The MolinaCares Accord Presents $95,000 to March of Dimes in Support

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), announced a $95,000 grant to support March of Dimes’ Doula-Hospital Integration Program (D-HIP) in Chicago. This program, built in collaboration with Chicago Birthworks Collective and Advocate Trinity Hospital (”Trinity”), connects expectant mothers at Trinity with community-based doulas who deliver culturally responsive and continuous support before, during, and after birth.

In Chicago and urban counties outside the Chicago-area, women had the highest pregnancy-related mortality when compared with other geographic areas. Furthermore, Black women in Illinois were more than twice as likely to die from any pregnancy-related condition and three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related medical conditions than white women. However, community birth workers, such as doulas, play a vital role in addressing persistent disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, especially among underserved communities.

“Accessing medically appropriate services throughout one’s pregnancy and during the postpartum period is important to improving the health and well-being of mothers and babies,” said Ashley Thies, senior executive director at March of Dimes. “Through this partnership with MolinaCares, we’re expanding doula care to more families, especially those in communities facing the steepest barriers.”

“Doula care improves maternal and infant health by offering continuous, patient‑centered support that promotes informed decision‑making and better outcomes,” said Tayo Mbande, founder of Chicago Birthworks. “Through this collaboration, we’re able to expand access to culturally responsive doula services, helping address inequities while supporting healthier births and stronger postpartum recovery.”

Doulas collaborate closely with hospital care teams to support patient-centered birth plans, advocate on behalf of mothers and families, and offer continued support after delivery. This strengthens the connection between care teams and helps mothers feel supported every step of the way.

“Mothers on Chicago’s South Side face a disproportionate burden of adverse birth outcomes,” said Dr. Dakisha Lewis, obstetrics and gynecology chairperson and medical director at Advocate Trinity Hospital. “By partnering with trusted local organizations like MolinaCares, March of Dimes and Chicago Birthworks, we can expand access to care, strengthen support for families, and drive better outcomes where they’re needed most.”

“When care teams work together, families benefit,” said Kris Classen, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “This investment in March of Dimes’ Doula‑Hospital Integration Program brings doulas and hospitals together to deliver coordinated, compassionate care that supports healthier outcomes for mothers and babies in Chicago.”

This latest investment is part of the over $5 million that Molina and MolinaCares have contributed in Illinois over the past two years to community organizations that play a vital role in strengthening health across the state.