Cook County Launches Free Doula Program
Reducing Health Disparities Through Empowerment
Cook County’s public health system is taking a significant step towards improving maternal health outcomes by launching a free doula program for pregnant patients. This innovative initiative aims to address the stark disparities in maternal health that have plagued Black women for far too long.
Aims to Support and Empower Pregnant Patients
The program, led by Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, will provide doula services to nearly 1,000 patients at Cook County Health who are predominantly Black or Latina. Doulas will support and advocate for patients before, during, and after labor, helping to educate them and their families on what to expect. They will also provide emotional and physical support to help manage stress and pain during childbirth.
The Role of a Doula
Shalonda Carter, a reproductive life planning coach at Cook County Health and a trained doula, describes the role of a doula as being an anti-stressor, a companion, a mother, sister, and a therapist. “Our role is to help women find their voices and use their voices,” Carter said. “We do not speak for them. Instead, we support them in their self-advocacy.”
Addressing the Alarming Maternal Health Statistics
The county’s move comes as deaths among pregnant women have increased across Illinois, with Black women disproportionately affected. According to a 2023 state report on maternal morbidity and mortality, nearly 80% of pregnancy-related deaths occurred in Black women, with most of these deaths possibly preventable.
Impact on Maternal Health Outcomes
Research has shown that having a doula is linked to better health outcomes for mothers and babies, including fewer premature births and lower C-section rates. Additionally, doulas can help reduce the risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
$1 Million Investment in Patient Care
The county plans to invest approximately $1 million a year through 2027 in a contract with Prism Health, which will provide 10 doulas. The doulas will be trained to provide support in multiple languages, including Spanish and Mandarin.
Tracking the Program’s Success
The county aims to track the effectiveness of the doula program by monitoring patient outcomes and hospital stay lengths. The ultimate goal is to improve patient satisfaction and reduce health disparities.
Starting the Program in January
The Cook County Health system plans to launch the doula program in January, with doulas providing support to patients throughout their pregnancy journeys.
Conclusion
By investing in a free doula program, Cook County is taking a significant step towards reducing health disparities and improving maternal health outcomes for Black and Latina women. This innovative initiative has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of patients and families.
FAQs
* Who is eligible for the doula program? Nearly 1,000 patients at Cook County Health who are predominantly Black or Latina are eligible for the program.
* What is the role of a doula? A doula provides emotional and physical support to patients before, during, and after labor, helping to educate them and their families on what to expect.
* How much is the county investing in the program? The county plans to invest approximately $1 million a year through 2027 in the contract with Prism Health, which will provide 10 doulas.
* When will the program launch? The program is scheduled to launch in January, with doulas providing support to patients throughout their pregnancy journeys.
