NASCEND

Technology-enhanced training & certification for healthcare systems to improve outcomes for OEI.

11/25/2025

Did You Know? 💡
Research shows that some preschool-aged children with prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine may experience:

Short attention span
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Short-term memory challenges

Medication treatment during pregnancy is the recommended approach for individuals with opioid use disorder, as it helps reduce the risks associated with untreated substance use. At the same time, it’s important for parents and caregivers to have clear, supportive information about what to expect for their child.

Being informed helps families notice early signs of behavioral differences and access support or early intervention services when needed. Understanding what to watch for empowers caregivers and helps children thrive.

11/22/2025

We were grateful to attend the 5th annual Canopy Great Business Summit! 🌿

It is always inspiring to be part of a community of Kentucky leaders dedicated to responsible, impact-driven business. From exploring how joy can drive workplace culture and business success to seeing the next generation of leaders recognized, the CGBS was a reminder that investing in people and purpose creates long-term impact.

11/15/2025

Fact! Infants experiencing withdrawal from he**in exposure often have severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. When providers know which substances an infant was exposed to—and when—they can anticipate complications and provide more targeted, effective care.

11/13/2025

Did You Know? The most effective comfort measure is family engagement.

When caregivers are involved early, traditional comfort measures work better, helping to reduce hospital days and the need for pharmacological treatment in opioid-exposed infants. Our training uses innovative strategies like prenatal consultation, shared care agreements, and infant interaction education to give caregivers meaningful ways to connect with and support their baby.

By fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment in caregivers, everyone benefits: infants, families, and healthcare teams.

11/08/2025

Myth! Trauma is not determinative. While a high ACE score can increase risk, many individuals overcome their experiences and do not develop a substance use disorder.

Through training and certification, NASCEND teaches a trauma-informed care approach. Using these principles helps patients feel less judged and stigmatized, promotes understanding and trust, and supports better outcomes for both mom and baby.

11/06/2025

We are devastated by the tragic plane crash in our community on November 4, 2025. Our hearts are with all those affected during this unimaginable time, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who rushed to help.

10/16/2025

We had an inspiring time at the 2025 Kentucky Opioid Symposium, where people from across the Commonwealth came together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen efforts to address opioid use. Highlights included Dr. Dasgupta’s “Behind the Numbers” session on overdose trends and the Boyle County ASAP Community Coalition’s moving talk on embedding harm reduction in small towns.

It was amazing to connect with attendees who, as Attorney General Russell Coleman put it, truly “give a damn.” We hope future symposiums also shine a light on infants and mothers affected by opioid use, ensuring these critical populations get the attention and support they deserve.

10/14/2025

Language matters. The words we use can build bridges—or create barriers.

Watch this side-by-side of stigmatizing terms and the language we recommend instead. Which one surprised you most? 💬

10/11/2025

Standard NOWS scoring looks at 21 subjective symptoms, while the Forbes AssessPro focuses on 6 evidence-based symptoms. Here is why it matters for NAS care:

Sneezing is listed as a withdrawal symptom in standard NOWS scoring, but it is actually common in all newborns and does not indicate the need for medication treatment.

Forbes AssessPro focuses on 6 evidence-based, clinically significant symptoms that truly indicate withdrawal and guide treatment decisions. Our approach helps providers deliver standardized, consistent care for opioid-exposed infants while reducing unnecessary treatment, length of stay, and financial burden.

09/29/2025

Did you know that 'bonding' and 'attachment' aren’t the same? Bonding refers to the parent’s emotional connection, while attachment is the infant’s developing connection. For mothers with substance use disorder (SUD), physiology can sometimes make immediate bonding more challenging. It’s important for healthcare professionals to understand that bonding is a process that takes time. NASCEND’s training provides guidance on how to support and promote bonding for mothers and infants.

Address

710 Barret Avenue
Louisville, KY
40204

Website

http://www.nascend.com/, https://linktr.ee/nascend

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The New Paradigm of Care for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Each year, an estimated 15% of infants are affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol, illicit drugs or other substances. That means 1 infant is born every 15 minutes requiring treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) resulting in an aggregate cost of care of more than $2.5 billion. NASCEND is transforming the experience of NAS with technology, live virtual and in-person training, evidence-supported guidelines, and family-focused intervention. NASCEND helps healthcare professionals engage with expectant mothers and families as early as the 1st trimester, deliver improved in-hospital newborn care, and continue developmental and nutritional follow up for the first three year’s of the child’s life. Our results are life changing. Infants supported with NASCEND’s continuum of care are less likely to be admitted to the NICU, are treated with comfort care measures instead of medication, and spend less time in the hospital. NASCEND’s approach to caring for substance exposed infants significantly reduces the cost of care with a per patient savings of nearly $40,000 as well as a better experience for families and healthcare providers.