BOSTON – May 24, 2023 – Boston Children’s Hospital has launched the first Division of Addiction Medicine at a pediatric institution, reinforcing the importance of addressing substance use in children and adolescents providing multidisciplinary care for youth working towards recovery.
For more than 20 years, Boston Children’s has led the increasingly important work of identifying, diagnosing, and treating substance use problems and disorders in adolescents and young adults. Moving the field forward to provide the best possible support for patients and families has always been the priority.
“By creating the first Division of Addiction Medicine at a children’s hospital, Boston Children’s is making an investment in prevention and early intervention to address substance use disorders and other substance use risks while the developing brain is extremely resilient and treatment outcomes are best,” says Chief of Addiction Medicine, Sharon Levy, MD, MPH.
Our nation faces epidemic levels of substance use disorders and overdose deaths, and these problems take root in childhood and adolescence. Through an unparalleled combination of clinical care, research, training, and advocacy, the new Division of Addiction Medicine will lead our efforts on all fronts, advance the work and provide more resources for patients and families.
“Our work in addiction medicine must continue to grow to meet the dramatic increase in families seeking clinical services, the urgent need for research breakthroughs, and our commitment to ensuring the future of the field through teaching,” says Kevin B. Churchwell, Boston Children’s President and CEO. “The need to recognize all of these efforts as the work of a Division is clear. Addiction Medicine must take its place with the other specialties that are so essential to building a healthy future for our children.”
About Boston Children’s Hospital
Boston Children’s Hospital is ranked the #1 children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is a pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Home to the world’s largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, its discoveries have benefited children and adults since 1869. Today, 3,000 researchers and scientific staff, including 11 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 24 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 9 Howard Hughes Medical Investigators comprise Boston Children’s research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children’s is now a 485-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care. For more, visit our Answers blog, and follow us on social media: @BostonChildrens, @BCH_Innovation, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
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