NASCEND

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

12/20/2025

Each year, we gather with the people who make NASCEND possible to celebrate our accomplishments, say thank you, and look ahead with excitement for what’s next. We had an incredible holiday celebration filled with beautiful art, meaningful connections, and plenty of cheer. We’re so grateful for this community!

12/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our presentation yesterday at PedsUniversity Hot Topics in Neonatology 2025.

CEO, K. Dawn Forbes, MD presented new findings showing that Forbes AssessPro, her point-of-care assessment and treatment web application, is helping ensure opioid-exposed infants receive better assessment, better care and better outcomes..

“Presenting our AssessPro data was a powerful reminder of why this work matters and how deeply the neonatal community cares about improving OEI outcomes.”

If you’re here at Hot Topics, visit us at booth 18. We’d love to talk through the data and connect.

12/07/2025

How much can digital health improve care for infants experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)?

At NASCEND, we continue to develop digital tools that enable clinicians to make more informed assessments, reduce care variation and support improved outcomes for families. Our latest evaluation reveals significant progress as these tools are applied in real-world clinical settings.

We’re looking forward to sharing the full findings at PedsUniversity Hot Topics in Neonatology 2025 and connecting with others committed to improving care for opioid-exposed infants.

12/05/2025

We are excited that our Founder and CEO, K. Dawn Forbes, MD, will present at PedsUniversity Hot Topics in Neonatology 2025.

Hot Topics is a national meeting for clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing neonatal care. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our newest findings with a community dedicated to improving outcomes for infants and families affected by maternal substance use disorder.

Dr. Forbes will present new insights on how her web-based, point-of-care application, AssessPro, is reducing treatment duration, medication exposure and days in the hospital for opioid-exposed infants. We hope to see you there.

11/29/2025

Fact! “Lipophilic” means these medications get stored in the body’s fat and are released slowly over time. Because of that, babies exposed to substances like methadone or buprenorphine may show withdrawal symptoms later, and those symptoms can last longer. The type of drug a baby is exposed to really matters, because it affects how and when withdrawal shows up.

The more we understand these differences, the better we can care for these babies and support the families who love them.

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.

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.