SPOKANE, Wash. — Maddie’s Place, a Spokane nursery for babies born with drug withdrawal, is at risk of closing its doors as legislators consider slashing nearly all of the nonprofit’s state funding.
The facility, which opened in 2022, requested $2.2 million, $500,000 less than their current operating budget. However, the Senate’s budget proposal only set aside $200,000, and the House allocated nothing.
“I just don’t think we can make up a $2 million hole,” said Shaun Cross, CEO and President of Maddie’s Place.
Inside the nursery, infants are cared for who suffer from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition that occurs when a newborn is exposed to drugs during pregnancy.
“The average baby at Maddie’s Place, which is the average baby in Spokane, is not just withdrawing from one substance. They’re withdrawing each from four substances,” Cross explained.
The potential closure comes as demand for services increases. Over the last four months, Maddie’s Place says it has seen nearly double the number of infants coming in.
“I have families that are dying for their babies to come here,” said Kim Dunham, Director of Family Advocacy. “On several different occasions had to say we’re full right now. We can’t take anymore. And I hate doing that.”
Washington has shown to be a hot spot for NAS, and the Spokane Regional Health District recently released data showing emergency room visits for fentanyl and overdose deaths are on the rise.
If funding cuts are implemented, staffing reductions will follow. For Cross, this represents troubling societal priorities.
“If we can’t take care of babies that are born dependent on substances, $2 million is not even a rounding error in the $78 billion budget. It says something about our society,” Cross said.
The $2.2 million requested is cost-effective compared to NICU stays. Most mothers at Maddie’s Place retain custody of their children and maintain recovery.
Cross remains hopeful for some funding before the legislative session ends on April 27.
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