People complete workforce pilot program designed to address maternal health inequities

A new cohort of doulas completed their training on Friday through the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Rise program, a workforce pilot designed to address maternal health inequalities for Black mothers and infants in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. The program graduates will provide support to expectant and new mothers in communities facing significant health disparities. Maternal mortality rates in the Finger Lakes region are around 60 percent higher than the state average. Dominique Shannon, one of the newly trained doulas, said she is excited to communicate with community members and show them they are not alone. The graduation comes amid a broader push in Rochester to expand doula services and culturally responsive maternal care. Related efforts include the opening of the first-of-its-kind Doula Lounge pop-up at the Rochester Public Market and ongoing work by the Rochester Black Doula Collaborative to improve maternal health and birth outcomes in the region.

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Source: 13WHAM