Our 2023 Community Impact

Community-Based Research

The DOULA CO-OP is participating in the NIH Connecting the Community for Maternal Health Challenge. Selected as one the top 9 teams across the country for this challenge, the DOULA CO-OP is using this grant money to fund and implement a novel, community-based research project impacting underserved birthing families in Nevada. 

Grassroots Legislative Action

Recognizing the lack of financial incentive from local doulas in Nevada to certify and enroll with the state/MCOs as Medicaid providers, the DOULA CO-OP connected with Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong to bring a doula rate increase bill to the 82nd legislative session (AB283). The DOULA CO-OP gathered our team across Washoe and Clark County to write and present the bill to Assembly and Senate committees, successfully increasing the reimbursement rate to a livable wage for urban doulas, and with an added 10% incentive increase for doulas in rural Nevada.

Doula Access Program Training

Doula Access Program (DAP)

The DOULA CO-OP has established the first hospital-based community doula program in the state of Nevada. As doulas are integrated into the care teams at Renown L&D and Postpartum, pregnant individuals will have increased access to doula support and knowledge at the Women’s Health Clinic and the hospital, while the doulas participating in the program will be paid for their time providing invaluable care to birthing families in our community. 

Community Partnerships

The DOULA CO-OP is collaborating to create partnerships with local organizations and agencies to bring education and access to doula services for pregnant Medicaid and uninsured families. We are excited to spotlight one of our first community partners, Molina Healthcare. They have chosen the DOULA CO-OP as a recipient of their annual Community Reinvestment Program, and with their generous donation we can continue building the foundation of the DOULA CO-OP, ultimately bringing more no-cost programs, events, and education to parents and doulas in our communities — like our doula-specific Spanish classes to support increasing our doulas’ Spanish fluency & cultural humility for Nevada’s Latinx birthing families.

Doulas at community events

Workforce Development & Doula Scholarships

The DOULA CO-OP currently hosts 40+ doula members across the state of Nevada providing a hub for networking, collaboration, and resource-sharing opportunities. Health Plan of Nevada is funding 20 scholarships for new doulas to be trained and become Certified Enrolled Medicaid providers. 

Assisting Doulas with Medicaid Enrollment

The DOULA CO-OP is offering support and assistance for doulas in completing the process of certifying and enrolling as Medicaid providers with the state. Our members have access to continuing education opportunities for initial certification and renewal, as well as a video resource library to support them navigating various provider portals, claims submissions, billing, and MCO contracting.