Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (Photo Courtesy of Cook County Gov’t.).
In a groundbreaking move to address the maternal mortality crisis in Illinois, Cook County unveiled a new initiative to provide free doula care to patients at Cook County Health facilities. The announcement came during a press conference held on Tuesday (Dec. 3) at the Chicago Cook County Health Professional Building.
Commissioner Donna Miller of Cook County’s 6th District, who championed the initiative, was joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and a team of health officials. Together, they emphasized the critical need for accessible support services for expectant mothers in a region grappling with some of the nation’s highest maternal mortality rates.
“Today, we take a bold step forward in addressing the maternal health crisis that disproportionately impacts Black women,” said Commissioner Miller. “In Cook County and across the country, we face a maternal mortality crisis, but it’s a preventable one. We need to be doing everything we can to support the health of mothers before, during and after pregnancy, and doula services are a critical part of that.”
Commissioner Donna Miller emphasized her commitment to improving maternal healthcare, highlighting her role in securing $1 million in funding to make doula services more accessible. She expressed gratitude for the County Health System’s dedication to addressing this critical issue. She also shared her optimism about the program’s potential to reduce care disparities and safeguard the health of mothers and their children.
The research underscores the transformative impact of doula care on maternal health outcomes.
One study found that women who receive doula support are significantly less likely to experience cesarean deliveries, with odds reduced by nearly 53%. Additionally, the likelihood of postpartum depression or anxiety decreases by over 57% for those who have doula care.
The initiative also aims to ease the burden on low-income families, who often face barriers to accessing adequate prenatal and postnatal care. The service will be available immediately to Cook County Health patients.
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