Maddie's Place expands support for infants born substance exposed in Spokane

The Spokane City Council's Public Safety & Health Committee meeting on June 2, 2025, highlighted critical issues surrounding substance-exposed infants and the ongoing efforts of Maddie's Place, a pediatric transitional care facility. The meeting featured testimony from representatives of Maddie's Place, who emphasized the urgent need for support and funding to address the high rates of infants born exposed to substances in Spokane, which are significantly above the national average.

Maddie's Place is one of only five such facilities in the United States, and it has treated 136 infants since its inception. Approximately 85% of these infants come from the Spokane region, but the facility is beginning to attract families from across Washington state. The average length of stay for infants at Maddie's Place is about 60 days, during which parents are encouraged to stay with their children, provided they are committed to recovery. Notably, 87 out of 91 parents who participated in the program are now in recovery and have retained custody of their children.

The facility has raised over $15 million since 2020, with significant contributions from the state of Washington, including $7.5 million from the opioid settlement account. Spokane County has also prioritized funding for Maddie's Place, providing $600,000 for expansion efforts. The organization is seeking an additional $2.1 million in opioid settlement funds to further enhance its services.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the pressing need for a sustainable funding model to ensure the continuity of care for vulnerable families in Spokane. As the community grapples with the challenges of substance abuse, Maddie's Place stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for recovery and family reunification.