We produce research, issue briefs & stories about birth equity work each year as well as partnering with others to increase knowledge for the field
Black Lives Matter
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 well-being, now and in the future.
We want to also provide Black moms and their families resources to other organizations providing support to the Black community during this difficult time.
We’ve created a resource list here
Covid-19 Response & Resources
Stay safe! Please take care of yourself and others.
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. To prevent spread of COVID-19, the HealthConnect One team are working remotely, not traveling and practicing social distancing. We also have advocated for doulas to be at the side of birth mothers in hospitals.
Our coronavirus links and resources are here
Research & Publications
Including our 2014 report The Perinatal Revolution, BELA Reports highlighting lessons learned from our Birth Equity Leadership Academy in 2019, birth equity in Puerto Rico during COV ID-19 from summer 2020 and more.
- Download our Factsheet: Breastfeeding Intention
HealthConnect One aims to increase breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration at 6 weeks for between Black, Indigenous, and other […] - New Issue Brief: Maternal Health In Puerto Rico During COVID-19
Perhaps the biggest structural challenge posed by COVID-19 is the strain that the pandemic is placing on healthcare systems. […] - Birthing Families Need Your Support – Stories from Across the U.S.
As COVID-19 strains our healthcare infrastructure, pregnant women are facing severe isolation at a time where familial and community […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […]
Tools and Resources
We also have resources and references highlighting the effectiveness of community-based doula, peer-support and other Community Health Worker programs:
- a reference list of evidence citing third-party research and articles about our model
- a downloadable three-page case statement highlighting the benefits of the community-based home visiting model.
- a downloadable brief timeline of community-based doula program replication
In addition to the research & publications and evidence base resources, our website’s news section includes more than 100 reflections, stories, and news highlighting birth equity work.
Recent articles on Black History
- 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 […] - 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 […]
See all Black History articles
Latinx Voices
- Reclaiming Latinx Birth Traditions
–> En Español <– Hi! I’m Cassie, a Mexican mom and doula from Chicago! I have one adventurous toddler I keep […] - Apoyando a Familias | Supporting Families During COVID-19 and Emergencies
“Supporting Families During COVID-19 and Emergencies” led by Lourdes Santaballa, Executive Director, Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASI) in Puerto Rico (PR) […]
See all Latinx Voices articles
A Doula Story
In 2004 we collaborated with Loretha Weisinger of Marillac St. Vincent and the Kindling Group on the award-winning documentary film A Doula Story, which has aired nationally on PBS, Netflix, Amazon Prime and other platforms over the years. Read more and find out how to view it on the website of producer The Kindling Group.