New York City's Citywide Doula Initiative Shows Significant Gains in Maternal Health Outcomes

Strategic Insights -

The Citywide Doula Initiative, launched in 2022 by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has achieved major health milestones in its second year of operation. The program, which provides free access to doulas for individuals in underserved neighborhoods, has expanded its reach and improved maternal health outcomes for Black and Hispanic women. Studies have shown that Black, non-Hispanic women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-associated causes and six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white, non-Hispanic women.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Citywide Doula Initiative exceeded its goal of serving 1,000 individuals who give birth per year, reaching 1,128 new clients in 2024 alone.
  • Over the last three years, the program has served 3,245 people, with no maternal deaths among program participants.
  • There has been a 25 percent increase in doula coverage for New York City residents overall from 2022 to 2024.
  • The Citywide Doula Initiative accounted for nearly half of all doula-attended births in disinvested New York City neighborhoods in 2024.
  • The program has delivered free doulas to 61% of clients who self-identified as Black, either alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity.
  • Slightly fewer than half of clients, or 44%, identified as Hispanic or Latina, either alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity.
  • 22% of newly enrolled Citywide Doula Initiative clients were non-English-speaking, a substantial increase from 15% the previous year.
  • The program provides services to many individuals living in shelters or other precarious housing, representing 16% of all clients.
  • 94% of Citywide Doula Initiative clients are enrolled in Medicaid or another government insurance program.

Statistics:

  • 1,128 new clients served by the Citywide Doula Initiative in 2024.
  • 3,245 people served by the program over the last three years.
  • 25% increase in doula coverage for New York City residents from 2022 to 2024.
  • 61% of clients self-identified as Black, either alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity.
  • 44% of clients identified as Hispanic or Latina, either alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity.
  • 22% of newly enrolled Citywide Doula Initiative clients were non-English-speaking.
  • 16% of all clients are living in shelters or other precarious housing.
  • 94% of Citywide Doula Initiative clients are enrolled in Medicaid or another government insurance program.

Sources:

  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
  • Mayor Eric Adams' Office
  • Citywide Doula Initiative report (no date provided)