The Wright Center’s Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support Program

“As we know too well, it takes a village to raise a child. The complex struggles surrounding opioid addiction can make pregnancy an even tougher time,” said Maria Kolcharno, Healthy MOMS Program manager and director of addictions services at The Wright Center for Community Health. “The evidence suggests that mothers who join the program and participate in recovery services well before their delivery dates are less likely to give birth to babies who experience neonatal abstinence syndrome, a potentially painful and costly medical condition caused when a newborn withdraws from drugs the baby had been exposed to in the womb.”

‘I need help’

Despite Sharkazy’s commitment to sobriety after her release from prison, chaos ensued. She was married to an abusive alcoholic, far away from her family. She gave birth to her daughter, Blake, who is now 11, followed by her son, Carter, who is now 10.

She divorced her husband, moved back home with her two children, and eventually began dating a man who was recovering from substance use disorder. Unfortunately, he relapsed, and soon after, Sharkazy realized she was pregnant with her second daughter, Mason, now 5, who was born with cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.

Over time, Sharkazy started taking prescription medication to manage pain caused by several debilitating, chronic issues. “My doses kept increasing,” Sharkazy said. “And then I got pregnant again, and I thought, ‘I can’t be on these ridiculous doses anymore. I need help.’”

She became aware of The Wright Center for Community Health offering medications for opiate use disorder through her ex-husband’s experience at the community health center in Jermyn. Aware that Suboxone, a prescription drug for managing substance use disorder, could also provide pain relief, Sharkazy started her treatment with The Wright Center in November 2019. She found the staff, especially Ed Walsh, a case manager in The Wright Center’s state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, and Dr. Charles Burns, a former Wright Center doctor board certified in addiction medicine, to be exceptionally supportive and free of judgment.

Sharkazy then became one of the first clients in the Healthy MOMS Program to access the specialized health services she needed. Healthy MOMS Case Manager Michele Coyle has worked with Sharkazy for four years, celebrating her successes and helping her through life’s challenges. Over the years, Sharkazy has served as a keynote speaker at Wright Center events and shared her story at several other programs around the region. 

“It’s been beautiful to see her maintain her sobriety and to act as an advocate for her children and herself,” Coyle said.

‘In the right place’

Although she was putting in the hard work with the support of Coyle and other staff members in the Healthy MOMs Program, Sharkazy’s use of Suboxone, along with other complications, led to an extended hospital stay for her newborn daughter, Emerson, who is now 4. 

“Because of the medication I was prescribed, hospital staff assumed I was an IV drug user, even though I have never once put a drug in my veins and had been sober for years,” she said. “They treated me terribly, but the Healthy MOMS staff made it a lot easier. They advocated for me, in and outside of the hospital.”

Sharkazy remained in the Healthy MOMS Program for the birth of her fifth child, Ethan, who is now 16 months old. When she had similar problems with hospital staff over the stigma of using Suboxone, Healthy MOMS staff again advocated for her, including producing paperwork. 

“I can’t imagine being a mom newly in recovery or a mom without a support system, facing these challenging situations,” Sharkazy said. “I knew I could just call Michele, and she would be there to talk to, do check-ins, and just to make sure I was mentally in the right place.”

Coyle said that, over the years, Sharkazy has become a resource to other clients, especially those with children who have special needs.

“I’m supporting her needs, but sometimes, I go to her for advice. She’s navigated the system and is willing to share what she’s learned,” Coyle said. “I think we’ve learned a lot together.”

‘Pay it forward’

Since its inception in 2018, Healthy MOMS has experienced significant growth, according to Coyle. As word spreads about its many success stories, The Wright Center has expanded the program’s reach and now collaborates with more than a dozen partner agencies, including Maternal and Family Health Services, Outreach Center for Community Resources, St. Joseph’s Center, Geisinger, Commonwealth Health, and several county agencies.

“We have a lot of opportunities now to do more with and for the moms in the program,” Coyle said. “Every case is different, but we’re ready to meet the needs of each client.”

These days, Sharkazy is thriving, thanks to the continued support of the Healthy MOMS Program.

“It’s amazing to see her succeed,” Coyle said. “This is why I do what I do. It’s nice to think about how I had a small part in her journey to where she is today.”

Sharkazy has also found myriad ways to fulfill her goal of helping others. In addition to raising her children, caring for her ailing father, and looking after a variety of rescued farm animals, she works at Beach Lake United Methodist Church. She has also shared her story while serving as an advocate for varied topics, including children with cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome, the lack of rural health care resources, single mothers, and mothers with substance use disorder. “I tell my story to everyone. It’s a way to pay it forward,” she said. “Working with and being a voice for moms in recovery is something I want to continue to explore.”