[4 min read]
In this article:
- Providence Swedish is home to the transformative COMPASSION care model, which offers pregnant people stabilization, medical substance withdrawal management, obstetric care, childbirth and parenting education and more.
- This unique program has shown improvements in numerous areas, including decreased substance use and relapse rates, tobacoco cessation, decreased foster care system entry rates and decreased emergency department utilization.
- The program's success is being recognized by Washington State, which is now advancing legislation to support funding to sustain the COMPASSION care model at
A care model developed and piloted at Providence Swedish is gaining statewide momentum, marking a major step forward for maternal and newborn health.
The COMPASSION model, led by addiction medicine specialist Vania Rudolf, M.D., and supported by teams across Providence Swedish, was designed to improve care for perinatal patients experiencing substance use and withdrawal. COMPASSION stands for Community Of Maternal PArenting Support for Subsatnce Impacted PeOple and Newborns. Although it launched without reimbursement, the program quickly showed meaningful impact. It improved outcomes for mothers and newborns, reduced Level 2 nursery stays, and decreased involvement with Child Protective Services.
That success is now being recognized at the state level. Through the implementation of Senate Bill 5580, Washington is advancing support for hospital-based withdrawal management services, creating a pathway for sustainable funding of the COMPASSION model. The proposal includes a per diem payment structure for inpatient care, with implementation anticipated in 2027.
This milestone reflects years of collaboration between clinical leaders, Providence Swedish teams, and state partners including the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine and the Health Care Authority. It also signals growing recognition of the model as an effective approach to improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients. As it expands beyond Washington, the model is helping shape care nationwide and reinforcing Providence Swedish’s leadership in advancing maternal and newborn health.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP)
If you have questions about behavioral health services, Swedish is here for you. Contact Swedish Behavioral Health and Well-Being. We can accommodate both in-person and virtual visits.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
A brighter future for pregnant people with substance use disorders
At Swedish Ballard, care and support for adults with acute psychiatric needs
Not just the baby blues. Swedish experts on postpartum anxiety and depression
988, the free national mental health hotline, has connected with millions in crisis
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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