New community teams expanding doula access and strengthening maternal care nationwide

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies, and the CVS Health Foundation today announced the second cohort of the Equitable Access to Doula Care Project, which works to expand awareness of and access to doula services while growing and supporting the doula workforce.

Today, in the US, millions of women lack access to quality maternity care during and after pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications for both mom and baby. A recent March of Dimes/Harris Poll study revealed that while most Americans are familiar with providers like OB-GYNs and midwives, nearly half have never heard of a doula.

Doulas are trained professionals who enhance the clinical care pregnant patients receive by providing physical, emotional, and educational support throughout the pregnancy journey. Studies show that doulas may reduce complications, lower stress, and even increase breastfeeding rates—all contributing to better health outcomes.

“We’re proud to continue this collaboration with CVS Health so more families can access the care and support they deserve,” said Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “Every birthing person should feel seen, heard, and supported through their pregnancy journey, and that’s exactly what doulas provide. Their presence helps create a more respectful, positive pregnancy experience and leads to better outcomes for moms and babies.”

Through this $4 million, five-year collaboration, the two organizations are working to elevate the role of doulas, diversify the workforce, and equip families and healthcare providers with trusted resources that demonstrate the role doulas play in improving outcomes for moms and babies.

The Equitable Access to Doula Care Project engages two cohorts of community-based teams, each participating in a 30-month phased collaboration to expand access to community-based doula care. These teams, each led by community-based organizations and a collaborating maternity care hospital, are part of the March of Dimes Doula Action Learning Community. 

The second cohort aims at increasing access to doula care in four local communities across the country including:

• East Orange, NJ – The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative is an organization aimed at eliminating inequities in Black maternal and infant health through advocacy, education, community engagement, research, collaboration, and clinical support. They are partnering with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to support doula-friendly policies.

• Riverside, CA – Grounded Beginnings, LLC is an organization providing tailored doula training that helps specific communities to show up for themselves and their loved ones. They will be collaborating with Loma Linda University Hospital to provide doula resources to birthing individuals and their families.

• Buffalo, NY – Calming Nature Doula Service & Center is an organization offering comfort measures and pain management during childbirth, while also delivering comprehensive education, resources, and referrals throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. They are joined by Sisters of Charity and Sister’s Hospitals to work on sharing continuing education for their doulas and patients

• Oxnard, CA – Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is an organization supporting, organizing, and empowering the Indigenous migrant communities in California’s Central Coast, including a focus on ensuring doulas receive the necessary training and certification. They will be working alongside Ventura County Medical Center to bring this new program to their local birthing communities.

Through this initiative, sites receive professional education and doula training, consumer education resources, community grants to strengthen local infrastructure, technical assistance, and support with marketing and evaluation. Together, these resources help each site advance and sustain equitable doula care in their communities.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information.  

About CVS Health Foundation

CVS Health® is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2024, the company had more than 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 90 million plan members, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

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SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.