#United States #Chicago #Doula Care #HealthConnect One #Birth Equity

HealthConnect One Expands Its Campaign

HealthConnect One (HC One) is thrilled to announce the national expansion of its flagship campaign, "Doulas Are for Every Body." This initiative aims to increase birth equity and access to community-based doula care, which has now reached an impressive 36 states and over 175 locations. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, HC One is bringing its successful program to five new cities: Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and various locations in the Carolinas, following a highly regarded pilot program in Rochester, New York.

Proven Success in Rochester

The Rochester pilot program demonstrated significant results over a six-month duration, garnering 3.5 million digital impressions and leading to a remarkable 257% increase in doula questionnaire downloads. This indicates that families not only saw the campaign messages but actively sought out doula services, highlighting the campaign's effectiveness. The innovative approach earned an ADDY Award for creative excellence and was recognized by local authorities, designating June 18 as "Doulas Are for Every Body Day" in both Rochester and Monroe County.

Dr. Twylla Dillion, President and CEO of HealthConnect One, emphasizes the importance of meeting families where they are. She says, "This isn't a theory. It already worked. When you connect with families in their communities, in their languages, and with doulas from similar backgrounds, the results speak for themselves. They click through to seek their doulas—this model is now expanding to every city we're engaging with."

How Doulas Address Maternal Health Issues

The timing of this expansion aligns with pressing maternal health challenges. For instance, in Illinois alone, maternal hypertension has surged by 103% over the last decade. In Chicago, 14.1% of births involve maternal hypertension, with the rate climbing to 16.8% among Black women. This stark reality emphasizes the need for doulas as critical interventions in maternal care. Rather than being merely a wellness addition, doulas play a vital role in monitoring potential health issues, catching complications early, and facilitating timely access to care.

The Campaign Model

The campaign adopts a comprehensive model in each city, focusing on three interconnected elements:

• - Mobile Doula Lounges: These lounges will bring the campaign directly into underserved neighborhoods, making services more accessible.
• - In-Person Support: A staffed Doula Lounge will provide peer matching, support, and warm referrals to hospital systems. This element ensures that families can find doula services that meet their unique needs.
• - Digital Public Service Campaign: Produced in collaboration with Truth Collective, this digital campaign targets the specific communities where the mobile lounges operate.

With this model, HC One also incorporates blood pressure education and screenings, partnering with local hospitals to foster better health outcomes. Community-based receptions for doulas preceding each pop-up will help cultivate trust among doulas and enhance community-driven staffing efforts.

City-Specific Initiatives

• - Chicago: Hosting 10 two-day pop-up events at key community festivals, including the African Festival of the Arts at Washington Park and the Marillac House Community Baby Shower. Engaging community partners will help HC One interact with potentially over 5,000 individuals directly while reaching more than 100,000 through digital campaigns.

• - Detroit: Building upon HC One's previous DoulaREADI™ framework, the initiative seeks to integrate community doulas into existing hospital systems, enhancing service delivery.

• - Milwaukee: The campaign will center around HC One's newest Hub, which is under development, strengthening outreach and support in the region.

• - Carolinas: Led by HC One COO Janessa Mondestin and National Advocacy Manager Tiwani Oseni, efforts are underway to foster partnerships that will broaden HC One's reach in the Southeast.

Future Focus

The "Doulas Are for Every Body" campaign isn't just about the moment of birth; it encompasses comprehensive support during the first 1,000 days of a child's life. This includes prenatal care, birth assistance, postpartum support, early parenting resources, and infant nutrition. Given the changing policy landscape—where 75% of states are now implementing Medicaid reimbursement for doulas—HC One is committed to building upon four decades of advocacy to improve maternal health equity throughout the nation.

Get Involved

Organizations interested in supporting the campaign can engage through city activation sponsorships, community pop-up volunteer opportunities, and corporate social responsibility partnerships focused on maternal health equity. Doulas and community health workers are invited to join the initiative, share the public service announcements, or access various resources at doulasareforeverybody.org.

To learn more about HealthConnect One and support their crucial work in the year of their 40th anniversary, visit healthconnectone.org/donate.

About HealthConnect One

Founded in 1986, HealthConnect One is a national leader advocating for community-based doula care and birth equity. With 40 years of dedication, HC One ensures that every family has access to respectful, community-focused support throughout critical periods surrounding pregnancy and early childhood.