Advancing Birth Equity in Nevada: Birth Collaborative Las Vegas Joins the Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI) Doula Learning & Action Collaborative

We are thrilled to announce that Birth Collaborative Las Vegas (BCLV) has been selected to participate in the prestigious Doula Learning & Action Collaborative led by the Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI). This three-year initiative will empower our community and beyond by increasing access to community-based doula services for families of color who rely on Medicaid. Through this collaborative, BCLV joins six other teams from across the country to drive sustainable improvements in maternal and perinatal health care, promoting birth equity in Nevada and contributing to a national movement for birth justice.

What is the Doula Learning & Action Collaborative?

The Doula Learning & Action Collaborative is a groundbreaking program designed to support families and individuals covered by Medicaid who have been underserved in maternal health care. Through an intensive, multi-state approach, the initiative aims to expand culturally sensitive, community-based doula services across seven states: Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. This work is made possible by the generous support of Klingenstein Philanthropies, Ford Family Foundation, and the Pritzker Children’s Initiative, which recognize the critical need to address systemic disparities in perinatal and maternal health outcomes.

The collaborative was launched in October 2024, with each participating team selected through a highly competitive application process. Each team receives individualized support, technical assistance, and resources from IMI, as well as guidance from a dedicated national advisory committee. Together, we will develop sustainable, impactful initiatives that ensure equitable access to high-quality doula care for Medicaid families, promoting healthier, empowered communities.

Why Birth Equity Matters

At Birth Collaborative Las Vegas, we know that birth equity means ensuring that every birthing person receives respectful, supportive, and culturally relevant care. Unfortunately, families of color, particularly those covered by Medicaid, face systemic obstacles that limit access to high-quality maternal health services. Research has shown that culturally aligned doula support can have a positive impact on birth outcomes, improving health and reducing disparities. Doula care has been associated with reduced rates of cesarean sections, increased breastfeeding initiation, and an overall enhancement in birthing experiences. Our mission is to empower families by providing support that respects their unique needs, perspectives, and experiences.

The Role of Community Doulas in Maternal Health

Doulas play a vital role in maternal health by offering physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Their presence has been shown to reduce stress and increase positive birth outcomes, particularly for families who have historically been marginalized in healthcare settings. Doula services not only improve physical health outcomes but also contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of birthing individuals and their families.

However, Medicaid-covered families often face barriers to accessing doula services, whether due to cost, lack of coverage, or limited availability of culturally appropriate care providers. The Doula Learning & Action Collaborative is committed to addressing these barriers, making doula services more accessible to all Medicaid-enrolled families in Nevada and beyond.

How BCLV is Making a Difference

As Nevada’s representative in the Doula Learning & Action Collaborative, Birth Collaborative Las Vegas will focus on developing initiatives tailored to the needs of our local community. With IMI’s support, we are equipped to design sustainable solutions that increase access to doula services for Medicaid-covered families, fostering a stronger, healthier Nevada.

Participation in the collaborative enables us to:

• Expand Community-Based Doula Access: By collaborating with Medicaid health plans, healthcare providers, and community organizations, we aim to make doula services accessible to more families who need them most.

• Promote Culturally Aligned Care: We understand the value of care that respects cultural traditions and family dynamics, especially in communities that have been historically underserved. Through our work, we are committed to ensuring that every family feels supported and respected in their birth experience.

• Develop Sustainable Programs: The collaborative offers resources and technical assistance to build and sustain programs that will have a long-lasting impact on birth equity in Nevada.

Project Funding and Honorariums

The project is supported through funding from the Klingenstein Philanthropies, Ford Family Foundation, and the Pritzker Children’s Initiative. This funding will be instrumental in providing an annual honorarium for each state team, supporting the in-person collaboration and expert consultation that will guide us in implementing effective, lasting changes in our community.

Looking Forward: Our Vision for Birth Equity in Nevada

Through this collaborative, Birth Collaborative Las Vegas envisions a Nevada where every family, regardless of economic status, has access to compassionate and empowering birth support. We hope to foster a healthcare environment where the needs of all families are understood and met, and where birth justice is a priority. This work is not only about improving health outcomes; it’s about building trust and respect within our communities, ensuring that every individual feels valued, safe, and cared for during one of the most significant experiences of their lives.

Stay Connected with Our Progress

The Doula Learning & Action Collaborative is a three-year commitment, and we invite you to stay connected with us as we work toward meaningful changes in maternal and perinatal health care. To receive regular updates on our progress and learn about other IMI initiatives, sign up for the IMI newsletter.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We welcome community support and engagement as we work to build a brighter, more equitable future for all families in Nevada.

About the Institute for Medicaid Innovation

The Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Medicaid innovation in maternal and perinatal health through research, education, and community engagement. IMI’s initiatives focus on addressing clinical, policy, and community needs in Medicaid, creating multi-stakeholder solutions for pressing healthcare challenges. For more information on IMI’s work, visit MedicaidInnovation.org.

By joining the Doula Learning & Action Collaborative, Birth Collaborative Las Vegas stands committed to advocating for birth justice, empowering families, and improving health outcomes for Nevada’s communities. Together, we are building a future where birth equity is a reality for all.