In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health, Virginia Union University has launched Virginia’s first Doula Certification Program at a HBCU. This effort, established in partnership with Birth In Color and the Virginia Department of Health, seeks to provide culturally competent care to expectant families across the Commonwealth.

The six-month certification program is part of Virginia Union University’s Health Equity Initiative, an ambitious effort designed to expand Allied Health certifications. Programs such as Phlebotomy and CPR training are already underway, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing health inequities by broadening its healthcare offerings.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women die during childbirth at nearly three times the rate of white women nationwide. In Virginia, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is double that of their white counterparts. Additionally, infants born to Black women in the state are up to three times more likely to die than those born to women of other races.

Experts attribute these disparities to several factors, including racial bias in healthcare, limited access to quality prenatal care, and a higher prevalence of underlying health conditions.

“By launching this pioneering Doula Certification Program, we are taking a bold step toward transforming Black maternal and infant healthcare in Virginia,” said Felicia D. Cosby, Dean of Virginia Union Technical College. “This program is more than training—it is about saving lives, reducing disparities, and empowering communities.”

According to a press release issued by the university, the certification program provides training in various aspects of maternal care, including:

• Holistic maternal care designed to support mothers before, during, and after childbirth.
• Non-biased, culturally competent care with the goal of reducing racial disparities in maternal health.
• Resources aimed at empowering expectant families through education.
• Community-based healthcare advocacy aimed at dismantling systemic inequities.

The program is currently in its second cohort since its launch in Fall 2024, and aims to build a network of doulas committed to providing high-quality care tailored to the needs of underserved communities. The launch of the Doula Certification Program prove once again Virginia Union University’s evolving commitment to health equity.