The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is set to train 80 doulas statewide over the next year through a fully funded six-month program. The initiative, led by the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, aims to improve maternal health and expand career opportunities in Arkansas.
“Not only are we providing new options for moms to receive the care they need, but we’re also providing new career pathways for people who want to serve their community,” said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., director of the institute.
The hybrid program includes in-person and virtual training, certification in breastfeeding counseling, HIPAA and CPR, and guidance on starting a doula business. Scholarships, valued at $3,295 with the support of the Arkansas Blue & You Foundation and the Arkansas Community Foundation, cover the full cost of participation. The in-person training will be held on select dates in Conway, Jonesboro, Springdale, Arkadelphia and a southeast Arkansas location that has yet to be determined.
Arkansas, which has fewer than 50 doulas statewide, is collaborating with organizations such as Ujima Maternity Network and Birthing Beyond to grow the doula workforce and improve maternal outcomes.
For more details or to apply, click here.
Photo Credit: Ujima Maternity Network
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