Hartford Group Trained Spanish-Speaking Doulas

A collaborative program aims to bridge healthcare gaps for Hispanic mothers in the city.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Pregnancy

Bold vector illustration of a canvas medical bag and a folded fabric baby carrier, representing doula healthcare support. — The Hispanic Health Council and Hartford Hospital have launched a collaborative program to train Spanish-speaking doulas to improve maternal health outcomes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Hispanic Health Council launched a program in 2025 alongside Hartford Hospital to train Spanish-speaking doulas. This initiative seeks to improve maternal health outcomes and support for the local Hispanic community.

Why it matters

The program addresses systemic barriers to healthcare access, including cultural and language differences that contribute to maternal mental health challenges. This is vital as research indicates nearly 40% of Hispanic women nationwide face maternal mental health disorders.

Since March 2024, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has issued 89 doula licenses, with 12 awarded to graduates of the Hispanic Health Council program. Additionally, Hispanic infants account for about 25% of all births in Connecticut.

The players

Hispanic Health Council

This Hartford-based organization provides health services and educational programming specifically tailored to the local Hispanic community.

Hartford Hospital

This major medical center serves as a primary site for the clinical training of new doulas in the region.

Connecticut Department of Public Health

This state agency oversees the professional licensing of doulas to ensure standards of care throughout Connecticut.

Connecticut Health Foundation

This philanthropic organization provides critical funding to support health equity initiatives and community programs.

The details

Trainees receive hands-on experience at Hartford Hospital while learning to screen for social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing stability. The initiative was recently supported by a one-year funding renewal from the Connecticut Health Foundation.

March 2024 marked when the state began issuing doula licenses.
The Hispanic Health Council launched its doula training program last year.

Culture Shift

This training initiative follows a pattern set by the expansion of Connecticut Medicaid to cover doula services, reflecting a broader movement toward integrated community care. These efforts signal a systemic shift in how healthcare providers address the needs of underserved populations.

Hispanic mothers in Hartford can access culturally competent birth support through this program to help navigate the hospital system. Families can also utilize the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262 if they require immediate assistance.

The takeaway

Expanding access to diverse doula support provides a critical bridge for mothers navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Ensuring providers understand language and cultural backgrounds is a fundamental step toward improving long-term maternal mental health outcomes.