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# HealthConnect One

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## Posts

- [Partnership for Maternal and Child Health Earns HealthConnect One National Accreditation](https://healthconnectone.org/partnership-accreditation/) - For birthing families in Northern New Jersey, care is not just something that happens in a clinic or hospital. It shows up in living rooms and waiting rooms. In deep breaths during labor. In late-night texts after a hard day. In someone finally feeling heard. That is the heart of the community-based doula work at
- [North Carolina Resource Collection](https://healthconnectone.org/north-carolina-resource-collection/) - The North Carolina Resource Collection Form is a chance to share opportunities with a public directory to increase access to mentorship, training, and community support opportunities. Check it out here!
- [Insights from North Carolina's MOTHeRS Project](https://healthconnectone.org/insights-from-north-carolinas-mothers-project/) - Watch this video to learn about a program providing pregnant people in rural North Carolina with telehealth maternal care services.
- [Hurricane Helene and the effects of climate disasters on pregnant people and young families](https://healthconnectone.org/hurricane-helene-and-the-effects-of-climate-disasters-on-pregnant-people-and-young-families/) - Click here to read stories from pregnant people affected by Hurricane Helene, which tore through North Carolina in September 2024, causing unprecedented damage in the area. This article explores the unique effects climate disasters have on birthing people and new parents.
- [HealthConnect One Announces $1.5M Grant from Elevance Health Foundation](https://healthconnectone.org/healthconnect-one-announces-1-5m-grant-from-elevance-health-foundation/) - HealthConnect One is proud to announce a new milestone in our mission to expand access to doula care across the U.S.Thanks to a $1.5 million grant from Elevance Health, we are launching new community-based doula training programs in California, Georgia, Indiana, New York, Ohio, and Virginia!With this investment, we’re partnering with local organizations to recruit
- [2025 Birthing Hope: A Celebration of Community, Connection, and Care ](https://healthconnectone.org/2025-birthing-hope-a-celebration-of-community-connection-and-care/) - This year, we came together to honor something deeply meaningful: hope. Birthing Hope was more than an event—it was a powerful tribute to the impact of community-based care and to the people working every day to build a more just and equitable future for birthing families. We were proud to recognize two incredible leaders in
- [Study links maternal health risks during pregnancy to higher blood pressure in children](https://healthconnectone.org/study-links-maternal-health-risks-during-pregnancy-to-higher-blood-pressure-in-children/) - Click here to read more about a new study from the Keck School of Medicine at USC.
- [Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day 2025](https://healthconnectone.org/maternal-mental-health-awareness-day-2025/) - In recognition of maternal mental health awareness month, this blog highlights a recent HealthConnect One study that looked at the acceptability of Mental Health First Aid training among community-based doulas. According to a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are on the rise in the United States. At HealthConnect
- [3 Actions You Can Take To Support Doula Access Through Medicaid Reform](https://healthconnectone.org/3-actions-you-can-take-to-support-doula-access-through-medicaid-reform/) - Community-based doulas are essential to ensuring that women and birthing people—especially those from Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities—receive equitable, culturally respectful, and holistic care. At HealthConnect One, we are committed to advancing policies that support the critical work of doulas through systemic change, especially via Medicaid reimbursement. During community-doula week, HC One partnered with Birth Matters,
- [Register for North Carolina March for Change!](https://healthconnectone.org/register-for-north-carolina-march-for-change/) - Click this link to register for the 2025 North Carolina March for Change, hosted by March of Dimes! See date and location details here:
- [New community-based partnership between UNC school system and Robeson County](https://healthconnectone.org/new-community-based-partnership-between-unc-school-system-and-robeson-county/) - Whole Together Robeson’s goal is to improve maternal and child health in Robeson County. This project is a part of the broader Whole Community Connection program, aiming to improve rural health outcomes across North Carolina. Read more about this partnership here.
- [Rural Women's Health Care Trends in North Carolina](https://healthconnectone.org/rural-womens-health-care-trends-in-north-carolina/) - Click here to read more on recent trends in women's health care in rural North Carolina. This North Carolina Health News article also provides insights on potential solutions to close the gaps in healthcare access for rural communities.
- [2025 Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW25)](https://healthconnectone.org/2025-black-maternal-health-week-bmhw25/) - The 2025 Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW25) theme, “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy,”emphasizes the power of Black-led perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health organizations to drive systemic change and foster community healing.
- [Moms in Trenton, New Jersey  Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through CHSNJ  Community-Based Doula AMAR Program](https://healthconnectone.org/moms-in-trenton-new-jersey-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-chsnj-community-based-doula-amar-program/) - Trenton, New Jersey: Trenton has received national Accreditation through HealthConnect One’s (HC One) Community-Based Doula Accreditation Program. Children Home Society New Jersey AMAR CBD Program underwent a rigorous review process with HealthConnect One’s accreditation team reviewing the implementation of the organization’s existing community-based doula program to ensure high-quality implementation. Community-Based Doulas (CBD) play an important
- [Advocate Health Hospitals Nationally Recognized for Excellent Black Maternal Health Outcomes by U.S. News & World Report](https://healthconnectone.org/advocate-health-hospitals-nationally-recognized-for-excellent-black-maternal-health-outcomes-by-u-s-news-world-report/) - Two Advocate Health hospitals have been recognized for their efforts in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024.
- [NC health organizations create partnership to reduce maternal mortality rates](https://healthconnectone.org/nc-has-announced-partnership-to-address-maternal-mortality/) - WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Aetna Better Health of NC has announced a grant to create a collaborative partnership to address maternal mortality. The NC Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network (NC PSUD) will be aimed at sharing best practices, enhancing cooperation and advocating for policy solutions, along with inventorying and analyzing medical care strategies across the
- [HealthConnect One Annual Report 2024](https://healthconnectone.org/healthconnect-one-annual-report-2024/) - We are pleased to present HealthConnect One's 2024 Annual Report 🌟, themed "Inspiring Growth and Advancing Equity through Meaningful Connections!" This report showcases the significant strides we have made in transforming maternal and community health across the nation.
- [Health committee members want Medicaid-funded doula services in NC](https://healthconnectone.org/health-committee-members-want-medicaid-funded-doula-services-in-nc/)
- [In North Carolina, Exemplary Maternal Care Benefits Black Patients](https://healthconnectone.org/in-north-carolina-exemplary-maternal-care-benefits-black-patients/) - Seven North Carolina hospitals – Atrium Health Pineville, Novant Health Forsyth and Matthews medical centers, UNC Rex Hospital, WakeMed Cary Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Campus – were honored during Black Maternal Health Week for their exemplary efforts to bridge health disparities and provide the highest quality of care.
- [Two worrying mental, maternal health trends emerge in 2024 Mecklenburg County report](https://healthconnectone.org/two-worrying-mental-maternal-health-trends-emerge-in-2024-mecklenburg-county-report/) - Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article292260950.html#storylink=cpy
- [Helene in Western North Carolina: Everything you need to know from help to recovery efforts](https://healthconnectone.org/helene-in-western-north-carolina-everything-you-need-to-know-from-help-to-recovery-efforts/) - Since Tropical Storm Helene tore through Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving behind wreckage, flooding, widespread power and water outages and devastation, the Citizen Times has been providing the community with ways to find help, ways to help, voices from the region, updates on recovery efforts, visuals of the storm's impact and much more.
- [Healthy Baby Network in Rochester, NY receives the Gold-Standard of Community-Based Doula Programming](https://healthconnectone.org/healthy-baby-network-in-rochester-ny-receives-the-gold-standard-of-community-based-doula-programming/) - CHICAGO, IL: Healthy Baby Network located in Rochester, NY has received national Accreditation through HealthConnect One’s (HC One) Community-Based Doula Accreditation Program. Healthy Baby Network underwent a rigorous review process with HealthConnect One’s accreditation team where the program was assessed based on HealthConnect One’s five essential components and its standards and indicators which evaluates the
- [A Quick Look at Doulas and Preterm Birth Rates ](https://healthconnectone.org/a-quick-look-at-doulas-and-preterm-birth-rates/) - November is Prematurity Awareness Month. As champions of community-based doula care, we want to highlight the role of doulas in reducing preterm birth rates and advocate for doula care as a part of the solution to rising preterm birth rates in the United States. Baseline Data Every year, hundreds of thousands of babies are born
- [RTI Collaborates on New Infant & Maternal Health Initiative](https://healthconnectone.org/rti-collaborates-on-new-infant-maternal-health-initiative/)
- [On the Record: Bill seeks to improve Black maternal health in NC due to troubling outcomes](https://healthconnectone.org/on-the-record-bill-seeks-to-improve-black-maternal-health-in-nc-due-to-troubling-outcomes/)
- [United States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies](https://healthconnectone.org/united-states-doula-programs-and-their-outcomes-a-scoping-review-to-inform-state-level-policieshttps-www-sciencedirect-com-science-article-pii-s1049386724000215/)
- [NC Doula Voices: Transforming Insights into Action](https://healthconnectone.org/nc-doula-voices-transforming-insights-into-action/)
- [Take the North Carolina Doula Workforce Survey + Enter for a Chance to Win!](https://healthconnectone.org/take-the-north-carolina-doula-workforce-survey-enter-for-a-chance-to-win/)
- [How doulas close care gaps for NC families](https://healthconnectone.org/how-doulas-close-care-gaps-for-nc-families/)
- [The Power of Rest](https://healthconnectone.org/the-importance-of-rest/) - Happy August! As summer is almost over, our team at HealthConnect One wanted to bring to attention the importance of rest for your mental and physical well-being. Rest is Resistance Tricia Hersey, in her book Rest is Resistance, writes that rest is a form of resistance against white supremacy and our capitalist culture that derives an
- [Early Relational Health Report](https://healthconnectone.org/early-relational-health-report/) - In 2023, HealthConnect One, in partnership with The Center for the Study of Social Policy, introduced innovative Early Relational Health training modules.
- [Role of Doulas for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Couples ](https://healthconnectone.org/every-person-deserves-to-experience-pregnancy-and-childbirth-safely/) - The framework of reproductive justice states that every person should have the right to have a child, the right to not have a child, and the right to raise their child in a safe and healthy environment. At its core, reproductive justice promotes bodily autonomy and everyone’s individual right to decide whether to have children.
- [Moms and Babies in Burien, Washington Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through Global Perinatal Services  Community-Based Doula Program](https://healthconnectone.org/moms-and-babies-in-burien-washington-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-global-perinatal-services-community-based-doula-program/) - Global Perinatal Services has achieved its first HC One Community-Based Doula Accreditation! GPS has demonstrated that it meets our national standards for quality and is committed to pursuing excellence.
- [Birthing Families in Los Angeles County, California- Receive the Gold Standard of Care Through SBCC Community-Based Doula Program](https://healthconnectone.org/birthing-families-in-los-angeles-county-california-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-sbcc-community-based-doula-program/) - SBCC has successfully received national Accreditation through HealthConnect One’s (HC One) Community-Based Doula Accreditation Program. SBCC is the first and only accredited community-based doula program in Southern California.
- [Happy Juneteenth!](https://healthconnectone.org/juneteenth-celebrations/) - Happy Juneteenth! In honor of the holiday recognize and uplift the ongoing fights for equality that Black and African Americans in the U.S. are a part of today.
- [Inclusive and Gender Neutral Terminology in Birth Work ](https://healthconnectone.org/in-birth-work-its-important-to-use-language-that-is-inclusive-and-respectful-of-everyones-individual-identities/) - Happy Pride Month! In birth work (and always!), it’s important to use language that is inclusive and respectful of everyone’s individual identities.
- [The Doula Data Consortium Time Use Study Toolkit](https://healthconnectone.org/the-doula-data-consortium-time-use-study-toolkit/) - With great enthusiasm, HealthConnect One co-partnered with SisterWeb is pleased to present The Doula Data Consortium Time Use Study webinar and toolkit. The Doula Data Consortium was formed on September 21, 2021 by SisterWeb Community Doula Network in San Francisco, CA in co-creation with HealthConnect One as a way to easily share research and help
- [May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month ](https://healthconnectone.org/preeclampsia-awareness-month/) - Preeclampsia is characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure, and death of the mother and/or baby. It affects 1 in 25 pregnancies in the US. One of the most effective ways to address this is to provide access to midwives and doulas throughout the prenatal period, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period.
- [Part 2: Babies, Aunties, Doulas: Our 2022 Birth Justice Year in Review](https://healthconnectone.org/part-2-babies-aunties-doulas-our-2022-birth-justice-year-in-review/) - Welcome to the second installment on our 2022 Birth Justice Year in Review. In my first post, I introduced the Healthy Youth Development Strategic Partnership team and our commitment to Birth Justice. I also discussed the importance of community-based doulas and other perinatal birth workers in closing equity gaps for birthing families. In this second entry,
- [Maternal Mental Health Month](https://healthconnectone.org/maternal-mental-health-month/) - May is Maternal Mental Health Month to encourage organizations and the public to focus on the importance of maternal mental health in the fight for birth equity, reducing maternal mortality, and supporting the overall wellbeing of birthing people, new parents, and their babies.
- [Young Moms in S.C. Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through BirthMatters Community-Based Doula Program](https://healthconnectone.org/young-moms-in-s-c-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-birthmatters-community-based-doula-program/) - BirthMatters-Press-Release as they receive the gold standard
- [Moms and Babies in Tulsa, Oklahoma Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative Community-Based Doula Program](https://healthconnectone.org/moms-and-babies-in-tulsa-oklahoma-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-tulsa-birth-equity-initiative-community-based-doula-program/) - CHICAGO, IL- HealthConnect One (HC One) is pleased to share with our partners, funders, and all birth equity advocates across the country, that Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative (TBEI) has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community-Based Doula Program from September 12, 2023 to September 12, 2026. Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative has
- [Moms and Babies in Michigan Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association’s Community-Based Doula Program](https://healthconnectone.org/moms-and-babies-in-michigan-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-black-mothers-breastfeeding-associations-community-based-doula-program/) - CHICAGO, IL – Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) in Detroit, MI has successfully received national re-accreditation for a second time through HealthConnect One’s (HC One) Community-Based Doula Accreditation Program. BMBFA initially received accreditation in 2018 and has maintained this status for over four years. Undergoing a rigorous evaluation, the HealthConnect One Accreditation Team meticulously reviewed
- [Disaster Preparedness in Perinatal Care: Insights from Birth Workers](https://healthconnectone.org/national-preparedness-month/) - September was National Preparedness Month, and this year's theme, "Take Control in 1, 2, 3," emphasized the importance of readiness for all, especially adults and families from communities disproportionately affected by various hazards. But what does this theme mean for birth workers, and how can they play a vital role in disaster preparedness during the
- [Celebrating Silvia Corado: A Doula's Journey of Love and Empowerment](https://healthconnectone.org/celebrating-silvia-corado/) - As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it's an honor to shine a spotlight on remarkable individuals within the Latinx community who are making a profound impact on the lives of others. Silvia Corado, a doula extraordinaire and supervisor of the AMAR Community Doula Program within the Children's Home Society of New Jersey, embodies the spirit
- [Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023](https://healthconnectone.org/preventing-maternal-deaths-reauthorization-act-of-2023/) - The maternal mortality crisis continues to worsen in the United States. In 2021, over 1,200 women died as a result of pregnancy or childbirth, continuing an upward trend of over 20 years. Racial disparities in maternal outcomes persist, with Black and Indigenous birthing people dying at 2-3 times the rate of their white counterparts. Additionally,
- [HealthConnect One continues Partnership with Open Arms Perinatal Services](https://healthconnectone.org/hco-continues-partnership-with-open-arms-perinatal-services/) - "Everything" - that's what one doula said when asked what she liked best about the HealthConnect One (HC One) Community-Based Doula evaluations during the accreditation process completed by Open Arms Perinatal Services (OAPS) in July. "I liked the laid-back and comfortable conversations we had. I liked that the HC One team felt like they were
- [Breastfeeding for Working Parents- Challenges and Support](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-for-working-parents-challenges-and-support/) - As we wrap up this month long celebration of breastfeeding birthing families, HealthConnect One, reaffirms our commitment to supporting equitable breastfeeding and lactation assistance nationwide, promoting an inclusive environment for all families to thrive. This year’s National Breastfeeding month theme for World Breastfeeding Week, Enabling Breastfeeding- Making a difference for working parents, signifies the importance of
- [HealthConnect One Receives $3.5 million gift from MacKenzie Scott](https://healthconnectone.org/healthconnect-one-receives-3-5-million-gift-from-mackenzie-scott/) - HealthConnect One is the recipient of a transformational gift of $3.5 million from MacKenzie Scott, an esteemed philanthropist and activist.
- [Doulas Deserve Sustainability: Forecasting and Sustainability Tool for Community Doula Organizations! ](https://healthconnectone.org/doulas-deserve-sustainability-forecasting-and-sustainability-tool-for-community-doula-organizations/) - Chicago (March 22, 2023) – HealthConnect One and The Burke Foundation are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a user-friendly tool that will help community-based doula organizations track anticipated program costs, plan for sustainability, and advocate for equitable reimbursement rates from Medicaid and other insurers. Developed by Dr. Slawa Rokicki of the Rutgers School
- [Announcing the 2023 Birth & Beyond Summit](https://healthconnectone.org/2023-birth-beyond-summit/) - The 2023 Birth & Beyond Summit will take place June 20-22, 2023, at the Hotel at the University of Maryland. The theme is “Advancing community-based approaches to birth equity.
- [<strong>Doulas Can Improve Maternal Health Yet Are Out of Reach for Most</strong>](https://healthconnectone.org/doulas-can-improve-maternal-health-yet-are-out-of-reach-f/) - WASHINGTON, DC — The National Partnership for Women & Families, in collaboration with HealthConnect One, the National Health Law Program, and Tewa Women United, released today a new report, Improving Our Maternity Care Now Through Doula Support, highlighting how doula support can make a critical difference in improving outcomes for pregnant and birthing people and
- [Building a Lactation Room in Salt Lake City](https://healthconnectone.org/building-a-lactation-room-in-salt-lake-city/) - Human milk has the right composition of nutrients to support a growing infant and antibodies that may serve as protection from several infections. In addition to several physical benefits for parents and infants, breastfeeding also produces oxytocin and prolactin which promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing parent. Yet, external factors often hamper
- [Feature: Providing Lactation Support to Black Families in Nebraska](https://healthconnectone.org/feature-providing-lactation-support-to-black-families-in-nebraska/) - As National Breastfeeding Month wraps up, HealthConnect One is eager to highlight the importance and impact of breastfeeding peer counseling services in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Breastfeeding peer counselors often identify as an experienced parent and confidant who offers culturally appropriate support and information, identifies breastfeeding and lactation challenges, and provides strategies to help
- [Let's End 2020 Strong! Support Moms and Babies](https://healthconnectone.org/lets-end-2020-strong-support-moms-babies-and-families/) - Dear Friends, The pandemic continues, and Black, Brown and Indigenous moms, babies and families continue to be impacted at disproportionate levels. COVID-19 has amplified existing racial injustices, health care inequities and trauma in these communities. Now is the time to invest in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. Join the heroes who have emerged and are
- [Where do I see inequities in birth and breastfeeding?](https://healthconnectone.org/where-do-i-see-inequities-in-birth-and-breastfeeding/) - In preparation for our National Action Summit this week, we asked Georg'ann Cattelona, Executive Director of Bloomington Area Birth Services (BABS) and longtime ally, to share a few words on our theme, Shared Voices for Equity in Birth and Breastfeeding. Georg’ann was one of the founding members of BABS and has guided its development as a vital resource for
- [Maria Briseño, on Why She is Running for USBC Midwest Regional Representative](https://healthconnectone.org/maria-briseo-on-why-she-is-running-for-usbc-midwest-regional-representative/) - by Maria Briseño, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Candidate for Midwest Regional Representative to the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) My name is Maria Briseño. I'm from Mexico and was raised in the United States. Culturally, I identify myself as a woman, wife and mother -- then lastly, as a Mexican. In my community, I have served as a Breastfeeding Peer
- [Working Toward Racial Justice in Birth: Breaking Silence](https://healthconnectone.org/working-toward-racial-justice-in-birth-breaking-silence/) - By Hanifah Rios This guest post is the third in a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not working towards racial justice during the vulnerable time of birth and breastfeeding.
- [On the way to the White House . . .](https://healthconnectone.org/on-the-way-to-the-white-house/) - Our policy consultant, Laura McAlpine, was invited by the White House Office of Public Engagement -- as part of a delegation of Illinois grassroots leaders -- to attend an all-day policy meeting on the fiscal cliff. The meeting was to be held on December 13th. She was already scheduled to present on the community-based doula program during the
- [Dad Talks Birth & Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/dads-talk-birth/) - Editor's Note: Thank you to Abraham Dueñas, who first shared this story with us in 2010. His story, like so many others, is timeless, and so we share it again today. Thank you to all the dads out there for the love and support you show your families ~ Happy Father's Day! __________ My name
- [Black Breastfeeding after a History of Trauma](https://healthconnectone.org/black-breastfeeding-after-a-history-of-trauma/) - by Mekha McGuire ----- In the conversation on Reproductive Justice and Birthing Equity, the climate is one of immense urgency. With public breastfeeding now legal in all 50 states as of July this year, there’s a lot of momentum around birth equity, breastfeeding, and the rights of mothers in both the private and public spheres,
- [Doulas and Postpartum Home Visits May be Covered Under Medicaid in New Illinois Proposal](https://healthconnectone.org/doulas-and-postpartum-home-visits-may-be-covered-under-medicaid-in-new-illinois-proposal/) - On Friday, the Illinois legislature will start discussing a new bill that would allow doulas to be covered under Medicaid. The bill It would cover weekly prenatal doula services, labor and delivery and doula services up to a year after birth. Dr. Twylla Dillon, HealthConnect, One Executive Director, released the following statement in support of
- [We Mourn and Stand In Solidarity With AAPI Community](https://healthconnectone.org/we-mourn-and-stand-in-solidarity-with-aapi-community/) - We are deeply saddened by the violence in Georgia that has taken eight lives, six of whom were Asian American women. We mourn with the families of these victims. We are horrified and continue to be concerned for the safety of our Asian American community members as violence towards this community continues to grow. As an
- [COVID-19 Vaccines & Pregnancy/Lactation](https://healthconnectone.org/covid-19-vaccines-pregnancy-lactation/) - COVID-19 continues to affect Black, brown and indigenous people disproportionately. Mistrust of the medical system, misinformation about the virus, and poor COVID-19 management, make it unsurprising that our communities have less trust in the vaccine. The only way to fight this virus and save our communities is by providing pregnant people and parenting families with
- [Birthing Hope Virtual Fundraiser](https://healthconnectone.org/birthing-hope/) - We raised $20,000+ for birthing families! During our Birthing Hope Virtual Fundraiser on June 24th, our network of families, advocates, and birthworkers displayed their commitment to birthing hope for Black, Brown, and Indigenous families through support of culturally-reflective doulas, breastfeeding peer counselors, and community health workers. We are so grateful for all of our sponsors, donors,
- [We're Hiring for two Coordinator Positions](https://healthconnectone.org/now-hiring-two-coordinators/) - Our team is growing and we are hiring for two new positions! We are seeking individuals with passion/and or experience working on birth/reproductive justice or issues related to racial justice or other complex issues in a social justice context. Business Development Coordinator - CLOSED Position: Trainer/Business Development CoordinatorReports To: Director of Business Development and ExpansionCategory:
- [Announcing the First Food Equity Project](https://healthconnectone.org/announcing-the-first-food-equity-project/) - Diversifying the breastfeeding lactation support workforce will reduce breastfeeding disparities among BIPOC communities. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 30, 2021 Chicago, Illinois — Through $1.2 million from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, HealthConnect One will increase access to community-based peer-to-peer breastfeeding support, critical to increasing breastfeeding rates and driving down infant mortality rates in Black, Brown, and Indigenous
- [Congress, We Need Permanent Maternal Health Aid](https://healthconnectone.org/prioritize-maternal-health-letter/) - Our country’s maternal health crisis is an active policy choice - one that enables entirely preventable deaths of our nation’s mamas, birthing people, and infants. Lawmakers need to include measures tackling maternal health disparities in the upcoming reconciliation package. Earlier this week, HealthConnect One joined 200+ groups and organizations pressing congress to make maternal health
- [Op-ed: Why We Need a Black Breastfeeding Week](https://healthconnectone.org/op-ed-why-we-need-a-black-breastfeeding-week/) - August is National Breastfeeding Month, and in the U.S., there’s also a time to commemorate and uplift Black Breastfeeding Week during the last week of the month. As with many similar commemorations, some might question the need for a separate event based on race. All babies can benefit from breastfeeding. Why the need for Black Breastfeeding Week?
- [HealthConnect One Awarded NJ Department of Health Grant To Strengthen, Expand Community Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/nj-doula-learning-collaborative-award/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // August 26, 2021 Trenton, New Jersey - The New Jersey Department of Health today announced the award of a grant to HealthConnect One to develop a diverse community doula workforce to support women during pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early parenting. HealthConnect One will establish a Doula Learning Collaborative to increase the
- [Reflecting on National Breastfeeding Month: #NBM21 in Review](https://healthconnectone.org/national-breastfeeding-month-2021/) - As National Breastfeeding Month comes to a close today, we reflect on the activities and learnings on promoting breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration during the month of August 2021. From the first-ever National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week to Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association's Michigan Community-Based Doula Summit, we are inspired by the
- [Innovating Doula Program to Address Racial Health Disparities](https://healthconnectone.org/innovating-doula-program-to-address-racial-health-disparities/) - Doulas play a crucial role in combating the discrimination, racism, and loss of autonomy thatBlack and Brown birthing people experience due to historical disinvestment. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // September 29, 2021 Through its System Transformation and Community Investment Program, Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) is partnering with Healthy Baby Network, HealthConnect One, and Finger
- [Introducing Tamela Milan-Alexander, our new Board Chair](https://healthconnectone.org/introducing-tamela-milan-alexander-our-new-board-chair/) - Last week, Mairita Smiltars stepped down as chair of HealthConnect One's Board after a successful run during a global pandemic and racial reckoning. HealthConnect One Executive Director, Dr. Twylla Dillion shared the following: "We're grateful for the many years of support that our exiting Board Chair, Marita Smiltars has provided, most critically helping HC One
- [Take Action for Birthing Families](https://healthconnectone.org/take-action-for-birthing-families/) - Congress will soon decide on a social infrastructure legislative package that could be transformative for birthing families, including critical Momnibus investments and establishing the first national paid family & medical leave insurance program! Black Maternal Health The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 builds on existing maternal health legislation, like policies to extend postpartum
- [Undoing Racism to Improve Birth Outcomes in Rochester](https://healthconnectone.org/undoing-racism-to-improve-birth-outcomes-in-rochester/) - Last week, HealthConnect One joined Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, Finger Lakes Community Health, and the Healthy Baby Network launched the Rochester Doula Hub. This timely collaboration will provide culturally reflective community-based doula support to improve Black birth outcomes in Rochester. Health inequities have long been tied to racism, poverty, physical environment, and stress, all
- [Build Back Better Passes the House!](https://healthconnectone.org/build-back-better-passes-the-house/) - Earlier this month, the Biden Administration made history by signing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act! The Bill, which will provide historic investment in our transportation, broadband, and infrastructure, is set to accelerate our economic recovery. While this is fantastic news, it's time for Congress to rise to the occasion again and prove that they
- [On Behalf of Birthing Families](https://healthconnectone.org/on-behalf-of-birthing-families/) - We are proud to join Families USA, Community Catalyst, The National Partnership on Women & Families, and Protect Our Care and over 200 national, state, and community organizations in thanking the House of Representatives for the momentous gains made in the Build Back Better Act, reinforcing the need to keep the package intact as it
- [COVID-19 Vaccines & Children](https://healthconnectone.org/covid-19-vaccines-children/) - COVID-19 continues to affect Black, Brown and Indigenous communities, including children, disproportionately. The only way to fight this virus and save our communities is by providing pregnant people and parenting families with the accurate, up-to-date information they need to make informed decisions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 5 to 11 years old may now be
- [Announcing the first Community Doula Week!](https://healthconnectone.org/announcing-the-first-community-doula-week/) - A Doula Story - Virtual Viewing Join us for a virtual viewing of "A Doula Story" on Wednesday, March 30th at 12:00 PM EST Click here to join the virtual viewing! A Doula Story documents one woman’s fierce commitment to empower pregnant teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident nurturing mothers.
- [Feature: Supporting Black Breastfeeding In Wichita](https://healthconnectone.org/feature-supporting-black-breastfeeding-in-wichita/) - For many Black birthing families across the country, breastfeeding intention and initiation continue to pose a challenge. From the presence of infant formula in maternity wards to the failure of healthcare providers to encourage Black Breastfeeding to the lack of community support for Black Breastfeeding, the breastfeeding inequity gap continues to widen. At HealthConnect One,
- [Preserving Black Futures; Resisting White Supremacy](https://healthconnectone.org/preserving-black-futures-resisting-white-supremacy/) - The HealthConnect One team mourns the loss of Black grandmas, uncles, dads, sisters, and moms, at the hands of White supremacy in Buffalo on Sunday. In a country where growing theories and hate target the joy of Black birth, our team remains focused and strengthened to continue our work. The preservation and survival of Black
- [Infant Formula Crisis Resources](https://healthconnectone.org/infant-formula-crisis-resources/) - We are currently facing an infant formula crisis. There is a severe shortage of formula, and children are going hungry. ALL babies deserve to be safely and adequately fed. As the United States grapes with this crisis, we know that Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities facing marginalization may be particularly affected by this crisis. HealthConnect
- [Advocacy: Breaking it Down](https://healthconnectone.org/advocacy-breaking-it-down/) - Before our team hopped on a plane for Power of Community Day in Washington, DC earlier this month, we asked Advocacy Consultant Anne Warden for a few tips to share with advocates visiting legislative staff on Capitol Hill or reaching out to legislators at home. Here's what she said. The average congressional district has 700K residents. Stand out
- [Wordless Wednesday: Babies and Doulas on Capitol Hill](https://healthconnectone.org/wordless-wednesday-babies-and-doulas-on-capitol-hill/)
- [Peer Counselor Perspective on Breastfeeding and Skin to Skin](https://healthconnectone.org/peer-counselor-perspective-on-breastfeeding-and-skin-to-skin/) - Charlotte Torres, PC, CLC shares her story and beliefs about supporting Black women in breastfeeding
- [Where Do You Look For Strength?  #ThrowbackThursday 1995](https://healthconnectone.org/where-do-you-look-for-strength-throwbackthursday-1995/) - Since 1986, community health workers have been sharing their personal stories with HealthConnect One -- stories of peer counseling, of childbirth, of breastfeeding, of pumping -- stories of labor, and supporting the choices made by sisters and neighbors and friends. These stories are shared to motivate one another, to connect or to inspire, and they are timeless. Here's one from
- [On Infant Feeding: Research, Support and Community](https://healthconnectone.org/on-infant-feeding-research-support-and-community/) - For Black History Month, HealthConnect One is partnering with Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), MomsRising, and National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC) to celebrate the work of people, organizations and institutions who make a positive impact on breastfeeding in African-American communities. This is the third guest post in our Black History Month
- [Breastfeeding Support: Interview with Ondina Miranda](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-support-interview-with-ondina-miranda/) - Durante el mes de la herencia latina/hispana, HealthConnect One se complace en celebrar nuestras tradiciones de lactancia materna a través de conversaciones por internet sobre el apoyo de lactancia. Este es el quinto puesto de invitada en nuestra serie de blogs, "Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones de Lactancia Materna", de personas que se identifican como latinos/hispanos que son
- [7 Ways We Can Support Breastfeeding Moms](https://healthconnectone.org/7-ways-we-can-support-breastfeeding-moms/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 3rd guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Diana Limongi I was
- [A TU BEBE](https://healthconnectone.org/a-tu-bebe/) - Durante el mes de la herencia latina/hispana, HealthConnect One se complace en celebrar nuestras tradiciones de lactancia materna a través de conversaciones por internet sobre el apoyo de lactancia. Este es el sexto puesto de invitada en nuestra serie de blogs, "Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones de Lactancia Materna", de personas que se identifican como latinos/hispanos que son
- [Back to our Breastfeeding Roots](https://healthconnectone.org/back-to-our-breastfeeding-roots/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 9th guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Maria Briseño My name is Maria
- [#DandoPecho](https://healthconnectone.org/dandopecho/) - Durante el mes de la herencia latina/hispana, HealthConnect One se complace en celebrar nuestras tradiciones de lactancia materna a través de conversaciones sobre el apoyo de lactancia. Enseguida esta la serie de blogs, "Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones de Lactancia Materna", de personas que se identifican como latinos/hispanos que son líderes, defensores y que apoyan la lactancia,
- [Fathers and Breastfeeding… What Can We Do?](https://healthconnectone.org/fathers-and-breastfeeding-what-can-we-do/) - by Randi McCallian, MPH, CPH, CLC, CD(DONA) Men often wonder what they can do to support breastfeeding, sometimes saying they feel left out when a mother breastfeeds. What they don’t often know is… The support of the baby’s father is the most important to a breastfeeding mother. At MHP Salud, we surveyed and interviewed almost
- [Black Babies Matter](https://healthconnectone.org/black-babies-matter/) - by Stacy Davis I am here to free you just as Harriett Tubman freed the slaves, To free your mind and body from the damage that made you feel no better than yesterday’s trash, To free you from the plagued mindset that black lives did not matter, To free you so that you can freely
- [On Working for Breastfeeding Equity](https://healthconnectone.org/on-working-for-breastfeeding-equity/) - Interview with Joia Crear-Perry, MD We caught up with Dr. Crear-Perry over email to learn about her work with the National Birth Equity Collaborative and how she came to be such a strong advocate for moms. Here is what she shared: What is your name? How many children do you have and what are their ages? I
- [On Sojourner Truth, Motherhood and Trust](https://healthconnectone.org/on-sojourner-truth-motherhood-and-trust/) - For Black History Month 2016, HealthConnect One invited partners and allies to share how they have been influenced or inspired by Black women who made history - women like Sojourner Truth. ~ Editor's Note by Phyllis Brown Sojourner Truth traveled telling the truth. She also had some of her children taken away from her. As a community-based doula, I have some understanding
- [Freedom](https://healthconnectone.org/freedom/) - by Milkah Jackson Flat on her back Legs spread far apart she lays And no matter how uncomfortable Still and fearful she humbly obeys I cannot even begin to tell you the numerous occasions I’ve seen this The countless times this image has played in my head Back and forth…forth and back But somehow this
- [Breastfeeding Makes My Heart Happy](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-makes-heart-happy/) - by Elizabeth Chang, Bilingual Spanish/English Certified Lactation Counselor, Nursing Student, Founder and CEO of Pretty Mama Breastfeeding, LLC Ms. Chang and HealthConnect One have crossed paths many times over the years, most recently during our #DandoPecho campaign. We appreciate the opportunity to share a bit of her breastfeeding journey. From the very beginning when my husband and I
- [Community-Based Doula Programs: Innovative Program Model that Supports Families](https://healthconnectone.org/cbd-webinar-usbc/) - Watch - Community-Based Doula Programs: Innovative Program Model that Supports Families Presented by HealthConnect One Program Staff Brenda Reyes and Tikvah Wadley as part of the CDC-USBC Bi-Monthly Coalitions Webinar Series
- [Cultivando Cambio: Veros](https://healthconnectone.org/cultivando-cambio-veros/) - ¡Mes de la herencia Hispano / Latino ya está aquí! Nos encantaría que te unas a nosotros para celebrar del 15 de Septiembre al 15 de Octubre de 2016. Nuestro tema este año es el Cultivando Cambio: los Latinos y los Hispanos hablan acerca de un cambio personal y de su comunidad. Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month
- [CSI’s Inaugural National First Food Racial Equity Cohort](https://healthconnectone.org/csis-inaugural-national-first-food-racial-equity-cohort/) - Read - MEET THE NEW GROUP READY TO TRANSFORM BREASTFEEDING ACROSS THE NATION CSI’s Inaugural National First Food Racial Equity Cohort develops pathbreaking vision In March 2016, Center for Social Inclusion (CSI) hosted the first convening of the new national First Food Racial Equity Cohort in Washington, DC. The national First Food Cohort is a
- [Prenatal Training Impacts More than Birth - Miriam & Yamel](https://healthconnectone.org/cultivating-change-2/) - Miriam Ocampo ¿Cómo este entrenamiento ha impactado mi vida o trabajo? Hola. Mi nombre es Miriam Ocampo y el curso de entrenamiento prenatal se me hizo muy interesante y útil para poder ayudar e informar a las personas que lo necesiten. Me gustó mucho aprender cosas que ni siquiera me hubiera imaginado, ahora con lo
- [2017 Durbin Community Health Worker of the Year: Yvette McKee](https://healthconnectone.org/2017-durbin-chw-year-yvette-mckee/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Wandy Hernandez 312-513-8889 wandyhdz@healthconnectone.org 2017 Durbin Community Health Worker of the Year: Yvette McKee CHICAGO – HealthConnect One is pleased to announce that the 2017 Durbin Community Health Worker of the Year Award goes to Yvette McKee, a community-based doula from Open Arms Perinatal Services in Seattle, Washington. Established by
- [Cultivating Change: Emma Gonzales](https://healthconnectone.org/cultivating-change-emma-gonzales/) - Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month 2016 is here, and HealthConnect One is honored to amplify the voices of our Hispanic and Latinx allies, as they share about changes they are making in their lives and communities. ¡Mes de la herencia Hispano / Latino ya está aquí! Nos encantaría que te unas a nosotros para celebrar del 15
- [Cultivating Change: Laura](https://healthconnectone.org/cultivating-change-laura/) - Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month 2016 is here, and HealthConnect One is honored to amplify the voices of our Hispanic and Latinx allies, as they share about changes they are making in their lives and communities. ¡Mes de la herencia Hispano / Latino ya está aquí! Nos encantaría que te unas a nosotros para celebrar del 15
- [Cultivating Change: Rachel](https://healthconnectone.org/cultivating-change-rachel/) - Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month 2016 is here, and HealthConnect One is honored to amplify the voices of our Hispanic and Latinx allies, as they share about changes they are making in their lives and communities. ¡Mes de la herencia Hispano / Latino ya está aquí! Nos encantaría que te unas a nosotros para celebrar del 15
- [Who are the Hidden Figures in the Black Birth World?](https://healthconnectone.org/who-are-the-hidden-figures-in-the-black-birth-world/) - Hidden Figures is a movie that portrays women of color who worked at NASA with very important roles -- yet were not acknowledged for their wisdom or their contributions to NASA's great work. At HealthConnect One, we believe that every community has its own leaders, who know the community's language and hold solutions for the
- [Hidden Figures in the Black Birth World](https://healthconnectone.org/hidden-figures-black-birth-world/) - For Black History Month, we invited Black allies, partners and friends to share about Hidden Figures in the Black Birth World. Here is what we heard. Has there ever been a time you supported a mother and she wanted to deliver at a certain hospital but she wasn’t able to do so? Yes, I had a mom that
- [A Doula Love Letter for Challenging Times](https://healthconnectone.org/doula-love-letter/) - It was a scene that would be familiar to any Birth Doula: a team of 2 Doulas, a massage therapist, a supportive spouse, surrounding a woman as she worked incredibly hard to push her baby out. This was a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and one fraught with emotion and deep meaning for the family
- [Early Health and Early Learning: Q&A with Phyllis Glink](https://healthconnectone.org/early-health-early-learning-qa-phyllis-glink/) - Since 1996, the Irving Harris Foundation has supported our work to help families navigate their own path to healthier births and improved parent-child bonds. And with her guidance and advocacy, Phyllis Glink has spurred HealthConnect One from a hospital-based program to a national leader in respectful, community-rooted support for pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. We
- [Opportunities for Breastfeeding Advocates](https://healthconnectone.org/opportunities-for-breastfeeding-advocates/) - Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training Scholarships Are you interested in becoming a CLC? We are delighted to announce that our partner, Healthy Children Project, Inc., has provided HealthConnect One with five full Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) training scholarships. These scholarships cover the cost of the course and examination fees. Both the training and examination are
- [Young Mothers Deserve Just As Much Encouragement](https://healthconnectone.org/young-mothers-deserve-just-as-much-encouragement/) - by Heidy Brito, Jasmin Coreño, Jacqueline Alva and Jazmin Lopez Teen parents tend to face a lot of negative stigma when choosing to parent. They are often told that they are poor decision makers and are losing out in so much in their lives. So when it comes to breastfeeding, it often surprises adults when
- [Where CLC Training Led Me](https://healthconnectone.org/clc-training-led/) - In 2016 and 2017, HealthConnect One partnered with the Healthy Children Project, Inc. to offer Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training Scholarships to Community-Based Doulas and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who were (1) Trained under the HealthConnect One curriculum and (2) Providing breastfeeding support in their communities. Jalyn Spencer-Harris shares below how she leveraged one of three CLC
- [The Value of a Title: CLC](https://healthconnectone.org/the-value-of-a-title-clc/) - In 2016 and 2017, HealthConnect One partnered with the Healthy Children Project, Inc. to offer Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training Scholarships to Community-Based Doulas and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who were (1) Trained under the HealthConnect One curriculum and (2) Providing breastfeeding support in their communities. In response to questions from HealthConnect One Program Coordinator Helen
- [Soy Mexicana y este es el  mes  de mi Patria](https://healthconnectone.org/soy-mexicana-y-este-es-el-mes-de-mi-patria/) - Mi Nombre es Elva M Mireles Mi mejor modelo fueron mis abuelas con 11 hijos y a todos darles esa vida que era la leche materna de la manera que Podemos seguir preservando nuestras raíces es no romper esa cadena de vida y salud que temenos como herencia la mejor propaganda para mi es la
- [Moms and Babies in Michigan Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through BMBFA’s Community-Based Doula Program](https://healthconnectone.org/bmbfa-community-based-doula-accreditation/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Diana Pando, HC One Communications Coordinator 312.498.4067 dpando@healthconnectone.org Kiddada Green, BMBFA Founding Executive Director 313.400.1215 KiddadaG@BMBFA.org Moms and Babies in Michigan Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association’s Community-Based Doula Program DETROIT, MICHIGAN - Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) in Detroit, MI has successfully received national accreditation
- [Moms and babies in Michigan receive the gold-standard of care through Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association’s community-based doula program ~ via SF Bay View](https://healthconnectone.org/moms-and-babies-in-michigan-receive-the-gold-standard-of-care-through-black-mothers-breastfeeding-associations-community-based-doula-program-via-sf-bay-view/) - Read - Moms and babies in Michigan receive the gold-standard of care through Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association’s community-based doula program "Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) in Detroit, Mich., has successfully received national accreditation through HealthConnect One’s (HC One) Community-Based Doula Accreditation Program. BMBFA underwent a rigorous process in which the HealthConnect One Accreditation Team reviewed
- [ROBE: Teaching Fathers To Support Breastfeeding In Their Families](https://healthconnectone.org/robe-teaching-fathers-to-support-breastfeeding-in-their-families/) - Thank you to Wesley Bugg, for taking the time this Father’s Day to share about the organization he founded, called Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere (ROBE). What is the goal of ROBE? The goal of Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere is to provide men with culturally appropriate information and resources that allow them to more fully
- [Pure CHW Awesomeness in South Carolina](https://healthconnectone.org/pure-chw-awesomeness-in-south-carolina/) - by Amber Pendergraph, Community-Based Doula with BirthMatters Talk about Pure Awesomeness! I recently had the honor of being grandfathered into a Community Health Worker (CHW) course. The course was followed by a certification exam to become a certified community health worker for South Carolina! The training I attended was facilitated by Julie Smithwick. I thoroughly
- [12 Organizations Supporting & Celebrating Black Moms Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/12-organizations-supporting-celebrating-black-moms-breastfeeding/) - In celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 25 through Aug. 31), we compiled a list of organizations and online groups that provide breastfeeding support for moms. If you’re an expectant mom who wants to learn more about lactation or you’ve already delivered your baby, it’s important for you to get the support you need to
- [Historic legislation introduced on Black Maternal Health](https://healthconnectone.org/historic-legislation-introduced-on-black-maternal-health/)
- [Honoring Birth Justice Heroes: Looking To The Past As We Chart A New Future](https://healthconnectone.org/honoring-birth-justice-heroes-looking-to-the-past-as-we-chart-a-new-future/) - Many active birth justice heroes embody Sankofa, a Ghanaian symbol that represents the importance of looking back to our traditions and culture as we move forward. It is essential that as we work toward birth justice, we bring forward our brilliance and traditions to promote unity, wellness and health in our Black community and innovate
- [Racial Equity for All Moms, Babies and Families](https://healthconnectone.org/racial-equity-for-all-moms-babies-and-families/) - It was a warm day in August 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful “I Have A Dream” speech to a peaceful crowd of marchers at the Lincoln Memorial. “I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.
- [Reclaiming Latinx Birth Traditions](https://healthconnectone.org/reclaiming-latinx-birth-traditions/) - --> En Español
- [Celebrating AAPI Month](https://healthconnectone.org/celebrating-aapi-month/) - Centering AAPI Voices in Breastfeeding Advocacy As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), HealthConnect One is highlighting the impactful work of To-wen Tseng, who has dedicated her career to centering AAPI voices in her breastfeeding advocacy. To-wen is a mother, journalist, author, and activist. She has been a key voice for
- [On Being a New Mom](https://healthconnectone.org/on-being-a-new-mom/) - --> En Español
- [HealthConnect One Fought For Maternal Health During Covid-19 Pandemic](https://healthconnectone.org/healthconnect-one-fought-for-maternal-health-during-covid-19-pandemic/) - Chicago: Now, more than ever, Black, Brown and Indigenous birthing families need support as COVID-19 and job loss disproportionately impact communities of color. To give voice to these challenges, HealthConnect One has fought to help these communities with briefings, working groups, and virtual training sessions. “In this critical moment, pregnant women and babies are center
- [Post Election: Supporting Black, Brown, & Indigenous Moms, Babies, & Families](https://healthconnectone.org/post-election-supporting-black-brown-indigenous-moms-babies-families/) - Dear friends, The sun came up this morning, the garbage truck came and honked because we forgot to take out the trash, my kids, husband, and I scrambled to get everyone where they needed to be. Like every other morning, we got to where we need to be, and our work continues. We at HealthConnect One and
- [Your Vote Matters To Birthing Families](https://healthconnectone.org/your-vote-matters-to-birthing-families/) - Dear friends, This year has been a challenging experience for us all, as fear of COVID-19 infection, homeschooling, social isolation and economic upheaval changed our lives. On November 3, we have an opportunity to decide who will lead our nation as we navigate a pandemic. It’s not just a presidential election, there are various candidates
- [Supporting Black Moms Who Have Lost A Baby During or After Pregnancy](https://healthconnectone.org/supporting-black-moms-who-have-lost-a-baby-during-or-after-pregnancy/) - Pregnancy can be an exciting time for expectant moms looking forward to welcoming their new baby into the world. Unfortunately, not all moms have this experience. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It’s a time to be supportive of moms who have lost a child during pregnancy or infancy. In many communities,
- [Breonna Taylor Deserved Better](https://healthconnectone.org/breonna-taylor-deserved-better/) - We stand with all who loved Breonna Taylor, Black Lives Matter, and activists across the nation and world demanding justice for her murder. Systemic and interpersonal racism led to Breonna’s murder, and even in death, have prevented her from having justice. Racism is a public health crisis. We must find ways to dismantle the systems
- [HC One Announces New Executive Director: Twylla Dillion, MBA, PhD.](https://healthconnectone.org/hc-one-announces-new-executive-director-twylla-dillion-mba-phd/) - Dear Friends, The HealthConnect One Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Dr. Twylla Dillion as our new Executive Director. She is joining the organization on Monday, September 14, 2020. She comes to HealthConnect One from the United Way of Greater Rochester and has also recently served as lead for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCORI)
- [Autocuidado para mejorar nuestra salud física y mental / Self-care to improve physical & mental health](https://healthconnectone.org/autocuidado-para-mejorar-nuestra-salud-fisica-y-mental-self-care-to-improve-physical-mental-health/) - Presentado por: Dámarys Crespo-Valedón y Yamellies Rivera González Desde que comenzό la pandemia por el COVID-19, las promotoras de la salud que están al frente de esta pandemia, tienen altos niveles de estrés. Estos niveles elevados de estrés pueden dañar nuestro bienestar mental y físico. Este taller de autocuidado es para trabajadores comunitarios de salud
- [Ser una nueva mamá](https://healthconnectone.org/ser-una-nueva-mama/) - --> In English
- [Disaster Relief and Support](https://healthconnectone.org/disaster-relief-support/) - In times of crisis, we band together. In times of transition, in times of vulnerability - every day really, but it's clearest at these times - we must support one another. As birth workers, as cultural workers, as storytellers, parents, families, community leaders and advocates, we know this. None of us are immune. We need
- [Birth Equity: Start by Supporting and Respecting Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/birth-equity-start-by-supporting-and-respecting-doulas/) - Read - Birth Equity: Start by Supporting and Respecting Doulas "Every year at this time we celebrate mothers and fathers for the important role they play in supporting our families. And yet as a society we don’t do enough to truly help mothers who face unique challenges on the road to birthing and raising children. "Between
- [Breastfeeding Advocates: An Opportunity for You](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-advocates-an-opportunity-for-you/) - Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training Scholarships Are you interested in becoming a CLC? We are delighted to announce that our partner, Healthy Children Project, Inc., has once again provided HealthConnect One with five full Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) training scholarships. These scholarships cover the cost of the course and examination fees. Both the training and
- [Black Breastfeeding in Philadelphia, a Q&A](https://healthconnectone.org/black-breastfeeding-in-philadelphia-a-qa/) - In honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, breastfeeding advocate Faith Peterson asks Rudina Jackson, a certified lactation consultant and doula, to share her own experience with breastfeeding. FP: What has been your experience with breastfeeding? RJ: My experience with breastfeeding has been an adventure. I have overcome a lot of nursing difficulties. I have three children,
- [Preservando nuestras tradiciones de parto y lactancia](https://healthconnectone.org/preservando-nuestras-tradiciones-de-parto-y-lactancia/) - --> In English
- [Preserving our Breastfeeding and Birth Traditions](https://healthconnectone.org/preserving-our-breastfeeding-and-birth-traditions/) - --> En Español
- [BELA Community Project Awards](https://healthconnectone.org/bela-community-project-awards/) - We are thrilled to announce the 2018-2019 Community Project Awards made through our Birth Equity Leadership Academy (BELA)TM and supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation! These awards provide financial assistance and technical support for the following BELATM community leaders’ initiatives and projects: Delmar Bauta Delmar Bauta is a disabled, afro-latinx, queer, non-binary transgender birthworker, advocating
- [Chocolate Milk Photo Gallery](https://healthconnectone.org/chocolate-milk-photo-gallery/) - In August 2019, HealthConnect One partnered with UIC’s Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health and EverThrive Illinois during Black Breastfeeding Week. They hosted a film screening of CHOCOLATE MILK, a documentary on the racial divide in breastfeeding. HC One's Tikvah Wadley, led a successful post-show discussion with the audience. Here are a few
- [Loretha's Story](https://healthconnectone.org/lorethas-story/) - Editor's Note: Loretha is such an inspiration to everyone she meets in her journey as a community based doula. Her knowledge and strength has continued to help women around the world since her start in community based doula work nearly twenty-two years ago. HealthConnect One extends our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Loretha on receiving
- [Video by National First Food Racial Equity Cohort](https://healthconnectone.org/video-by-national-first-food-racial-equity-cohort/) - Watch - First Food: Women of Color Removing Barriers to Breastfeeding Thank you to the National First Food Racial Equity Cohort for your work and leadership. This video features HealthConnect One's Brenda Reyes among other leaders. The video shows breastfeeding challenges faced by people of color and the powerful advantages of "first foods." You can view
- [Reclamando Nuestras Tradiciones Sobre La Lactancia y El Parto / Reclaiming our Traditions in Breastfeeding and Birth](https://healthconnectone.org/reclamando-reclaiming/) - Soy Mexicana y este es el mes de mi Patria / I am Mexican and this is the Month of my Country (Español & English) ~ Elva M Mireles Ser una nueva mamá (En Español) On Being a New Mom (In English) ~ Diana N. Derige, DrPH Yoselin: Reclamando Nuestras Tradiciones Sobre La
- [Lazos Latancia](https://healthconnectone.org/lazos-latancia/) - --> In English
- [My Commitment to Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/my-commitment-to-breastfeeding/) - --> En Español
- [Yoselin: Reclamando Nuestras Tradiciones Sobre La Lactancia y El Parto](https://healthconnectone.org/yoselin-reclamando-nuestras-tradiciones-sobre-la-lactancia-y-el-parto/) - --> In English
- [Yoselin: Reclaiming Latina Traditions in Breastfeeding and Birth](https://healthconnectone.org/yoselin-reclaiming-latina-traditions-in-breastfeeding-and-birth/) - --> En Español
- [The National Association of CHWs: Progress and Purpose](https://healthconnectone.org/nachw-progress-and-purpose/) - HealthConnect One’s Associate Program Director, Wandy Hernandez, is known for her commitment to community health, both in her own community and in her strong support for community health workers across the country. If you’ve spoken with Wandy, you’ve undoubtedly felt her passion for this work and you’ve come away with new ideas. Wandy’s experience and
- [Recuperando Tradiciones de Parto Latinas](https://healthconnectone.org/recuperando-tradiciones-de-parto-latinas/) - --> In English
- [Breastfeeding in L.A.](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-in-l-a/) - My name is To-wen Tseng. I am an independent journalist based in Los Angeles, California. My commitment to birth equity began five years ago when I returned to my previous newsroom after giving birth to my first child. I got a rude awakening when my previous employer refused to provide breastfeeding accommodations and harassed me
- [Supporting My Community as a CLC](https://healthconnectone.org/supporting-my-community-as-a-clc/) - by Ambar Rivera I don't know when exactly I saw the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to take the CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) certification. What I do remember is that I didn't apply right away. Probably very busy, as usual. I set it up for later. Then, at the almost very last minute, I
- [Philanthropy Can Make a Difference in Helping Black and Brown Mothers Survive Childbirth](https://healthconnectone.org/philanthropy-can-make-a-difference-in-helping-black-and-brown-mothers-survive-childbirth/) - Read - Philanthropy Can Make a Difference in Helping Black and Brown Mothers Survive Childbirth “When we started our work supporting mothers to assure they had healthy births, we were often asked, What’s a doula? Now most people know a doula is a trained professional who provides extended, intensive peer-to-peer support to mothers and families
- [BELA Leader Reflection By Tyra Gross, PhD, MPH](https://healthconnectone.org/bela-leader-reflection-by-tyra-gross-phd-mph/) - This month, BELA leader Tyra T. Gross, PhD, MPH, shares with us how HC One’s Birth Equity and Leadership Academy (BELA) has impacted her as a researcher and advocate. "I was attracted to BELA first because I trust and admire the community work that HealthConnect One does and secondly because of the opportunity to have
- [Interview with Esperanza Dodge, Durbin CHW Awardee & Operations Director of Young Women United](https://healthconnectone.org/interview-with-esperanza-dodge-durbin-chw-awardee-operations-director-of-young-women-united/) - Birth Work in New Mexico Sometimes, we don’t know all the birth options that are available to us and even if we do, they aren’t always accessible. It’s pretty cool that here In New Mexico, Medicaid covers home births and freestanding birth center births with a licensed midwife. It’s such a great option for many
- [U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth To Be Honored with HealthConnect One’s Leadership Legacy Award](https://healthconnectone.org/u-s-senator-tammy-duckworth-to-be-honored-with-healthconnect-ones-leadership-legacy-award/) - June 4, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Diana Pando, Communications Specialist Direct: 312-379-8229 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL-D) To Be Honored with HealthConnect One’s Leadership Legacy Award CHICAGO – HealthConnect One is pleased to announce that their 2019 Irving Harris Leadership Legacy Award will be awarded to U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for
- [Every Baby Our Baby. 2019 Photo Gallery](https://healthconnectone.org/every-baby-our-baby-photo-gallery/) - Remember, you can still make an impact on maternal and child health by making a donation to our Legacy Fund! We thank you in advance! Donate Today!
- [Honoring Black Birth Workers of the Past](https://healthconnectone.org/honoring-black-birth-workers-of-the-past/) - by Olivia Dockery Black History Month is the time when we honor, reflect and learn about elders who have impacted Black culture and how their legacy is continued. This Black History Month, HealthConnect One wants to honor the legacies of Black birth workers who have played critical roles in improving the health outcomes of Black
- [HealthConnect One’s Statement on Historic Stimulus Bill](https://healthconnectone.org/healthconnect-ones-statement-on-historic-stimulus-bill/) - March 26, 2020 HealthConnect One’s Statement on Historic COVID-19 relief package We commend the Senate for passing a historic COVID-19 relief package - $2 trillion aimed at helping Americans, hospitals and businesses deal with COVID-19. HealthConnect One welcomes this investment in our nation, in particular the provisions that have vulnerable communities in mind. However,
- [Doulas are not visitors; birthing moms need support](https://healthconnectone.org/doulas-are-not-visitors-birthing-moms-need-support/) - Recently, CNN reported that a “New York Hospital system is barring visitors, including partners, during childbirth due to coronavirus.” Tikvah Wadley, HC One’s Lead Doula, reflected on this recent news restricting doulas, partners and other loved ones in the delivery room. This is a stressful time for the world and not to mention pregnant moms.
- [Statement: Promote Perinatal Health, Support Community Health Workers](https://healthconnectone.org/promote-perinatal-health-support-community-health-workers/) - March 23, 2020 For Immediate Release For more information, contact: Gordon Mayer, 312-307-0133 or Diana Pando, 312-498-4067 Promote Perinatal Health, Support Community Health Workers A message of support for community health workers and a call for the nation to invest in their support during the COVID-19 pandemic is the policy position of HealthConnect One, the
- [Covid-19 Response & Resources](https://healthconnectone.org/covid19-2/) - Resource List updated 4-22-2020 Dear HealthConnect One Community, We want to connect with all of our community-based doulas, CHW’s and partner organizations to make sure you stay safe during this difficult time. HealthConnect One is monitoring and following the recommendations of U.S. Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and Prevention and the Chicago Public
- [Changing the conversation on birth equity: issue brief 2 is on medicalization of birth](https://healthconnectone.org/community-doula-medicalization-of-birth/) - Community-Based Doula and the Medicalization of Birth is the second of five policy briefs designed to call attention to the most pressing challenges inhibiting broad adoption of community-based doula services that contribute to birth equity. In October 2019 we released our first report, Doula Legislation-Creating Policy for Equitable Doula Access. At almost the same time
- [Reports highlight community-based doulas’ role vs. maternal health crisis](https://healthconnectone.org/reports-highlight-community-based-doulas-role-vs-maternal-health-crisis/) - One new report out of Washington, D.C. highlights that racism is the driving force of disparities in maternal mortality and doulas and midwives are key to the solution. Another from a Native women-led organization in New Mexico analyzes the living-wage pay scale of, and recommends a greater role for, community-based doulas. Taken together, both reports
- [Talking with Tikvah - Doula tips during COVID-19](https://healthconnectone.org/talking-with-tikvah-doula-tips-during-covid-19/) - Interest from pregnant women in having home births have increased drastically since COVID-19 began. Despite this interest, many women are still going to hospitals to give birth. Doulas and the expectant moms they are supporting are facing new challenges in the birthing process. During this difficult time, doulas are working hard to take care
- [Introducing Our New Birth Equity Action Network](https://healthconnectone.org/introducing-our-new-birth-equity-action-network/) - Dear friend, Pregnant women are facing isolation at a time when family and community support is so important. Birthing families need more support than ever, particularly Black and Indigenous women who have been experiencing some of the most adverse birth outcomes in the world. Building on the success of the Birth Equity Leadership Academy (BELA)
- [Call your Senator today: Tell them to say YES to funding for home visiting](https://healthconnectone.org/call-your-senator-today-tell-them-to-say-yes-to-funding-for-home-visiting/) - The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a bill that would provide $3 trillion to help and support our families, communities, and businesses in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes a very important provision for home visiting: an additional $100 million in emergency funding that can be used for the care of birthing
- [Why I Give: Esperanza Dodge](https://healthconnectone.org/why-i-give-esperanza-dodge/) - We are grateful to our supporters! As we prepare for our virtual event in June where we will recognize all of our Birth Equity Leadership Academy faculty and leaders, we wanted to say thank you to everyone who has invested in our work in recent weeks. One of the first to contribute this past
- [Message of Support for Black Communities Against Racism](https://healthconnectone.org/message-of-support-for-black-communities-against-racism/) - HealthConnect One stands in solidarity with Black people against racism in all its forms. We are angry and saddened by the continuing injustices that Black people experience, all of which affect our public health. We will continue to work alongside Black communities, families, and advocates to fight racism and to uplift their health and
- [Inspiring birth work during COVID-19 by BELA Leaders](https://healthconnectone.org/covid19-work-bela/) - Every Baby Our Baby has been the focus of HealthConnect One’s annual fundraising event for several years. This year we are going virtual with the event and one reason is to hold up the inspiring examples of work by Birth Equity Leadership Academy leaders. They exemplify and help power a growing movement for birth equity.
- [Congratulations, Community Health Worker(s) of the Year](https://healthconnectone.org/congratulations-community-health-workers-of-the-year/) - Play Video  Back in February, we were full speed ahead planning our annual Every Baby Our Baby bash. That was a different world and we’re not looking back. Not being able to be together this year is just the start of what’s different this
- [This is what a leader looks like: U.S. Sen. Durbin's CHW of the Year Video](https://healthconnectone.org/this-is-what-a-leader-looks-like-u-s-sen-durbins-chw-of-the-year-video/) - Play Video This pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on African American and Latinx communities, leaving many mothers and babies of color vulnerable…. More than ever, mothers and babies in minority communities need support, and the faculty and leadership of the Birth Equity Leadership Academy have stepped up. Thank you, BELA! --Senator Richard J.
- [Thank you for watching with us this week](https://healthconnectone.org/thank-you-for-watching-with-us-this-week/) - Whether you are an advocate for change for birthing families, community-based doula, peer counselor or other community health worker, in Congress advocating for Black maternal health, a colleague working to change systems and policies,– or just learning about the issue of birth equity -- we thank you for viewing our content this week! Together we
- [Irving Harris Advocacy Award: U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14)](https://healthconnectone.org/irving-harris-advocacy-award-u-s-rep-lauren-underwood-il-14/) - “The disparity in maternal health is] a crisis that has demanded action for decades and is now getting the attention it deserves,” --U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) quoted by the Wilson Center The Irving Harris Legacy Award is given to individuals and organizations making an impact on maternal health and birth equity. Though our organization
- [Increase power, improve health outcomes, Amani says](https://healthconnectone.org/increase-power-improve-health-outcomes-amani-says/) - Please click below to view the webinar video from May 28. “We cannot talk about health disparities without talking about power, and how lack of access to power over the course of one's life impacts the ability to be healthy,” Jamarah Amani, executive director of Southern Birth Justice, told more than 100 birth workers and
- [Apoyando a Familias | Supporting Families During COVID-19 and Emergencies](https://healthconnectone.org/supporting-families-apoyando-familias/) - “Supporting Families During COVID-19 and Emergencies” led by Lourdes Santaballa, Executive Director, Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASI) in Puerto Rico (PR) presented their approach to supporting families during emergencies and this public health pandemic. "Apoyando a Familias Durante COVID-19 y Emergencias" presentado por Lourdes Santaballa, Directora Ejecutiva de, Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASI) en Puerto Rico (PR)
- [HC One Trains Emerging Birth Workers In Milwaukee, WI](https://healthconnectone.org/hc-one-virtual-doula-training-for-emerging-birth-workers-in-milwaukee-wi/) - During this pandemic, HealthConnect One (HC One) continues to provide training and consulting to organizations across the country. The rise in COVID-19 cases makes community-based doulas, even more, important in supporting moms and babies especially "pregnant Latina and Black women who are infected at significantly higher rates than white women." Data shows that community-based doulas
- [Power of Breastfeeding Reflection](https://healthconnectone.org/power-of-breastfeeding-reflection/) - I had my son and the hospital told me to go straight to the WIC office and that’s what I did. I needed to figure out how to feed him. I can recall when I got to the WIC office they asked me for insurance and proof of income. I didn’t have any of this
- [World Breastfeeding Week: Interview with Cata Contreras Guajardo on Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/world-breastfeeding-week-interview-with-cata-contreras-guajardo-on-breastfeeding/) - In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, we wanted to share a short interview with Cata Contreras Guajardo, the woman featured in the powerful photo above. We thank Cata for taking the time to share her thoughts on breastfeeding. Why is breastfeeding important to you and your family? Breastfeeding is not just food. For me and
- [Cast your vote! Moms, babies, and families are counting on you](https://healthconnectone.org/cast-your-vote-moms-babies-and-families-are-counting-on-you/) - Dear friends, We are just weeks away from Election Day! Do you have a plan to vote? Did you know that research shows that people who make a plan to vote are more likely to?Here’s how you can make a plan to vote and to get you and your family poll ready! Start by making sure you are registered
- [5 Voting Resources To Flex Your Voting Power](https://healthconnectone.org/5-voting-resources-to-flex-your-voting-power/) - Dear friends, Elections are underway across the nation. The results of the elections will have a long-reaching impact on our nation's healthcare systems and on the health of Black, Brown, and Indigenous families. WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT-> Find out here where the Presidential candidates stand on the healthcare policies that impact maternal health and the welfare
- [Black Women, The Backbone of Democracy](https://healthconnectone.org/black-women-backbone-of-democracy/) - Dear Friends,This election is a very American story – a deeply fractured nation showed up to exercise their right to vote. Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, who are also the most overlooked, drove change. Boots on the ground, people on the phone, and online urged communities to vote, and the results have been incredible. 62%
- [President Biden Now Is the Time To Invest In The Health Care of All Mothers](https://healthconnectone.org/president-biden-now-is-the-time-to-invest-in-the-health-care-of-all-mothers/) - PRESS CONTACT: Kristian Ramos,Kristian@autonomy-strategies.com Chicago - To commemorate the inauguration of President Joe Biden, HealthConnect One Executive Director Dr. Twylla Dillion released the following statement: “Our nation is not perfect; it is “unfinished,” as Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman beautifully described in her poem, stating that “catastrophe cannot prevail over us.” The centering of youth in
- [HC One Supports Postpartum Medicaid Extension in House COVID Bill](https://healthconnectone.org/hc-one-supports-postpartum-medicaid-extension-in-house-covid-bill/) - Chicago - Last night the House Energy and Commerce Committee released the legislative text for its COVID-19 relief legislation, which includes a provision to support state efforts to extend Medicaid coverage in the postpartum period. Dr. Twylla Dillon, HealthConnect One Executive Director, released the following statement in support of this critical provision to the Energy
- [#GivingTuesday2021](https://healthconnectone.org/givingtuesday2021/) - Mark your calendars for #GivingTuesday2021! As we look forward to the future, babies, birthing people, and their families need our support now more than ever! HealthConnect One is participating in #GivingTuesday2021 on November 30, 2021. GivingTuesday is a Global Day of Generosity that strives to build a world in which the power of generosity is at the heart
- [HC One Research Advisory Board](https://healthconnectone.org/hc-one-research-advisory-board/) - HealthConnect One has engaged a team of researchers from across the nation to be part of our Research Advisory Board (RAB). The RAB is a culturally representative team of researchers working in lactation, maternal-child health, maternal mental health, and racial/birth justice research. Our collaborators are proponents or practitioners of community-based participatory research as our work
- [This #GivingTuesday, make a donation to HealthConnect One in support of healthy pregnancies, births, and breastfeeding in Black, Brown, and Indigenous Communities](https://healthconnectone.org/this-givingtuesday-make-a-donation-to-healthconnect-one-in-support-of-healthy-pregnancies-births-and-breastfeeding-in-black-brown-and-indigenous-communities/) - When you give to HealthConnect One we partner with Black, Brown and Indigenous communities to develop custom solutions for critical support during pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early parenting. HealthConnect One co-developed solutions impact communities by: Protecting mothers/birthing people and babies from illness and death during and after pregnancyIncreasing breastfeeding ratesReducing COVID-19 related isolation and misinformationProviding
- [HealthConnect One Praises Selection Of Xavier Becerra For HHS Secretary](https://healthconnectone.org/healthconnect-one-praises-selection-of-xavier-becerra-for-hhs-secretary/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Kristian Ramos,Kristian@autonomy-strategies.com Washington D.C. - President-elect Joe Biden has selected Xavier Becerra, the attorney general of California, as his nominee for secretary of health and human services, tapping a former congressman who would be the first Latino to run the department as it battles the coronavirus pandemic. In response to
- [NICU Dad's Breastfeeding Journey](https://healthconnectone.org/nicu-dads-breastfeeding-journey/) - by John E. Bridges, Jr. My name is John E. Bridges, Jr. and I am a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. My Journey began when my daughter Amiya was born and it was discovered that she had Hirschsprung Disease. This disease is when certain cells in the large intestine are not active. Because of this disease, at
- [Oh, the Places We’ll Go… to Breastfeed!](https://healthconnectone.org/oh-the-places-well-go-to-breastfeed/) - Read below about a mom pumping breast milk in Turkey – awkward pumping interruptions – traveling globally with a pump – and the dedication of women balancing work and breastfeeding. These are excerpts from one of the winning entries in HealthConnect One’s breastfeeding photo contest last year. Maybe your entry will be the winner in
- [Helping Mom and Baby Breastfeed](https://healthconnectone.org/helping-mom-and-baby-breastfeed/) - by Dana Posley, CLC I have been educating and supporting mothers on breastfeeding since 1996. After having my first daughter Jaylin, I not only felt a connection between the two of us but also a connection to the experience of breastfeeding. It wasn’t until signing up for WIC services for my son in 2009, however,
- [Atlanta's Community-Based Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/atlantas-cb-doulas/) - During its first decade of work, 2002-2012, hundreds of young women in Atlanta who would otherwise feel and be alone throughout their pregnancy had meaningful and loving support from four community-based Doulas: Hanifah Rios, Erika Ortiz, Ponchitta “Perez” Ridley and Maria Ordaz. Trained by HealthConnect One, Families First’s Doula Project helped hundreds of teens to
- [Breastfeeding Support for the NICU](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-nicu/) - by Brittney Williams When I first began seeking a practicum site, I was looking for a way to learn more about breastfeeding. In school, a course I was taking sparked my interest in breastfeeding and got me to thinking more and more. In particular, I wanted to explore the breastfeeding experience among African American women.
- [Just One Bottle](https://healthconnectone.org/just-one-bottle/) - by Kasey Valentine-Steffen For 33 years, formula corporations have violated the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 21, 1981. To mark the WHO Code Anniversary this year, HealthConnect One joined Public Citizen in a Campaign to Stop Infant Formula Marketing in Healthcare Facilities, and we invited our community partners and allies to
- [Saving Ourselves: Increasing Representation and Changing the Black Breastfeeding Narrative](https://healthconnectone.org/saving-ourselves-increasing-representation-and-changing-the-black-breastfeeding-narrative/) - A lack of diversity in breastfeeding leadership means developing our own. By Kimberly Seals Allers This guest post is the second in a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not
- [Man-to-Man: Let's Talk Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/man-to-man-lets-talk-breastfeeding/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 7th guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Damien Dimas Greetings! My name is
- [Big City Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/big-city-breastfeeding/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 1st guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Nayeli Gomez My name is
- [Breastfeeding: Role Models, Tradition, Support](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-role-models-tradition-support/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 4th guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Carmen Vergara My name is
- [Breastfeeding is about LOVE](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-is-about-love/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 8th guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Esperanza My deep love for
- [Breastfeeding!](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding/) - During Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, HealthConnect One is excited to celebrate our breastfeeding traditions through online and real-life conversation and support. This is the 2nd guest post in our blog series, “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Traditions," featuring individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic who are breastfeeding leaders, advocates of breastfeeding support, and members of breastfeeding families. by Edith Leyva My commitment to
- [Breastfeeding Peer Advocate LaTonia Clark](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-peer-advocate-latonia-clark/) - "I've learned a lot in regards to breastfeeding," says SGA Family Services' LaTonia Clark about her participation in HealthConnect One's Breastfeeding Advocate Training. She appreciates that the training was interactive. "The class... it's gonna help us out as we work with new prenatal mothers. ...They're gonna get a lot of understanding for child development, and infant
- [Breastfeeding Peer Advocate Michelle Neumann](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-peer-advocate-michelle-neumann/) - Michelle Neumann, who serves moms with children two years old and under, recently took HealthConnect One's Breastfeeding Advocate Training with SGA Family Services. "I learned a lot about breastfeeding in a different way than I'm used to," she says. "I learned a lot about the basics and fundamentals of breastfeeding . . . Miss Helen and
- [Q and A: SisterWeb Birth Doula Workshop in January](https://healthconnectone.org/sisterweb-workshop-post/) - In January, Health Connect One trainers Brenda Reyes and Tikvah Wadley coached a group of doulas at SisterWeb in San Francisco. We had a conversation with SisterWeb's Marna Armstead and Alli Cuentos afterward to learn more about the experience from the local organization's perspective. Here are some brief highlights from the conversation: Q. Can
- [Powerful Women — My CLC Course](https://healthconnectone.org/powerful-women-my-clc-course/) - Since 2016, HealthConnect One partnered with the Healthy Children Project, Inc. to offer Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training Scholarships to Community-Based Doulas and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who were (1) Trained under the HealthConnect One curriculum and (2) Providing breastfeeding support in their communities. In response to questions from HealthConnect One Program Coordinator Helen Dimas, Hannah
- [Fulfilling My Dreams: Becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor](https://healthconnectone.org/fulfilling-my-dreams-becoming-a-certified-lactation-counselor/) - Since 2016, HealthConnect One partnered with the Healthy Children Project, Inc. to offer Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training Scholarships to Community-Based Doulas and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who were (1) Trained under the HealthConnect One curriculum and (2) Providing breastfeeding support in their communities. In response to questions from HealthConnect One Program Coordinator Helen Dimas, Thaneshia
- [Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/racial-disparities-in-breastfeeding/) - By V. Kuroji Patrick This guest post is the fourth in a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not working towards racial justice during the vulnerable time of birth and breastfeeding.
- [What is racial justice in birth and breastfeeding?](https://healthconnectone.org/what-is-racial-justice-in-birth-and-breastfeeding/) - By Brenda Reyes This post is the fifth in a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not working towards racial justice during the vulnerable time of birth and breastfeeding. What is
- [Prenatal Training Impacts More than Birth](https://healthconnectone.org/prenatal-training-impacts-birth-doris-ruth/) - Bilingual birth workers from Waukegan, IL share their appreciation for a 2017 workshop.
- [Why does 'Racial Justice for All' matter to me?](https://healthconnectone.org/why-does-racial-justice-for-all-matter-to-me/) - by Tikvah Wadley, Program Coordinator, HealthConnect One This post is the first in a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not working towards racial justice during the vulnerable time of
- [If It Ain't Broke, Don’t Fix It](https://healthconnectone.org/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it/) - In preparation for our National Action Summit this fall, we asked Tamela Milan, longtime community health worker and a member of our Board of Directors, to share a few words on this year's theme, "Shared Voices for Equity in Birth and Breastfeeding." Thank you, Tamela. Can you talk about your commitment to birth and breastfeeding support, and
- [All in a Day of Breastfeeding #ThrowbackThursday 1998](https://healthconnectone.org/all-in-a-day-of-breastfeeding-throwbackthursday-1998/) - Since 1986, community health workers have been sharing their personal stories with HealthConnect One -- stories of peer counseling, of childbirth, of breastfeeding, of pumping -- stories of labor, and supporting the choices made by sisters and neighbors and friends. These stories are shared to motivate one another, to connect or to inspire, and they are timeless. Here's a
- [How has Breastfeeding Changed My Life? #ThrowbackThursday 2001](https://healthconnectone.org/how-has-breastfeeding-changed-my-life-throwbackthursday-2001/) - Since 1986, community health workers have been sharing their personal stories with HealthConnect One -- stories of peer counseling, of childbirth, of breastfeeding, of pumping -- stories of labor, and supporting the choices made by sisters and neighbors and friends. These stories are shared to motivate one another, to connect or to inspire, and they are timeless. Here's a
- [Infant Feeding in the Age of Hyper-Connectivity](https://healthconnectone.org/infant-feeding-in-the-age-of-hyper-connectivity/) - by Eileen Murphy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, RLC For 33 years, formula corporations have violated the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 21, 1981. To mark the WHO Code Anniversary this year, HealthConnect One joined Public Citizen in a Campaign to Stop Infant Formula Marketing in Healthcare Facilities, and we invited our community
- [Make Breastfeeding Magical and Stop Marketing Artificial Baby Milk](https://healthconnectone.org/make-breastfeeding-magical-and-stop-marketing-artificial-baby-milk/) - by Tytina Sanders-Bey For 33 years, formula corporations have violated the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 21, 1981. To mark the WHO Code Anniversary this year, HealthConnect One joined Public Citizen in a Campaign to Stop Infant Formula Marketing in Healthcare Facilities, and we invited our
- [Marketing of artificial baby milk: Everywhere new mothers are](https://healthconnectone.org/marketing-of-artificial-baby-milk-everywhere-new-mothers-are/) - by Toni Hill For 33 years, formula corporations have violated the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 21, 1981. To mark the WHO Code Anniversary this year, HealthConnect One joined Public Citizen in a Campaign to Stop Infant Formula Marketing in Healthcare Facilities, and we invited our community partners and allies to
- [Breastfeeding is Not a Private Issue](https://healthconnectone.org/breastfeeding-is-not-a-private-issue/) - by Rosetta M. Walls My name is Rosetta M. Walls and I’m a former Breastfeeding Peer Counselor with HealthConnect One. I inadvertently became a counselor by taking the class to find out how to get my “Boob-Head” son off my breast. He was a little over one years old and I was totally exhausted from nursing.
- [Black History Month: Breastfeeding Perspective](https://healthconnectone.org/black-history-month-breastfeeding-perspective/) - For Black History Month, HealthConnect One is partnering with Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), MomsRising, and National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC) to celebrate the work of people, organizations and institutions who make a positive impact on breastfeeding in African-American communities. This is the first guest post in our Black History Month
- [Let's Defy Breastfeeding Myths](https://healthconnectone.org/lets-defy-breastfeeding-myths/) - For Black History Month, HealthConnect One is partnering with Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), MomsRising, and the National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC) to celebrate the work of people, organizations and institutions who make a positive impact on breastfeeding in African-American communities. This is the second guest post in our Black History Month
- [Shared Voices for Equity in Birth and Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/shared-voices-for-equity-in-birth-and-breastfeeding/) - Last month, HealthConnect One hosted a National Action Summit to explore birth equity - and many other topics. We asked participants what stood out to them about this gathering: "The real commitment to reflecting on and improving community based models of care was so refreshing and inspiring," said Kayla Harvey Nasca. "How comfortable the group was," offered
- [Women Experiencing Incarceration Learn Community-Based Doula Skills](https://healthconnectone.org/incarcerated-women-gain-new-skills-in-community-based-doula-training/) - by Diana Pando Every year, millions of women are experiencing being incarcerated. Of them, “80% are mothers and 150,000 of these women are pregnant when admitted,” according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Women in prison are supporting their pregnant peers – but may lack tools and training that would help them in that effort.
- [Working Toward Racial Justice in Birth: Hope](https://healthconnectone.org/working-toward-racial-justice-in-birth-hope/) - By Hanifah Rios This guest post was initially part of a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not working towards racial justice during the vulnerable time of birth and breastfeeding.
- [Working Toward Racial Justice in Birth: Houston, we have a problem!](https://healthconnectone.org/working-toward-racial-justice-in-birth-houston-we-have-a-problem/) - By Hanifah Rios This guest post was initially part of a series leading up to HealthConnect One's National Action Summit, "Racial Justice or Just Us? in Birth and Breastfeeding," intended to encourage open, thoughtful dialogue about finding or not finding, working or not working towards racial justice during the vulnerable time of birth and breastfeeding.
- [Tapping Powerful Resources: Johari Wisdom](https://healthconnectone.org/tapping-powerful-resources-johari-wisdom/) - The following is an excerpt from an interview with Johari Wisdom, a doula and student midwife who participated in HC One’s Regional Meeting in Tupelo, Mississippi on August 15, 2013: My name is Johari Wisdom, and I am a doula who works out of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area. I am on this group in
- [How well do hospitals support breastfeeding families?](https://healthconnectone.org/how-well-do-hospitals-support-breastfeeding-families/) - ~ by Sadie Wych, MPH, CLC, Project Coordinator, HealthConnect One How well do hospitals support breastfeeding families? There’s a test for that! Did you know? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has administered the “mPinc” (Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care) three times since 2007 (2007, 2009, 2011) to maternity hospitals, to assess
- [A Doula Dance Party](https://healthconnectone.org/a-doula-dance-party/) - ~ by Cindy Ogrin, Development Director, HealthConnect One _____ HealthConnect One is celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year. In 1986, a powerful group of women had the idea that breastfeeding promotion could have a real impact on the soaring rates of infant mortality in Chicago. They transformed their commitment into an organization supporting mothers, babies, families
- [Gratis! Seminario web 6/26 - Apoyando a Familias Durante COVID-19 y Emergencias](https://healthconnectone.org/gratis-seminario-web-6-26-apoyando-a-familias-durante-covid-19-y-emergencias/) - A medida que continuamos navegando con COVID-19 (Corona Virus), nuestras familias y comunidades durante el embarazo y despues aún necesitan apoyo. El seminario web estará dirigido por Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASI) en Puerto Rico (PR). Compartirán su enfoque para apoyar a las familias durante emergencias y durante esta pandemia de salud pública. ASI continúa apoyando
- [New webinar: 6/25 - Supporting Families During COVID-19 and Emergencies](https://healthconnectone.org/new-webinar-6-25-supporting-families-during-covid-19-and-emergencies/) - As we continue to navigate COVID-19 our birthing families and communities still need support. The webinar will be led by Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASI) in Puerto Rico (PR). They will share their approach to supporting families during emergencies and this public health pandemic. ASI continues to support families effectively in PR during these challenging times

## Pages

- [HealthConnect One](https://healthconnectone.org/) - HealthConnect One is leading the nation in community birth worker Preview text We support healthy pregnancies, births, and breastfeeding in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Learn More About Our Work Our Approach Operating with the awareness that birth equity is fundamental to racial equity, our approach to community health worker training and program development is
- [Our Staff](https://healthconnectone.org/about-us/our-staff/) - About Us Our Team Enterprise Operations Community Based Programs Community Care Programs Advocacy and Communications Community Partner Programs Shontei Hampton, CD, BS she/herCommunity Partner Project Manager Shontei is a maternal-child health advocate, certified doula, and wellness educator who brings over a decade of community-based experience to HealthConnect One's Training & Curriculum team. As Training Specialist,
- [Build Your Career in Birth Equity](https://healthconnectone.org/careers/) - #Transforming Lives through Birth Work Celebrating 40 years of pioneering Birth Equity. Since 1986, HealthConnect One has been the national leader in advancing respectful, community-based, peer-to-peer support for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. We are committed to ensuring Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities have access to safe pregnancies and healthy births, thriving babies and
- [Donate](https://healthconnectone.org/donate/) - Donate Community-Rooted Birth Equity Thank you for supporting families during the first 1,000 days, from pregnancy through early childhood, when support matters most. Your generosity helps center Black, Brown, and Indigenous families, ensuring access to respectful, culturally responsive care. Together, we can expand community-based doula care, breastfeeding and parenting support, and advocacy efforts that
- [Advocacy](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/advocacy/) - Our Work > Advocacy It takes a village - and we're building one. With the support and groundwork of birth equity advocates in our network, we fight for fair pay for birth workers, reproductive justice, and sustainable communities for future generations. Fair Pay ForBirth Workers Sustainability and fair pay are critical to support ongoing, quality
- [Contact us](https://healthconnectone.org/contact-us/) - Contact Us Thanks for your interest! We respond promptly to all messages via this contact form.
- [Get Involved](https://healthconnectone.org/get-involved-2/) - Get Involved How you can get involved You don't have to donate money in order to get involved with the HealthConnect One community. We welcome and celebrate sharing gifts of all kinds, no matter the size. "Without community, there is no liberation." AUDRE LORDE Sign a petition Sign up to volunteer Become a Giving Society
- [About Us](https://healthconnectone.org/about-us/) - About Us Training, Mobilizing, and Connecting communities in service of birth equity since 1986. Our Priorities Our Why Our Story Our Impact Our Team HealthConnect One is the national leader in advancing equitable, community-based, peer-to-peer support for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. Our vision is to see every baby, mother, and family thrive in
- [Our Work](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/) - Our Work Taking action & sharing knowledge for birth equity HealthConnect One applies an equity-focused approach to our work. We aim to improve pregnancy, birth, and early parenting experiences for communities that have been historically marginalized and inadequately served. While our maternal child health outcomes are abysmal, the US spends more than any other developed
- [North Carolina Doula Community](https://healthconnectone.org/north-carolina-doula-community/) - Strengthening Community-Based Doula Care in North Carolina HealthConnect One brings an equity-focused approach to strengthening pregnancy, birth, and early parenting support. Our work in North Carolina is already underway as we build a strong, statewide network alongside community-based doulas. Through events and webinars, we've had the opportunity to listen, learn, and begin shaping this collaborative
- [DoulaREADI](https://healthconnectone.org/doulareadi/) - Is Your Facility READI? doulareadi Transforming Hospital Culture for Equitable & Inclusive Maternity Care By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and doulas, DoulaREADI aims to create inclusive, patient-centered hospital environments that improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The 5 Key Components of DoulaREADI are: R ResponsiveMeeting the Needs of Patients and Support Persons Healthcare systems
- [Blog](https://healthconnectone.org/blog/) - Our Blog HealthConnect One collaborates with communities across the country to develop culturally-reflective peer-to-peer support programs and initiatives that promote pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. AllAbout UsBreastfeedingCommunity ResourcesCommunity-Based DoulaFeatureNorth CarolinaProjects & PartnersRecapsSpotlightTake ActionUncategorized Published August 14, 2025 under North Carolina North Carolina Resource Collection The North Carolina Resource Collection Form is a chance to
- [News & Events](https://healthconnectone.org/news-events/) - News The latest press releases and announcements from HealthConnect One Moms and Babies in Burien, Washington Receive the Gold-Standard of Care Through Global Perinatal Services Community-Based Doula Program Press Release Birthing Families in Los Angeles County, California- Receive the Gold Standard of Care Through SBCC Community-Based Doula Program Press Release The Doula Data Consortium Time
- [Community-Based Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/community-based-doulas/) - Our Work > Community Based Doulas Our Community-Based Doula Program is a nationally-recognized and evidence-based model, refined over 30 years of practice and replicated in communities across the country. Doulas are a mitigating factor for maternal mortality and many other risks to birthing families, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. Community-based doulas provide
- [Training](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/training/) - Our Work > Training Harnessing the power of peer-to-peer support Educating a national network of birth equity leaders HealthConnect One collaborates with communities across the country to develop culturally-reflective peer-to-peer support programs and initiatives that promote pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. Together with our partners, we train, educate, and support people in communities experiencing
- [Research](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/research/) - Research Our work & program models arebacked by research. In concert with the communities we serve, HealthConnect One partners with higher education institutions to conduct community-based research that advances maternal child health outcomes for underserved communities. Together, we're building a knowledge base that advances the health of birthing families and of the community itself. We
- [Privacy Policy](https://healthconnectone.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy HealthConnect One has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses our information-gathering and dissemination practices for this website. Our site's email sign-up form requires users to give us contact information such as name and email address. We use contact information from the sign-up form to
- [Publications](https://healthconnectone.org/publications/) - Publications HealthConnect One Annual Report 2021 Annual Reports Download our Factsheet: Breastfeeding Intention Research Fact Sheets Breastfeeding HealthConnect One Annual Report 2020 Annual Reports Home Visiting Yearbook 2020 Changing the conversation on birth equity: issue brief 2 is on medicalization of birth Maternal Health In Puerto Rico During COVID-19 Capacity Development Issue Briefs Birth Equity
- [Community Health Workers](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/community-health-workers/) - Our Work > CHW Community Health Workers We have been training and collaborating with community health workers (CHWs) since 1986 to promote breastfeeding, provide pregnancy and birthing support, and prevent infant mortality. True peer counselors, Community Health Workers improve community health by linking communities and health care systems. CHWs work neighbor-to-neighbor, teen-to-teen, refugee-to-refugee, mother-to-mother, one
- [Lactation & Breastfeeding Peer Counselors](https://healthconnectone.org/our-work/lactation-breastfeeding-peer-counselors/) - Our Work > Peer Counselors Breastfeeding & Lactation Peer Counseling HealthConnect One partners with clinics, health centers, community organizations, and national agencies to develop programs to support and train Breastfeeding and Lactation Peer Counselors. Breastfeeding is critical to young children's health, yet years of disinvestment and systemic racism within the health care system have created

## Events

- [A Doula Story](https://healthconnectone.org/events/a-doula-story/) - The North Carolina Doula Collaborative presents A Doula Story — a community gathering advancing birth equity in NC on March 24. Click the image to register and learn more.
- [Rochester Training & Scholarship Opportunity](https://healthconnectone.org/events/rochester-training/) - Calling Rochester, NY! If you feel called to support birthing families in your community, this is your opportunity to begin your Community-Based Doula (CBD) journey. HealthConnect One, in partnership with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, is offering training, connection, and support for Monroe County residents, especially those in ZIP codes 14609, 14621, 14624, and 14580, who are
- [NC Doula Voices: Transforming Insights into Action](https://healthconnectone.org/events/nc-doula-voices-transforming-insights-into-action/) - Join us for a follow-up webinar with North Carolina doulas who participated in our March convening and survey, as well as those we connected with during our in-person tour of the state. We will share key takeaways on the barriers you identified and propose actionable recommendations. This session will focus on your feedback and collaborative
- [Doula Data Consortium Time Use Study Webinar](https://healthconnectone.org/events/doula-data-consortium-time-use-study-webinar/) - Join The Doula Data Consortium in this invigorating discussion to share findings and insights from the 2023 Time Use Study to understand and better address the resources needed to support community doula organizations. The Doula Data Consortium, founded by SisterWeb in 2021, is a coalition of partner-based community doula organizations, co-facilitated by SisterWeb and HealthConnect
- [Birthing a Sustainable Future: Climate Action Starts in the BirthRoom](https://healthconnectone.org/events/birthing-a-sustainable-future-climate-action-starts-in-the-birthroom/) - Join HealthConnect One for the third and final installment of our Perinatal Health and Preparedness Webinar Series hosted by Dr. Tyra Gross! This webinar is titled: Birthing a Sustainable Future: Climate Action Starts in the Birth Room Date: May 21 | Time: 1:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar In this session, we'll delve into the vital role doulas play
- [Resilience Rising: Birthwork & Preparedness in a Changing World](https://healthconnectone.org/events/resilience-rising-birthwork-preparedness-in-a-changing-world/) - Join HealthConnect One for the second installment of our Perinatal Health and Preparedness Webinar Series hosted by Dr. Tyra Gross! The second of three informative webinars is titled: Resilience Rising: Birthwork & Preparedness in a Changing. Date: April 23rd | Time: 1:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar In this 90-minute session, we'll bridge maternal and child health with
- [Community Doula Week Webinar](https://healthconnectone.org/events/community-doula-week-webinar/) - Community Doula Week will end with our annual webinar on Sustaining Doulas for the Present, Future, and Beyond! Join us on Friday, April 5th at 1PM EST with our host Crystal Irby as she narrates the conversation with our wonderful panelists! Date: April 5th | Time: 1:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar This webinar will
- [Empowering the Birth Community for Climate Action](https://healthconnectone.org/events/empowering-the-birth-community-for-climate-action/) - Join HealthConnect One for the first installment of our Perinatal Health and Preparedness Webinar Series hosted by Dr. Tyra Gross! The first of three informative webinars is titled: Empowering the Birth Community for Climate Action Date: March 27th | Time: 1:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar Join us for a dynamic webinar exploring the intersection of climate change
- [Birth and Beyond Summit 2023 Recap](https://healthconnectone.org/events/birthbeyondsummit-recap/) - THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING, SEE YOU IN 2025! On behalf of all the staff at HealthConnect One, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your presence at the 2023 Birth & Beyond Summit! ⁠ We hope that the summit has provided you with inspiration to continue your crucial work in furthering community-based solutions aimed
- [National Breastfeeding Month: Strengthening Communities with First Food Equity (FFE)](https://healthconnectone.org/events/hconbm/) - August is National Breastfeeding Month! At HealthConnect One, we believe in supporting equitable breastfeeding and lactation assistance nationwide, promoting an inclusive environment for all families to thrive. Date: August 30th | Time: 2:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar HealthConnect One along with its FFE partners including the Hmong Breastfeeding Coalition, Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASI), Wichita
- [Birthing Hope Fundraiser 2023](https://healthconnectone.org/events/birthing-hope-2023/) - BIRTHING HOPE 2023 Birthing Hope Fundraiser You're cordially invited to attend our Birthing Hope Soiree fundraiser, an exciting evening of celebration, networking, and fundraising at The Hall CP in Maryland! The event will include dancing and delicious food will be served. The attire is semi-formal wear. PURCHASE YOUR TICKET Thank you for your support! We're
- [Birthing Hope 2023 Awardee Announcements](https://healthconnectone.org/events/birthing-hope-2023-awardee-announcements/) - HealthConnect One is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year's Birthing Hope Awards! These organizations have not only demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to improving their communities, but have also been instrumental in advancing birth equity. We are proud to honor them for their contributions to ensuring that every mother, child, and birthing family
- [Community Doula Week](https://healthconnectone.org/events/community-doula-week/) - In 2022, HealthConnect One partnered with BirthMatters to host the first-ever Community Doula Week. Community Doula Week is a weeklong campaign to highlight the unique and life-saving support community doulas offer birthing people and their families. This campaign was dreamed up by Eboni Williams, a BirthMatters community-based doula serving her community in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
- [Expanding the Access to Community Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/events/cdwwebinar/) - Date: April 5th | Time: 1:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar Join HealthConnect One for an informative Community Doula Week webinar on Expanding the Access to Community Doulas! ⁠ with panelists from SisterWeb, Accompany Doula Care, Birth Matters, Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association, and HealthConnectOne! In this webinar, we will explore the challenges of providing comprehensive healthcare services in
- [Doulas Deserve Sustainability](https://healthconnectone.org/events/doulas-deserve-sustainability/) - Date: March 29th | Time: 12:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar Join HealthConnect One as we discuss the launch of the Forecasting and Sustainability Tool for Community Doula Organizations (Doula FAST). Developed by the Rutgers School of Public Health, with support from the Burke Foundation and thought partnership from HealthConnect One and the Children’s Home
- [Irth App Masterclass](https://healthconnectone.org/events/irth-app-masterclass/) - Date: March 1st| Time: 1:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar Learn more about Irth (as in Birth, but we dropped the B for bias). A birthing app that allows women and birthing folks to have a Yelp-like platform for their maternity care experiences. Founded by Kimberly Seals Allers. Irth is working to uplift the voices
- [5 Essential Components to Succeed](https://healthconnectone.org/events/5-essential-components-to-succeed/) - The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Community-Based Program model have been in existence for many years and its effectiveness in increasing breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity have been proven. These two programs are innovative program model that supports families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early months of parenting. Community-based doulas and peer counselors are of and
- [<strong>Getting Doulas Paid: Advancing Community-Based Models in Medicaid Reimbursement Conversations</strong>](https://healthconnectone.org/events/getting-doulas-paid/) - Date: February 23rd | Time: 1:30 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar This webinar will launch the Doula Data and Compensation project Policy Brief developed in partnership with community-based doula organizations in the Doula Data Consortium. The conversation will be moderated by Amy Chen (she/her), Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program. Join this discussion
- [Expanding Lactation Support](https://healthconnectone.org/events/expanding-lactation-support/) - Partner and community support is essential to breastfeeding success. In communities where socioeconomic factors and historical injustices have reduced breastfeeding initiation and duration, community support may serve as a buffer to the harm caused by inequities. Join HealthConnect One and Multnomah County’s REACH program for a Black Breastfeeding Week panel discussion, "Expanding Lactation Support: Undoing
- [Lactation Across Borders](https://healthconnectone.org/events/lactation-across-borders/) - National Breastfeeding Month | Roundtable Discussion Date: August 30th | Time: 2:00 PM EST | ZOOM Webinar The declining health status of immigrant groups through generations is varied and complex, as are the breastfeeding practices and available support across communities. To close out National Breastfeeding Month, HealthConnect One is hosting a roundtable discussion on
- [Birthing Hope 2022 Awardee Announcements](https://healthconnectone.org/events/birthing-hope-2022-awardee-announcements/) - HealthConnect One is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Irving Harris Advocacy Award, Kay Matthews, and 2022 Senator Durbin Award, Comunidad Maternal en Utah! Our awardees were nominated based on their commitment to birthing people through education, advocacy, and support. Each awardee provides vital resources to their communities and HealthConnect One is proud
- [Birthing Hope 2021](https://healthconnectone.org/events/birthing-hope-2021/) - BIRTHING HOPE 2021 Virtual Birthing Hope Event At HealthConnect One, we have fought maternal child health inequities in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities for over 35 years. We believe that creating healthy and sustainable communities begins with healthy moms, babies, and birthing families. GIVE A DONATION Thank you for your support! All proceeds from tonight
- [New Webinar: April 30 - Supporting Birthing Families During COVID-19](https://healthconnectone.org/events/new-webinar-april-30-supporting-birthing-families-during-covid-19/) - Update: here's a video of the webinar featuring Dalvery Blackwell presenting on African-American Breastfeeding Network's birth work in Milwaukee during COVID-19.  COVID-19 virus has been deemed a public health pandemic by the World Health Organization in January. During this time, birthing communities of color and African-American families need continuity of support, affirmation and
- [Virtual Meet & Greet with Dr. Twylla Dillion](https://healthconnectone.org/events/virtual-meet-greet-with-dr-twylla-dillion/) - Join us for a virtual meet and greet event to get to know our new Executive Director, Dr. Twylla Dillion! She has a great vision for HealthConnect One and wants to share it with all of our supporters! In her prior work at United Way of Greater Rochester, Dr. Dillion focused on using data and

## Publications

- [HealthConnect One's public comment support Illinois lactation coverage](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-ones-public-comment-support-illinois-lactation-coverage/) - HealthConnect One shares an update on lactation illinois advocacy, with proposed amendments and expanded coverage, and urges broader access across settings.
- [Healthy Start Statement](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthy-start-statement/) - HealthConnect One supports the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) and the National Healthy Start Association’s request for Congress to provide $145.25 million in FY27 funding for the federal Healthy Start program. For more than 25 years, HealthConnect One has worked to improve maternal, infant, and family health by advancing community-driven approaches that
- [HealthConnect One's Open Letter to Bobbie](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-ones-candid-open-letter-to-bobbie/) - HealthConnect One's Open Letter to Bobbie calls for responsible infant formula marketing practices during National Breastfeeding Month.
- [Open Statement in Support of Mamas First Act](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/open-statement-in-support-of-mamas-first-act/) - HealthConnect One strongly supports the Mamas First Act, federal legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services provided by doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers. The Mamas First Act recognizes what communities have long known: trusted, culturally responsive perinatal care is essential to improving maternal and infant health outcomes
- [Illinois Family Neonatal Care Leave Act](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/illinois-family-neonatal-care-leave-act/) - HealthConnect One supports policies that ensure families can remain connected to their infants during critical periods of hospitalization, recovery, bonding, and breastfeeding establishment. We believe expanding access to family leave protections is a maternal and infant health equity strategy that can improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure all families have the opportunity to care
- [HealthConnect One: New Hampshire Positioning Statement](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-one-new-hampshire-positioning-statement/) - As Medicaid doula coverage expands nationwide, how states design certification and reimbursement pathways matters. The Community-Based Birth Support Coalition has released a new positioning statement on New Hampshire’s Medicaid doula certification pathway and the importance of protecting equitable, community-rooted workforce pathways for doulas. Community-based doulas play a critical role in advancing birth equity, improving maternal
- [HealthConnect One Position on CA Lactation Bill 2160](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-one-position-on-ca-lactation-bill-2160/) - We support expanding access to lactation services through California’s Lactation Act Bill 2160. However, the current bill excludes community-based providers who are often the most trusted and accessible for families. We call for an inclusive approach that: Recognizes community-based care providers Ensures equitable pay and removes cost barriers for families Supports culturally responsive, continuous care
- [New Policy Brief: Strengthening Community-Based Doula Care](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/new-policy-brief-strengthening-community-based-doula-care/) - At HealthConnect One, we believe every family deserves respectful, culturally reflective, and community-rooted care. This report reflects rapidly evolving state and national policies that directly impact Black, Brown, and Indigenous community-based doulas and the families they serve. Download Policy Brief While originally intended as an update on Medicaid reimbursement for doulas, this report now captures
- [Stronger Together: Building Community, Powering Change](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/annual-report-25/) - Discover how HealthConnect One is strengthening families and expanding birth worker support in our 2025 Annual Report. Join us in creating change.
- [Core Competencies and Training Recommendations for Community-Based Doula Training](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/core-competencies-and-training-recommendations-for-community-based-doula-training/) - Background In April 2024, HealthConnect One brought together 22 organizations from across the United States that train and certify community-based doulas. These included HC One partners implementing the Community-Based Doula (CBD) program, stakeholders in doula training, and certification providers. Together, they developed a set of core competencies aimed at strengthening and standardizing doula care across
- [Winter Convening Meeting Brief](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/winter-convening-meeting-brief/) - HealthConnect One Winter Convening Meeting Brief HealthConnect One is proud to share the Winter Convening Meeting Brief, a collective reflection from our February gathering in Washington, DC, where over 50 community-based doulas, advocates, philanthropists, and representatives from maternal health and government organizations came together to elevate and protect the work of community-based doulas. This convening marked an important
- [Getting Doulas Paid Policy Brief ](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/getting-doulas-paid/) - In recent years, there has been growing momentum around improving maternal health and addressing longstanding inequities in maternal health outcomes in the United States, including expanding access to doula care. Doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor and birth and have been consistently shown to improve birth outcomes and
- [Doula FAST Tool for Community Doula Organizations’ Budget Planning and Advocacy](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/doulafasttool/) - A user-friendly tool is now available to help New Jersey community-based doula organizations more accurately plan their budgets, especially when it comes to integrating Medicaid billing and other revenue sources into the process. Developed by the Rutgers School of Public Health, with support from the Burke Foundation and thought partnership from HealthConnect One and the
- [2018 Annual Report](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/what-legacy-are-we-leaving-for-our-children-2018-annual-report/) - Under the leadership of new Executive Director Brenda Blasingame and with your support, we will build on HealthConnect One’s legacy to see every baby, mother and family thrive in a healthy community. With a focus on equity, we will strengthen and expand our work to support the first 1,000 days of life by: Engaging communities
- [HealthConnect One Annual Report 2020](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-one-annual-report-2020/) - HealthConnect One is proud to release our annual report Birthing Hope During Turbulent Times. Despite the pandemic, HealthConnect One continues to partner with Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities to develop peer-to-peer programs that decrease maternal and infant mortality and increase bonding, breastfeeding, maternal support networks and early learning for infants. “In this critical moment, women,
- [HealthConnect One Annual Report 2021](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-one-annual-report-2021/) - We're proud to release our 2021 Annual Report, Planting Seeds for Future Generations. "We are like a community garden; we support birth workers to empower birthing people and co-create with other organizations. We ensure that the garden for Black, Brown and Indigenous communities is thriving in a healthy and safe environment for future generations." This
- [HealthConnect One Annual Report 2023](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-one-annual-report-2023/) - With great enthusiasm, we now unveil the theme of our annual report, Building Bridges: Connecting Communities to Make an Impact. This theme encapsulates the very essence of HealthConnect One's mission. Just as bridges link separate shores, we have been instrumental in bridging the gaps in access to birth worker support, particularly for underserved populations, including
- [HealthConnect One Annual Report 2022](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/healthconnect-one-annual-report-2022/) - We’re proud to release our 2022 Annual Report, One Pebble, A Thousand Ripples. “The impact of one person, one training, and one action can create everlasting ripples. Although you might not see or feel it, your support produces endless change that can drive impact and equity for Black, Brown, and Indigenous families.” This year’s theme,
- [Changing the Narrative: The Doula Medicaid Reimbursement Storybook](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/doula-medicaid-storybook/) - Funding to pay community-based birth workers is critical and largely absent; legislative action and Medicaid funding can change this. Thanks to a grant from the W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation, HealthConnect One has launched the Doula Medicaid Reimbursement Storybook - a project that involves developing a storybook focused on community-based doulas highlighting the profession's sustainability, engaging
- [Download our Factsheet: Breastfeeding Intention](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/download-breastfeeding-intention/) - HealthConnect One aims to increase breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration at 6 weeks for between Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and their families. Breastfeeding intention is an important predictor of breastfeeding initiation and duration as well as a measure of exclusive breastfeeding. This fact sheet highlights the existing inequities between BIPOC families
- [Maternal Health In Puerto Rico During COVID-19](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/maternal-health-in-puerto-rico-during-covid-19/) - Haz clic aqui por descargar en español | Click here to download in English Perhaps the biggest structural challenge posed by COVID-19 is the strain that the pandemic is placing on healthcare systems. The human costs, however, are much more significant – recent data has shown that Black and Latinx populations and poorer people have higher
- [Download Birthing Families Need Your Support Storybook](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/storybook50-05082020/) - Haz clic aqui por descargar en español | Click here to download in English As COVID-19 strains our healthcare infrastructure, pregnant women are facing severe isolation at a time where familial and community support is critical in birth outcomes. Moms and babies of color, particularly in Black and Indigenous families, are vulnerable to adverse
- [Download Community Based Doula and the Medicalization of Birth](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/cbd50-03242020/) - Download the full report Download the executive summary This brief finds ample evidence that racism is the root cause for maternal mortality rate discrepancies among ethnic groups in the U.S. It recommends support for community-based doulas, who provide a range of home visiting and peer support, to provide protection that may be able to impact
- [New: HC One Issue Brief: Creating Policy for Equitable Doula Access](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/new-hc-one-issue-brief-creating-policy-for-equitable-doula-access/) - We are thrilled to announce the release of the HealthConnect One (HC One) Issue Brief: Creating Policy for Equitable Doula Access. It’s very exciting that communities and states across the country are looking at doula access. We think it’s really important that we talk about what is a doula and what’s a community-based doula and
- [Building for Birth Equity: Lessons from the Field](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/building-for-birth-equity-lessons-from-the-field/) - HealthConnect One (HC One) launched the Birth Equity Leadership Academy (BELA) in the spring of 2017, to develop effective and authentic leadership on maternal and child health within communities that are often marginalized, and to amplify the voices of these leaders through a coordinated national network. BELA is the first national network focused on birth
- [Read Sustainable Funding for Doula Programs: A Study](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/read-sustainable-funding-for-doula-programs-a-study/) - Community-based doulas have been increasingly recognized in recent years for improving health, reducing costs, and effectively addressing health disparities. However, their services have continued to be underfunded, which has plagued the ability to make them available on a broad scale. In light of this potential to positively impact health and the existing barriers to sustainable funding, HealthConnect One (HC
- [Download Sustainable Funding Report](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/download-sustainable-funding-report/) - Sustainable_Funding_for_Doula_Programs_A_Study_single_51Download This publication is a summary of research into sustainable funding streams, policy opportunities, and strategies for sustaining community-based doula services. Although focused on doulas it is also applicable to breastfeeding peer counselors, community health workers, and others working to improve maternal, infant, and family health outcomes.
- [This Powerful Embrace-2015 Report](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/this-powerful-embrace-2015-report/) - HealthConnect One holds space for tough conversations surrounding birth and health equity. We hold space for change, for creativity, for innovation. We engage honestly, broadly, unapologetically, and we invite into the conversation those who are often unheard. This year, our National Action Summit, “Shared Voices for Equity in Birth and Breastfeeding,” brought together over 100
- [Read The Perinatal Revolution report (2014)](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/read-the-perinatal-revolution-report-2014/) - The Community-Based Doula Program provides low-income mothers with someone from their community who can help make breastfeeding easier, and guide them toward a healthy pregnancy and a baby who has the ultimate nutritional advantage. This study shows that community-based doulas can change the way our country cares for our most vulnerable moms and babies, and
- [Together We Can Unlock Birth Equity-2017 Annual report](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/together-we-can-unlock-birth-equity-2017-annual-report/) - As many of you know, Rachel Abramson, HealthConnect One’s co-founder and current executive director, announced her decision to retire at the end of June 2018. There are no words to adequately express the extraordi- nary gifts that Rachel has provided to Health- Connect One throughout her 30-year tenure. Rachel started this organization to address the
- [2019 Annual Report](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/because-you-believe-2019-annual-report/) - This year, because you believe in maternal and child health and support the work of HealthConnect One, we impacted 5,700 people across the nation through our Community- Based Doula Program and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor trainings. Together we can improve maternal and infant outcomes, most importantly, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. This means more birthing
- [Thirty Years of Making Waves: 2016 Annual Report](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/thirty-years-of-making-waves-2016-annual-report/) - In Chicago 30 years ago, the mission was straightforward: Encourage mothers to breast- feed. What we discovered was that mothers felt disconnected, with no one to rely on, no one who spoke their language, and no one who knew where they were coming from. That’s where HealthConnect One’s impact began. Annual_Report-2016Download
- [Home Visiting Yearbook 2020](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/home-visiting-yearbook-2020/) - HealthConnect One is excited to be featured in the 2020 Home Visiting Yearbook by The National Home Visiting Resource Center (NHVRC). The yearbook is a nationwide and state-by-state look at early childhood home visiting. The publication presents 2019 data from evidence-based and emerging home visiting models and from state agencies to highlight the following: -Where
- [Changing the conversation on birth equity: issue brief 2 is on medicalization of birth](https://healthconnectone.org/publication/issue-brief-2/) - Community-Based Doula and the Medicalization of Birth is the second of five policy briefs designed to call attention to the most pressing challenges inhibiting broad adoption of community-based doula services that contribute to birth equity. In October 2019 we released our first report, Doula Legislation-Creating Policy for Equitable Doula Access. At almost the same time

## Categories

- [Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/category/breastfeeding-2/)
- [Community-Based Doula](https://healthconnectone.org/category/community-based-doula-2/)
- [Spotlight](https://healthconnectone.org/category/spotlight/)
- [Feature](https://healthconnectone.org/category/training/)
- [About Us](https://healthconnectone.org/category/about/)
- [Press Release](https://healthconnectone.org/category/press-release/)
- [Projects & Partners](https://healthconnectone.org/category/projects/)
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- [Take Action](https://healthconnectone.org/category/take-action/)
- [Recaps](https://healthconnectone.org/category/recaps/)
- [Announcements](https://healthconnectone.org/category/announcements/)
- [North Carolina](https://healthconnectone.org/category/north-carolina/)
- [Annual Report](https://healthconnectone.org/category/announcements/annual-report/)

## Tags

- [#CHWs](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/chws/)
- [advocacy](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/advocacy/)
- [Affordable Care Act](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/affordable-care-act/)
- [babies](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/babies/)
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- [birth](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birth/)
- [birth equity](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birth-equity/)
- [Black History Month](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-history-month/)
- [breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/breastfeeding/)
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- [community health workers](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/community-health-workers/)
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- [community-based doula](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/community-based-doula/)
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- [Birth Equity Action Network](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birth-equity-action-network/)
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- [virtual training](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/virtual-training/)
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- [federal policy](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/federal-policy/)
- [Webinars](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/webinars/)
- [George Floyd](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/george-floyd/)
- [Black Lives Matter](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-lives-matter/)
- [Moms Rising](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/moms-rising/)
- [Every Baby Our Baby](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/every-baby-our-baby/)
- [trauma](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/trauma/)
- [Birth Equity Leaders](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birth-equity-leaders/)
- [Photos](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/photos/)
- [U.S. Senator Durbin](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/u-s-senator-durbin/)
- [Birthworkers](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birthworkers/)
- [EBOB20](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/ebob20/)
- [teen moms](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/teen-moms/)
- [lactancia](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/lactancia/)
- [African American Breastfeeding Network](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/african-american-breastfeeding-network/)
- [Replication](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/replication/)
- [Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-mothers-breastfeeding-association/)
- [Home Visiting](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/home-visiting/)
- [Accreditation](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/accreditation/)
- [CLC](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/clc/)
- [publications](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/publications/)
- [Video](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/video/)
- [CHW of the Year](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/chw-of-the-year/)
- [Español](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/espanol/) - posts in Spanish
- [autocuidado](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/autocuidado/)
- [presentation](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/presentation/)
- [National Pregnancy and Infant Awareness Month](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/national-pregnancy-and-infant-awareness-month/)
- [Xavier Becerra Secretary of Health and Human Services](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/xavier-becerra-secretary-of-health-and-human-services/)
- [President Joe Biden](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/president-joe-biden/)
- [Vice-President Kamala Harris birth equity](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/vice-president-kamala-harris-birth-equity/)
- [Martin Luther King](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/martin-luther-king/)
- [HealthConnect One birth equity](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/healthconnect-one-birth-equity/)
- [HealthConnect](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/healthconnect/)
- [Kamala Harris birth equity](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/kamala-harris-birth-equity/)
- [Black Maternal Health](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-maternal-health/)
- [Medicaid Expansion HealthConnect One](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/medicaid-expansion-healthconnect-one/)
- [Illinois](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/illinois/)
- [Doula Coverage](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/doula-coverage/)
- [Legislation](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/legislation/)
- [StopAsianHate](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/stopasianhate/)
- [AAPI](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/aapi/)
- [Vaccines](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/vaccines/)
- [Jobs](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/jobs/)
- [reproductive justice](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/reproductive-justice/)
- [Birthing Hope](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birthing-hope/)
- [Virtual Fundraiser](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/virtual-fundraiser/)
- [Annual Campaign](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/annual-campaign/)
- [Webinar](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/webinar/)
- [Momnibus](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/momnibus/)
- [Black Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-breastfeeding/)
- [NJ](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/nj/)
- [Collaborations](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/collaborations/)
- [NJ DLC](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/nj-dlc/)
- [National Breastfeeding Month](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/national-breastfeeding-month/)
- [black doula](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-doula/)
- [Policy](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/policy/)
- [community based doula](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/community-based-doula-3/)
- [rochester](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/rochester/)
- [annual report](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/annual-report/)
- [Community Based Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/community-based-doulas/)
- [Doula Week](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/doula-week/)
- [First Food Equity](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/first-food-equity/)
- [AAPI Month](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/aapi-month/)
- [Award](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/award/)
- [Fundraiser](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/fundraiser/)
- [Giving](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/giving/)
- [latinx voices](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/latinx-voices/)
- [latinx](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/latinx/)
- [breastfeeding advocates](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/breastfeeding-advocates/)
- [maternal mental health](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/maternal-mental-health/)
- [annual reports](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/annual-reports/)
- [partner support](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/partner-support/)
- [Maternal Health Crisis](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/maternal-health-crisis/)
- [BirthBeyondSummit](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birthbeyondsummit/)
- [BBSummit2023](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/bbsummit2023/)
- [CommunityBasedDoulas](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/communitybaseddoulas/)
- [HCOneSummit](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/hconesummit/)
- [sustainability](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/sustainability/)
- [federal support](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/federal-support/)
- [working parents](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/working-parents/)
- [birthing families](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birthing-families/)
- [philanthropist](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/philanthropist/)
- [funders](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/funders/)
- [activist](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/activist/)
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- [black communities](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/black-communities/)
- [community](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/community/)
- [birthing experience](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birthing-experience/)
- [mental health crisis](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/mental-health-crisis/)
- [Preeclampsia](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/preeclampsia/)
- [postpartum](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/postpartum/)
- [Pride](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/pride/)
- [Pride month](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/pride-month/)
- [chestfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/chestfeeding/)
- [parent](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/parent/)
- [birthing person](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/birthing-person/)
- [Juneteenth](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/juneteenth/)
- [African American History](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/african-american-history/)
- [California](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/california/)
- [community doula](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/community-doula/)
- [families](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/families/)
- [LGBTQ](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/lgbtq/)
- [rest](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/rest/)
- [mental health](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [success](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/success/)
- [sleep](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/sleep/)
- [immune system](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/immune-system/)
- [summer](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/summer/)
- [preterm birth](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/preterm-birth/)
- [Prematurity](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/prematurity/)
- [North Carolina](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/north-carolina/)
- [hurricane relief](https://healthconnectone.org/tag/hurricane-relief/)

## Topics

- [Breastfeeding](https://healthconnectone.org/topics/breastfeeding/)
- [Community Based Doulas](https://healthconnectone.org/topics/doulas/)
- [Birth Equity](https://healthconnectone.org/topics/birth-equity/)

## Past or Future

- [Past Event](https://healthconnectone.org/past_or_future/past-event/)
- [Community Doula Week 2023](https://healthconnectone.org/past_or_future/community-doula-week-2023/)
- [Upcoming](https://healthconnectone.org/past_or_future/upcoming/)

## Publication Categories

- [Advocacy](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_category/advocacy/)
- [Research](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_category/research/)
- [Capacity Development](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_category/capacity-development/)
- [Programming](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_category/programming/)

## Publication Types

- [Annual Reports](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_type/annual-reports/)
- [Fact Sheets](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_type/fact-sheets/)
- [Issue Briefs](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_type/issue-briefs/)
- [Toolkits](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_type/toolkits/)
- [Reports](https://healthconnectone.org/publication_type/reports/)

## Special Events

- [North Carolina](https://healthconnectone.org/special_events/north-carolina/)