Imagine being a young woman, heavy with child, and struggling with addiction.

You work at a couple of low wage jobs to support your family, and haven’t even seen a doctor yet because you don’t have time or transportation, and you’re terrified you’ll be arrested and have your children taken away from you because of your drug dependence.

There is help.

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Connections program is designed for women who want to make life better for their children and themselves.

The Connections program “helps moms get on the right track through their pregnancies,” said Dr. Courtney A. Boyle, who works with LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology and is the medical director of Connections.

The program officially began about a year ago after the hospital network saw an increase in the number of infants admitted to its neonatal intensive care unit after being born dependent on the drugs their mothers took during pregnancy.

“Every mom who comes is screened. We call it the “four P’s,” Boyle said.

“We ask patients if their parents or their partner has a history of drug use, or if they themselves have any past history,” she said.

“If they screen positive, they are admitted into program.”

Connections can best be described as a “one stop shop,” Boyle said.

It offers virtually every service a patient needs to get clean, get care, and get on the right track.

After a patient is assessed to determine what her needs are, Clinical Care Manager Mary Beth Kollar connects her with services within the program, and, when the time comes, out in the community.

Connections even provides transportation to appointments.

Boyle and Kollar do their best to get mother and child the help they need. Sometimes, it’s not easy.

“There is a stigma. People are afraid,” Boyle said. “Our goal is just to get patients in and get them to realize we are here to help them.”

Sometimes addicted patients show up late in pregnancy because of fear.

Although as mandated reporters, they are under state law required to notify child protective services if a mother or her baby test positive for controlled substances.

However, “if you are getting appropriate care and engaged in treatment, it doesn’t necessarily mean Children & Youth is coming to take your baby,” Boyle said.

“We’re here to ensure healthy pregnancies and healthy, happy babies. We want to create a healthy environment for everyone,” she said.

There are currently about 40 patients active in the program. Connections is available at 14 office sites in Lehighton, Lehigh and Northampton counties.

“We also serve patients in other counties, Boyle said. “You don’t have to travel to Allentown.”

Connections has had “good short-term successes,” Boyle said.

It has partnered with Pyramid Healthcare is a partner offers certified recovery services and peer support.

Connections also offers a direct connection to drug and alcohol treatment services.

“We try to make it as easy as possible for our patients to get all the services they require,” Boyle said.

Connections can be reached at 484-714-5274.