crack baby

ok, so let's debrief about my day in public health......i witnessed a client having a heart attack....and the rescue squad clamoring in the back door to wheel her away......thankfully she was not MY client.....just someone who wandered in desiring a blood pressure check because she didn't feel right and lacks health insurance......this woman was grey and sweaty and clearly in distress....and i am impressed that my colleagues acted so quickly......and then there was my client.....a 2 month old baby that just got out of the hospital...into one then another foster care placement (the first couldn't handle all of the particulars...)...this infant has already had one major surgery related to a premature birth...and will likely have more...mamma tested positive for illegal substances....so very sad......i have a hard enough time with pregnant women who smoke (minimum cost to the baby by age 18 is $19,000 in lost quality of life)...not counting the impact on health......i had one of those mothers in today as well........and this one dropped out of high school before the baby was born.....so we are talking major loss for this child in terms of mamma's earning power.......so very sad.....