A program dedicated to supporting women in recovery or with substance use disorder during pregnancy and into the first year of motherhood.  

Who benefits from the Persist program?

Pregnant women….

• With Substance Use Disorder
• In recovery and seeking additional support services during pregnancy
• Who have suffered from trauma or abuse
• Diagnosed with mental health disorders

Connect with the Patient Care Navigator

A Patient Care Navigator is your champion through pregnancy into the first year of parenthood. They work in collaboration with Women’s Health Care providers to meet

during a pregnancy, while on the Birth Center, and afterwards with the goal of promoting a healthy pregnancy and future through:

• Referral to local resources like WIC
• Connection to recovery support services
• Assessment & referrals to mental health providers
• Review of helpful resources for mom and baby

Treatment

For patients of Women’s Health Care, a team-based clinic is offered once a week in the Haverhill Office and offers ongoing treatment with buprenorphine. A team of nurses, social workers, and physicians meet with and treat patients through their pregnancy and for up to one year after delivery of the baby.  

Meet your Care Team at the Birth Center at Anna Jaques Hospital

The Persist program is aimed at reducing the fear of the unknown. Along with the Patient Care Navigator, you will have an opportunity to visit with the team of doctors and nurses on the Birth Center & Neonatal Care Center at Anna Jaques Hospital prior to delivery to feel prepared and comfortable.  

Free Infant Massage Class:

Babies are best comforted by their parents. This free class offered to patients in the Persist program teaches hands-on infant massage techniques to help soothe and calm baby and further a connection between parent and baby. Taught by Neonatal Care nurse.  

At Anna Jaques Hospital…

You have visited the hospital and met your team prior to delivery. Now it is time to relax and enjoy getting to know your baby. Birth Center staff provides education on infant care and the Patient Care Navigator will complete any referral paperwork and address any other needs that arise. A nurse from Early Intervention will meet for those that qualify, and initiate the referral to save you an appointment after discharge.

Persist Support Group

The Patient Care Navigator facilitates a free weekly support group in Haverhill to provide a safe and supportive place for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorder and/or in recovery to share and gain support.  

Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00pm
Haverhill Medical Offices at Anna Jaques Hospital
600 Primrose Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Free, no RSVP required