Gunnison Valley Health Expands Access to Doula Services

Thanks to funding provided by the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, mothers who are enrolled in Medicaid, have significant medical needs or have a maternal mental health diagnosis can access doula services at no cost.

Gunnison Valley Health Foundation Executive Director, Jenny Birnie, said the funding is a part of efforts to support behavioral health services for the community.

“The Foundation Board of Directors is deeply committed to supporting availability and access of behavioral health services in the Gunnison Valley,” Birnie said. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to help improve the health and well-being of mothers in our community.”

A doula provides continuous physical and emotional support to a mother and her partner during pregnancy, childbirth and after giving birth. From emotional support and education to help with household chores and everything in between, the doula acts as a guide and a resource to help create the best experience possible. Adding a doula to a mother’s birth and postpartum team surrounds the woman with extra support and brings a variety of health benefits.

Doula services are not typically covered by insurance carriers and require mothers to pay out of pocket. This funding will increase access to this valuable service for women who may be facing economic barriers.

Gunnison Valley Health CEO, Jason Amrich, expressed his gratitude for the generosity of the Foundation’s donors.

“We are fortunate to have the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation supporting our health system,” Amrich said. “Because of the incredible generosity of their donors and the dedication of their volunteer board of directors, our community is able to have more options for their local health care.”