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Pediatric Interim Care Center, in Kent, Washington, is a nationally recognized program providing medically supervised care for drug-exposed infants. We are the original "PICC" and the only center-based program dedicated to supporting infants through withdrawal. As a nonprofit organization, PICC was established in 1990 in response to the growing number of drug affected, medically fragile infants born in the State of Washington. This need prompted the medical and social welfare communities to seek a medically safe interim care center for these infants. Barbara Drennen and Barbara Richards were asked to develop the concept of such a center because of their more than 25 years of experience with newborns and medically fragile infants and their success with those born drug-affected. PICC offers a homelike, loving atmosphere for these babies. Our 24-hour, medically supervised care for each baby is customized and personalized depending on the specific drugs the mother used. The baby's condition at birth and other health factors, such as prematurity, also factor in. PICC has developed state-of-art medical and therapeutic handling techniques to ease the suffering of the little one. Additionally, PICC works with the caregivers (parents, relatives and foster parents), training them on baby care and how to manage the home environment once the baby leaves the center, usually after 28 days. A 24-hour support phone line and private family visiting area is also available. To date, PICC still remains the only center of its kind in the United States! This past year (2005) we treated babies affected by cocaine, amphetamines and heroin. We also saw a marked increase in pregnant women using (and abusing) prescription drugs, which can have a devastating effect on a newborn. Since opening our doors, PICC has cared for nearly 1,900 drug-affected infants. The center is very cost effective. We are able to care for our babies for about $151.00 per day compared to hospital stays, which can average $2,700.00 to $3,700.00 per day. To date, we have saved the taxpayers of Washington State over $45 million!