The Region 9 Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PQC) is seeking support to address the gap between access to and the desire for Doula services by expanding the Doula workforce to be more community based, diverse, and accessible across Region 9 and to support its sustainability using a mentorship model. Currently, access to Doulas in Region 9 is very limited and, in most areas, is based on a fee for service model, further limiting access for those who may most benefit from this resource. This project will equip a more diverse Doula workforce to meet the current need and upcoming demand that will happen when Michigan makes changes to the Medicaid policy around reimbursement for Doula services. Specifically, the Region 9 PQC will: 1.) educate health systems and community members about the benefits of Doula care; 2.) sponsor a diverse cohort of community members to become trained and certified as Doulas; and 3.) develop a formalized mentorship program with existing community Doula collectives within the region and across the state. Community members will be engaged through listening sessions and town halls and input on quality of services received and alignment of those services with the health equity goals of the Region 9 PQC.
The Regents of the University of Michigan
2201-149823
2022