TITLE
Title
HHS-PUBLIC HEALTH READY FOR SCHOOL READY FOR LIFE DOULA PROGRAM ($30,250)
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Courtney McFadden
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BACKGROUND
Background
This agenda item is to accept and appropriate a grant for $30,250 to support the countywide, community-based doula program that addresses disparities in infant mortality. It provides doula support services to individuals identified as high need and referred through home visiting programs. This program is part of the HHS Public Infant Mortality initiative and supports the broader strategic plan to reduce infant mortality using evidence-based approaches.
Guilford County contracts with Doulas Of North America (DONA) - or Doula Trainings International (DTI)-certified doulas. These doulas provide prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support. The program serves up to 45 clients each year. Funding from Ready for School, Ready for Life supplements the Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities grant.
This allows for more comprehensive services.
The program supports changes at the individual, community, and system levels:
A) Individual level: Doulas provide direct support to birthing individuals. Since the program began in February 2024, 135 individuals have been served. In Fiscal Year 2025, 56 individuals were served. In Fiscal Year 2026, ending June 30, 2026, the program is expected to serve 60 individuals.
B) Community level: The program builds a network of doulas through education and peer support training.
C) System level: The program has supported policy changes in two healthcare systems to increase access to doula services for the community.
Of the $30,250 awarded for the Guilford County Community-Based Doula Program:
• $29,459 will fund contractual doula services and professional support;
• $91 will be used for supplies; and
• $700 will support community convenings.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
Grant Projects Fund
FY26 Ready Ready D...
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