Improving maternal health equity through doula programs for Medicaid-eligible individuals in NYC
Official title: Integrated Supportive Care Policies to Improve Maternal Health Equity: Evaluating the Multi-level Effects and Implementation of Doula Programs for Medicaid-Eligible Birthing People in New York City
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10933006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having doulas—supportive caregivers during pregnancy and childbirth—can help improve the health of moms on Medicaid in New York City, especially for Black moms who face higher risks during and after pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $743,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR021108-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicaid-eligible birthing individuals, particularly those from Black communities in New York City.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not eligible for Medicaid or those who do not reside in New York City may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how integrated supportive care policies, particularly the implementation of doula programs, can enhance maternal health equity for Medicaid-eligible birthing individuals in New York City. It focuses on addressing the significant disparities in maternal mortality rates, especially among Black individuals, by evaluating the effectiveness of doula care models and the challenges faced by doulas in providing care. The study aims to gather empirical evidence on how these programs can be effectively integrated into existing healthcare systems to improve access to quality maternity services. By examining the social and structural determinants of health, the research seeks to inform policy changes that can lead to better maternal health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health outcomes and reduced mortality rates for marginalized populations in New York City.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of doula care models, similar approaches in other regions have shown promise in improving maternal health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daw, Jamie Roberta — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Daw, Jamie Roberta
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.