We are thrilled to announce that HOPE’s model for integrating community-based doula care into public hospital maternity services has been published in Health Affairs Scholar! The article “Building HOPE: Integrating community-based doula care in public hospitals in New York City” presents a detailed case study of how doulas, grounded in community engagement and responsive to social determinants of health, can be systematically integrated into clinical care in publicly funded hospitals. The paper highlights strategies for workforce development, hospital–community partnership, and institutional integration that are essential for scaling doula care for low-income and Medicaid-insured populations. By showcasing a replicable model for birth-equity–driven doula services, this work advances how healthcare systems can address maternal morbidity and mortality disparities among historically underserved communities.

A huge thank you to our collaborative team and community partners for their relentless dedication in pioneering a model that truly works towards centering birthing people's needs in maternal health care!