March of Dimes and CVS Health Foundation Unite for Maternal Care Access Initiative
In a significant move towards improving maternal health across the United States, March of Dimes has partnered with CVS Health Foundation to launch the second phase of their groundbreaking initiative known as the Equitable Access to Doula Care Project. This program aims to expand access to doula services, which are essential for providing comprehensive support to expecting mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Doulas serve as trained professionals who offer physical, emotional, and educational support during the prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal periods. Their involvement can substantially reduce complications during childbirth, lessen stress levels, and even improve breastfeeding rates, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Recent surveys, such as the one conducted by March of Dimes and Harris Poll, indicate a troubling gap in awareness regarding doula services. While most Americans recognize healthcare providers such as obstetricians and midwives, a staggering number—almost fifty percent—remain unfamiliar with doulas. This lack of knowledge often translates into limited access to crucial maternal care, particularly affecting underserved communities.
Cindy Rahman, the President and CEO of March of Dimes, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, "We are proud to continue this partnership with CVS Health, ensuring that more families can access the support and care they deserve. Everyone who gives birth should feel seen, heard, and supported during their pregnancy, which is precisely what doulas provide. Their presence helps to create a more respectful and positive pregnancy experience, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and infants."
The initiative, which boasts a collaborative budget of $4 million over five years, focuses on diversifying the doula workforce and providing families with resources that highlight the positive impacts doulas can have. This collaborative effort will involve two cohorts of community-based teams engaged in a gradual 30-month engagement aimed at expanding community-based doula access.
In the second cohort, four local communities will benefit from this initiative. The selected communities include:
Through this collaborative approach, participating sites will benefit from professional doula education and training, consumer education resources, community grants for local infrastructure, and technical support. These resources together will bolster equitable doula care within their communities.
About March of Dimes:
March of Dimes is dedicated to advocating for the health of all mothers and infants. Their efforts encompass research funding, educational programs, and advocacy to ensure every family gets the best start possible. Since its establishment in 1938, March of Dimes has built a legacy of support for every pregnant person and family. For more information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.
About CVS Health Foundation:
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company committed to building health in the community around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2024, the company operates more than 9,000 retail pharmacies, over 1,000 walk-in and primary care clinics, and serves around 90 million plan members. CVS Health’s integrated model aims to enhance quality care access while promoting better health outcomes at reduced costs.
Recent surveys, such as the one conducted by March of Dimes and Harris Poll, indicate a troubling gap in awareness regarding doula services. While most Americans recognize healthcare providers such as obstetricians and midwives, a staggering number—almost fifty percent—remain unfamiliar with doulas. This lack of knowledge often translates into limited access to crucial maternal care, particularly affecting underserved communities.
Cindy Rahman, the President and CEO of March of Dimes, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, "We are proud to continue this partnership with CVS Health, ensuring that more families can access the support and care they deserve. Everyone who gives birth should feel seen, heard, and supported during their pregnancy, which is precisely what doulas provide. Their presence helps to create a more respectful and positive pregnancy experience, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and infants."
The initiative, which boasts a collaborative budget of $4 million over five years, focuses on diversifying the doula workforce and providing families with resources that highlight the positive impacts doulas can have. This collaborative effort will involve two cohorts of community-based teams engaged in a gradual 30-month engagement aimed at expanding community-based doula access.
In the second cohort, four local communities will benefit from this initiative. The selected communities include:
- - East Orange, NJ: Partnered with LaIniciativa de Equidad en la Salud Perinatal, which is committed to eradicating maternal and infant health disparities faced by Black individuals. This collaboration will push for doula-friendly policies in connection with the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
- - Riverside, CA: Grounded Beginnings, LLC will work with Loma Linda University Medical Center to provide tailored doula training for specific communities, helping families navigate childbirth and postpartum support.
- - Buffalo, NY: The Calming Nature Doula Service Center collaborates with Sisters of Charity and Sister's Hospitals to enhance education and resources for doulas and their clients.
- - Oxnard, CA: The Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) focuses on empowering Indigenous migrant communities while ensuring doulas receive essential training and certification in partnership with the Ventura County Medical Center.
Through this collaborative approach, participating sites will benefit from professional doula education and training, consumer education resources, community grants for local infrastructure, and technical support. These resources together will bolster equitable doula care within their communities.
About March of Dimes:
March of Dimes is dedicated to advocating for the health of all mothers and infants. Their efforts encompass research funding, educational programs, and advocacy to ensure every family gets the best start possible. Since its establishment in 1938, March of Dimes has built a legacy of support for every pregnant person and family. For more information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.
About CVS Health Foundation:
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company committed to building health in the community around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2024, the company operates more than 9,000 retail pharmacies, over 1,000 walk-in and primary care clinics, and serves around 90 million plan members. CVS Health’s integrated model aims to enhance quality care access while promoting better health outcomes at reduced costs.
Topics Health）
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