Evaluating the Strength of Community-Based Doula Care for Equitable Maternal Health Outcomes

This project aims to understand what systems, services and transformations are needed for every family — especially Black and Brown families — to experience safe and healthy births and birthing supports by 2035.

We are working to identify the clinical needs and lived experiences of birthing people in Central Texas, as well as what agencies and organizations are required to effectively serve the community and meet those needs. This includes recognizing gaps in education and awareness for both families and service providers, increasing awareness of available maternal health data and services, and developing policy and advocacy recommendations based on a blended analysis of social service, clinical, and survey data.

The project utilizes a de-identified dataset from Connxus, a Health Information Exchange (HIE) in Central Texas, to analyze clinical and social data at the community level. Our analysis aims to reveal patterns in maternal health clinical outcomes, social service gaps, and opportunities for improved coordination across the key systems and organizations serving birthing people and their families.