First-Time Symposium Tackles Neonatal Substance Use in Monte Vista

Communities throughout the San Luis Valley struggle with addiction, but Monte Vista residents have few opportunities to learn about the impacts of substance use during pregnancy and early childhood. Each year health groups in the valley host a neonatal awareness symposium aimed at educating residents about the importance of substance-free lifestyles during pregnancy. However, the event has never been held in Monte Vista, making it difficult for community members to attend. Staff with the San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center and San Luis Valley Neonatal Task Force had the idea to bring the symposium to Monte Vista to improve access to resources and education for residents. They just needed a little help, so they reached out to the LOR Foundation. With LOR’s funding, the group will secure a venue, meeting supples, and printed resources so that new and expecting parents can learn more about the effects of substance use and get the support they need.