Pregnancy, Drug Use, and Parental Rights
To The Point Maryland Podcast: Season 1, Episode 6
In this episode, we explore the intersection of pregnancy and substance use. We’ll challenge common myths and misconceptions surrounding this topic, discuss the importance of non-stigmatizing and person-centered care, and explore approaches that support treatment access, healthy outcomes, and family preservation. Join us as we learn from an experienced professional whose work centers on caring for and supporting individuals navigating these complex realities.
Host
Leo Sheridan (Senior Capacity Building Manager) is a certified Community Health Worker residing in Baltimore city. He specializes in workforce development, drug user health, HIV prevention and care, and community-based public health initiatives. With a background spanning direct service and healthcare law, Leo works to strengthen the capacity of providers and community organizations serving disproportionately impacted populations. Leo has traveled throughout Maryland training CHWs through the TEACH program, certified outreach workers for HIV testing protocols through ALIVE Maryland, and has spoken and facilitated discussions surrounding rural healthcare access and polysubstance use.
Speaker
Courtney Townsel, MD MSc, is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree at Howard University in Washington, DC before returning to her home state of Florida for medical school at the University of South Florida. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at George Washington University. After completing her Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship and a Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Connecticut, Dr. Townsel has remained in academic medicine and is currently the Director of Perinatal Research at the University of Maryland. Dr. Townsel’s research interests include health disparities, substance use disorders in pregnancy, and translational research. Her current research centers on placental epigenetic regulation of fetal opioid exposure.
Related Resources
Social Networks: Drug User Health in the Digital Space
Season 1, Episode 5 — In this episode, we take a fresh look at the role of social media in advancing drug user health efforts. While social media often gets a bad reputation, it can also be a powerful tool for education, outreach, and community connection. Join us as we explore how organizations can leverage digital platforms to expand health messaging, reduce stigma, and engage communities more effectively—while navigating important considerations related to safety, privacy, and misinformation. We’ll discuss practical strategies, lessons learned, and opportunities to use social media as a force for positive change.
Mountains and Margins: Healthcare Access in Western Maryland
Season 1, Episode 1 — This inaugural episode of the “to the POINT Maryland” podcast examines how geography shapes access to care. We are joined by outreach workers from Western Maryland, and together we review some of the issues including transportation barriers, workforce shortages, and informal support networks. What makes outreach here different? How does lived experience come into play to support the community? Tune in to find out!