University of Utah opens third SUPeRAD clinic to address substance abuse during pregnancy

SALT LAKE CITY — Healthcare leaders in Utah are expanding critical resources for communities struggling with substance abuse through the University of Utah’s new Substance Use & Pregnancy—Recovery, Addiction, and Dependence Clinic, or SUPeRAD.

SUPeRAD provides maternal-fetal health and addiction services in a single location, aiding pregnant women in treatment, recovery and counseling both during and after pregnancy. Since the program’s inception in 2017, clinics at the University of Utah Hospital and in South Jordan have supported over 1,300 women struggling with addiction. Its third clinic is now located in Rose Park at the Population Health Center located at 168 N. 1950 West, Suite 104.

“This expansion into this space represents an opportunity to talk about something we’re not talking about, to care about people we care about but maybe haven’t shown that we care about in the past and save some lives,” said Sen. Jen Plumb, D–Salt Lake City, who is also a pediatrician.

A driving force behind the creation of additional SUPeRAD clinics is data from the Utah Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which revealed that between 2017 and 2020, 40% of maternal deaths in the state were linked to substance abuse disorders.

“40% of our maternal deaths are substance related, we can’t have that, we absolutely can’t have that,” said Sen. Plumb.

Recognizing the urgency, University of Utah Health announced the opening of its third SUPeRAD clinic in Rose Park. This facility brings a compassionate approach to helping pregnant women face the daunting challenge of addiction.

“I was terrified, I had no idea if I could be a mom, if I could be sober, but I knew I needed to do whatever I could so I could have a healthy baby,” said Kelsie Buchanan, a mother who sought help at the SUPeRAD clinic in 2020.

Buchanan said the day she showed up at SUPeRAD clinic was one of the most difficult days of her life. She said she went home and used again but then went back a second time. Buchanan said the support she felt from the staff at the clinic is what gave her the strength to get clean. “I didn’t feel judged … they met me where I was and continued to love me until I could love myself.”

Buchanan, who welcomed a healthy baby boy in 2021, has remained sober and now works with SUPeRAD programs, helping other mothers on their recovery journeys. She encourages others to go to the clinic.

“Just keep going back, even if you’re still struggling, they’re not going to judge you, it’s not like your probation officer where there is a probation officer and there is a consequence, they will just meet you wherever you’re at and continue to love you until you can love yourself,” Buchanan said.

Sen. Plumb praised the clinics’ mission.

“SUPeRAD Clinic honestly is one of the most amazing resources that I truly believe we have in this valley,” she said. “It’s a clinic that focuses on caring for people in some of their most vulnerable times.”

SUPeRAD’s holistic approach continues to provide essential care for Utah women and their families. To learn more about the program, visit SUPeRAD Clinic’s website.

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