Center for Maternal Addiction, Treatment, Education, & Research
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The purpose of the Center for Maternal Addiction, Treatment, Education & Research (MATER) is to understand and advance coordinated, transdisciplinary models of care that support women, their children and their families heal and recover from the effects of poverty, inequity, discrimination, and/or substance use disorder, enhance their quality of life, and empower them to thrive.
3rd Annual 2026 Jefferson Center for MATER Conference
Voiced of Recovery:
Creating Through the Journey
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Jefferson Alumni Hall Atrium | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
We will be highlighting creativity, art, and expressions as part of recovery from substance use disorders. There will be presentations and panel discussions from invited and submitted individuals/groups.
All are welcome to attend this free event. This includes faculty, staff, students, researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from around the region, local government employees, individuals on their recovery journey, and others interested in supporting families affected by substance use disorders. Information on registration and a call for presentations will be coming soon.
Education
- Counseling interns from Jefferson and other area universities
- Medical students and psychiatric residents on substance use disorder rotations, Family Medicine Resident Rotaions
- OBGYN Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellows
- Nursing students (NP, RN)
Research
- Mindfulness for women and children, families, and staff
- Group well child care
- Group prenatal care
- Primary care
- Social support
- Doula engagement
- Hospital nursing education to reduce stigma
- Psychopharmacology of medications for substance use disorder and psychiatric conditions in the perinatal period
- Social Determinants of Health (i.e., food insecurity, racial disparities)
- Breastfeeding
- Social Disparities of Health and Discrimination
About The Center
Mission
To understand and advance coordinated, transdisciplinary models of care that support women, birthing persons, their children and their families heal and recover from the effects of poverty, inequity, discrimination, and/or substance use disorder, enhance their quality of life, and empower them to thrive.
Vision
We recognize that comprehensive, whole-person care enhances the wellbeing of women, birthing persons, their children, and families and the importance of high-quality research, community partnerships, and educating current and future practitioners/providers.
Core Values
- Research and Innovation
- Community Engagement
- Education
- Training