The Michigan Community-Based Safety Net Funding Brief advocates for a transformative approach to financing community-based doula care that ensures long-term sustainability and equitable access, particularly for traditionally marginalized communities. Traditional funding models have often failed to adequately support doula programs, leaving critical maternal health services underfunded and inaccessible to many families. To address these gaps, this brief introduces a liberatory funding model rooted in equity, empowerment, and community self determination. Developed in collaboration with Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, Focus: HOPE, Miigwech, and Health Equity Resources and Strategies (H.E.R.S.), this model prioritizes diverse funding sources, fair compensation for doulas, and active community engagement to establish a strong safety net for maternal health services. Designed for philanthropists, policymakers, and community-led initiatives, this brief provides actionable strategies to create a just and sustainable system where high quality doula care is available to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
The Michigan Doula Best Practice Guide is designed to support the expansion of the doula workforce across Michigan by providing guidance on workforce development and the integration of doulas into federally qualified health centers and community-based organizations. With Medicaid reimbursement now available for doula services, more organizations can incorporate doulas into maternal health programs, increasing access to perinatal support. Recognizing the need for a structured approach to workforce growth, Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, with funding support from the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition and additional expertise from HealthConnect One, convened six organizations in Southeast Michigan to develop this guide. Published in 2025, it outlines workforce strategies for managing and supervising personnel, understanding compensation, developing a service delivery model and navigating billing and documentation. Strengthening the doula workforce through intentional development and collaboration enhances maternal health services and improves outcomes for birthing individuals.
The Michigan Doula Medicaid Provider Toolkit is a practical resource designed to support doulas in navigating the Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement process. Michigan Medicaid began reimbursing for doula services on January 1, 2023, expanding access to equitable perinatal care for Medicaid beneficiaries. To assist doulas in becoming Medicaid providers, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) partnered with Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, Focus HOPE, and Miigwech Inc., organizations with expertise in addressing health disparities in historically marginalized communities. Published in 2025, in partnership with Health Equity Resources and Strategies (H.E.R.S.), this toolkit provides up to date guidance on Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, billing, documentation, and compliance. By equipping doulas with essential tools and knowledge, this resource strengthens their ability to provide compassionate care, increases access to doula services for Medicaid eligible families, and contributes to reducing Michigan’s infant mortality rate.