Concord, NC — The Suda Institute is honored to announce that the North Carolina General Assembly has appropriated $1 million to support the organization’s SUN (Substance Use Network) Project as part of the recently approved $34 billion North Carolina state budget.
The funding recognizes the critical importance of improving outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) and their infants. Through this appropriation, The Suda Institute joins five other perinatal substance use disorder initiatives across North Carolina that received funding through opioid abatement funds.
While the Institute has not yet received formal guidance regarding the allowable uses of these funds, planning is already underway to ensure the investment has the greatest possible impact.
“Once guidance is received, we are committed to working collaboratively with our SUN Project partners, the NC PSUD Network, healthcare providers, community organizations, and—most importantly—individuals with lived experience to identify the most meaningful and effective ways to improve outcomes for families affected by opioid use disorder,” said Gina Hofert, Chief Executive Officer of The Suda Institute. “Our approach has always been grounded in collaboration, evidence-based practices, and the voices of the families we serve.”
The SUN Project brings together healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, social service agencies, child welfare partners, community organizations, and people with lived experience to build coordinated systems of care that improve access to treatment, reduce stigma, and support healthy pregnancies and stronger family outcomes.
The Suda Institute extends its sincere appreciation to Representative Dr. Grant Campbell, who represents portions of Cabarrus and Rowan counties, and Representative Cody Huneycutt, who represents Stanly County, for their leadership and commitment to addressing the needs of families affected by perinatal substance use disorder.
The Institute also recognizes the many advocates, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience whose tireless efforts at both the local and state levels have helped elevate the importance of perinatal substance use disorder and secure vital resources for North Carolina families.
This investment reflects a growing recognition that overdose is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in NC and supporting mothers and infants affected by substance use disorder requires coordinated, compassionate, and evidence-based systems of care. We are deeply grateful to our legislative champions and to every partner who has worked to bring attention to this important issue.
About The Suda Institute
The Suda Institute is a North Carolina nonprofit organization dedicated to developing collaborative systems of care that improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by substance use disorder and their families. Through the SUN Project, The Suda Institute partners with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, public agencies, community partners, and people with lived experience to increase access to treatment, strengthen cross-system collaboration, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes across North Carolina.
