FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health has announced the Request for Proposals (RFP) for doula services have been awarded to Central Carolina Doulas and Divine Doula Goddess.
The purpose of birth doula services is to improve health outcomes for pregnant residents and address ongoing disparities among infant and maternal mortality rates. Birth doulas are trained to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing women and their partners to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying birth experience possible. Research suggests doulas positively impact maternal and infant health outcomes and the overall birth experience.
“We are excited to take this important step toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Cumberland County,” said Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “By partnering with Central Carolina Doulas and Divine Doula Goddess, we are providing essential support to pregnant residents who may otherwise face barriers to quality care.”
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners included funding for this new initiative in the County’s FY 2025 budget. In August 2024, Cumberland County began soliciting proposals from interested parties through a formal competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process to fund two eligible organizations up to $75,000 each to provide birth doula services to uninsured or underinsured individuals within the County.
“This new initiative reflects our commitment to reducing health disparities and ensuring every resident has access to the support they need for a healthy pregnancy and birth,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “With the inclusion of funding for doula services in the budget, we are making a tangible investment in the well-being of our community.”
Proposals were considered from nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, hospital systems, and private health care providers, Federal Qualified Health Centers, and other community-based organizations.
“With this Cumberland County doula grant, we can now offer our labor and postpartum doula support services to families who otherwise would not be in the position to access them,” said Central Carolina Doulas owner Aida Algarin. “This grant is a lifeline allowing us to stand in the maternal health gap and provide the compassionate support every family deserves.”
“Together, we are committed to empowering mothers, improving birth outcomes, and ensuring the families receive the support they deserve,” said Divine Doula Goddess owner Shatara Het Heru Bey.
Call 910-433-3707 or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/health for more information.