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The cost of substance abuse treatment is high, but the impact of the lack of treatment is even higher, according to Dierdre Pearson, who manages a substance abuse treatment program for women at the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority.

“I have the opportunity to look daily in the faces of women who have needs that are not being met … due to the lack of funding resources,” said Pearson, speaking Tuesday at a public hearing on a proposal to enhance Medicaid coverage of substance abuse services.

Tuesday’s hearing in western Henrico County was part of a series of meetings being held across the state to get public comment on the proposals. Close to 50 people, including many service providers like Pearson, attended the meeting.

“I see women who would be able to be treated on an outpatient basis but are hospitalized” because services are not available, she said.

“We provide services for 100 to 150 women annually, but there are many, many more who need what we have to offer,” Pearson said.

Neglect due to a mother’s substance abuse is one of the top reasons children enter foster care in Virginia, said Karen Kimsey, deputy director of Complex Care Services for the state Medicaid agency and moderator of the public hearing.