helping to restore physical health, stabilize mood, and support brain function. Substance use can deplete the body of essential nutrients, disrupt digestion, and impair the body’s ability to heal. A balanced diet rich in whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats—can help repair damage, reduce cravings, and improve energy, sleep, and mental clarity. Good nutrition also supports emotional resilience, which is vital for maintaining sobriety and rebuilding a healthy lifestyle.
