Oklahoma Complete Health Expands Statewide Maternal Health Strategy With Community-Based Doula Initiatives
Date: 09/03/25
From left to right: Graduates of Imani’s Village doula training program in Oklahoma City.
In response to Oklahoma’s maternal health crisis, Oklahoma Complete Health has launched a statewide strategy to improve maternal and infant outcomes. This strategy brings together community-based organizations like Imani's Village and the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative (OKBEI), along with digital partners like Health in Her Hue and Pomelo Care to expand access, reduce disparities, and grow a diverse community-based doula workforce in areas of significant needs.
“These partnerships are grounded in evidence-based science because research shows doulas serving in underserved areas can close maternal and infant health gaps,” said Oklahoma Complete Health Vice-President of Population Health Dr. Keisia Sobers-Butler. “By investing in community-rooted training and mentorship, we’re building a sustainable workforce that reflects and supports the communities most impacted by maternal health disparities.”
Oklahoma ranks among the worst states for maternal outcomes, with approximately 25 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Oklahoma Complete Health is investing in a multi-pronged approach that includes training, mentorship, access and community engagement to strengthen maternal care infrastructure.
As part of this effort, Oklahoma Complete Health awarded a $20,000 grant to Imani’s Village, Inc. to fund 15 scholarships for individuals pursuing doula certification. Imani’s Village, known for its commitment to culturally responsive care, provided training in labor support and postpartum care, helping to reduce barriers to entry into the profession.
“The training is important because of the high infant and maternal mortality crisis that exists in our state and in our country,” said Imani’s Village Founder Farah Antonie-Mayberry. “We are developing doulas of different backgrounds to understand some of these challenges and to know how to address them and how to support them while using evidence.”
Pic: The Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative celebrates five years of community impact.
In addition, Oklahoma Complete Health is launching a $77,000 pilot program with the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative in North Tulsa and Muskogee County. Using a train-the-trainer model, this program will create a pipeline of doulas equipped to serve high-need areas, further reinforcing the state’s maternal health infrastructure.
“We are super excited to partner with Oklahoma Complete Health as we launch the expansion of OKBEIs workforce development program in Muskogee county,” said Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative Operations Manager Rebecca Cherms. “This will increase access to culturally congruent care by community-based doulas in Muskogee county. Birthing people deserve to experience joy in every birthing experience no matter how they identify or where they choose to live. OKBEI believes in birth justice for all.”