The Illinois Repro Workers Training Needs Assessment Is Here The Illinois Repro Workers Training Needs Assessment is officially complete — and it represents a major step forward for strengthening reproductive healthcare training and workforce development across our state. Led by Repro TLC in partnership with the Black Researchers Collective (BRC), this comprehensive statewide study examines the training experiences, professional realities, and support needs of reproductive he

At Chicago Volunteer Doulas, Empowering Families with Compassionate Doula Care isn’t just a phrase — it’s a practice. And we’re proud to celebrate someone who embodies that commitment from the inside out: Tea Sloan . Tea began her journey with CVD as a doula in training. Through dedication, growth, and service, she has stepped fully into leadership as a Certified Full-Spectrum CVDoula and our Matching Coordinator . Her path reflects what we believe deeply that when we train

Tackling Racism in American Healthcare On this International Women’s Day, we recognize the groundbreaking book, "Legacy," by Dr. Uché Blackstock . This book tackles the profound impact of racism in American healthcare. Drawing from her extensive experience as a physician and an advocate for health equity, Dr. Blackstock exposes the systemic inequities that have been entrenched in the medical system due to racism. Her appearance on Democracy Now, part one and part two , fur

Understanding the changes to the newborn hepatitis B vaccine — and how to support new parents with clarity, not confusion. About Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine Changes In recent weeks, many families and birth workers have been asking questions about changes to the newborn hepatitis B vaccine. A federal advisory vote has shifted how the first hepatitis B vaccine dose is recommended for newborns. While headlines may sound alarming, the real story requires context, care, and commun

Celebrating CVDoula Mita Swearengen Chicago Volunteer Doulas is proud to celebrate one of our own: Mita Swearengen, founder and CEO of...

We’ve officially met our milestone: 100 Doulas trained through our free, DONA-based training program. That’s 100 community-rooted birth workers prepared to support families across Chicagoland. But now, to train the next 100 — and to protect the jobs of those already trained — we need your help.