Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
An AZ Blue Foundation Momentum Maker Grant is helping 4th Trimester Arizona expand maternal mental health and postpartum support services statewide.
The nonprofit’s It Takes a Village initiative is training, certifying and contracting community-based doulas to support families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery. The effort is designed to increase access to care for families across Arizona, according to a press release.
With support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation’s Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant, 4th Trimester Arizona received $100,000 to help doulas complete training and certification requirements needed to serve families covered through AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program.
To date, the program has helped 13 doulas complete state certification, assisted nine doulas through Medicaid approval steps, supported nine doulas in securing health plan agreements and helped two doulas become approved providers with at least one health plan.
“This funding has helped move the It Takes a Village project from concept to implementation by building the support system community-based doulas need to serve families covered through AHCCCS,” Dr. Jennie Bever, CEO of 4th Trimester Arizona, said. “Moms need more support than the current system provides. By helping doulas navigate the reimbursement pathway, we’re expanding access to trusted, relationship-based care.”
The expansion comes as maternal mental health remains a significant concern in Arizona. The organization reports that one in five women experience maternal mental health symptoms and that maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth.
Doulas often provide support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period by helping families understand available resources, recognize potential concerns and connect with care providers.
“What makes community-based doulas especially powerful is trust,” Dr. Bever said. “Families are often more likely to share concerns with someone who understands their lived experience, culture, language, and community context.”
For participating doulas, the initiative is intended to create a more sustainable path to serving families through Medicaid-supported care.
“This amazing program has provided a pathway for me to continue serving families as a community doula in a sustainable way,” Brionna Giles, certified doula and founder of Your Birth Story Birth Services, said. “I can’t wait to pay this kindness forward in the work I do.”
