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More Expecting Parents Gain Access to Compassionate Birth Support in Northern California

Date: 03/21/25

Ensuring proper care before, during and after pregnancy helps prevent complications, reduces mortality rates and supports long-term health outcomes for families and communities. Doulas play an important role in the total health and well-being of new and expecting mothers. They provide emotional, physical and mental support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Doulas also provide the tools and knowledge needed for pregnant people to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their baby.

In early March, Health Net joined O. Community Doulas to celebrate the launch of their new Birth Equity and Infant Health Mobile Clinics. The mobile clinics will help reduce roadblocks to healthcare services by bringing doula services directly to women who need it throughout their pregnancy journey. This includes in Sacramento County, the Bay Area, Northern California and the Central Valley.

"Our experience has taught us that culturally centered care programs are critical pieces in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity rates," said Dr. Ramiro Zúñiga, vice president, medical director at Health Net as he addressed event goers. "By bringing care directly to our most vulnerable residents, we can broaden access and improve health outcomes for both mother and baby."

When we partner with trusted messengers in the community, like O. Community Doulas, we're able to reach people where they are, break down barriers to care and provide vital support during pregnancy, birth and beyond. As part of this work, Health Net also awarded a $300,000 grant to O. Community Doulas. These funds will help grow the number of doulas in the community, train them, support them with ongoing education and help them navigate the Medi-Cal system as new providers serving those in greatest need.

Specifically, our grant will be used to:

  • Conduct outreach and education to recruit more doulas to earn Medi-Cal certification;
  • Provide small seed grants to doulas starting out to help them establish their practices;
  • Launch comprehensive doula training programs to help ensure doulas have the knowledge and skills to provide culturally centered, high-quality care;
  • Support Quarterly Maternal Health Convenings designed to foster community connections and share best practices; and
  • Provide technical support for doulas to navigate the Medi-Cal program enrollment process.

At Health Net, we believe in the power of partnerships, and the power of doulas.



Last Updated: 03/21/2025