Expanding Care: Doulas Program

The Expanding Care: Doulas Program is a funding opportunity administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a large-scale federal initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This program is part of a broader statewide effort to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural Oklahoma, particularly in maternal and child health. The initiative is designed to address critical service gaps in doula care by supporting organizations that can expand workforce capacity, increase awareness, and strengthen systems of care in underserved communities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and expansion of doulas across rural Oklahoma through a comprehensive, multi-component strategy. Applicants may propose activities across four distinct program areas: expanding training opportunities for prospective doulas; delivering education and awareness campaigns to expecting parents; strengthening partnerships between doulas and healthcare providers; and building sustainable peer support networks for doulas. The program emphasizes a full continuum of care, including pre-conception, prenatal, birthing, and postnatal support, while also integrating training on Medicaid billing processes to ensure sustainability and reimbursement alignment. Funding under this opportunity totals at least 2500000 dollars and will be distributed through one or more competitive awards. Applicants may request up to 1000000 dollars per component and must submit separate applications for each component. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to incur eligible costs upfront before seeking reimbursement. The initial expenditure period runs through July 31, 2027, with certain personnel-related costs required to be expended earlier. Continued funding beyond the first budget period is contingent upon performance, funding availability, and alignment with program priorities. Eligible applicants include entities with demonstrated experience working with doulas, particularly in rural settings. Organizations must show a proven track record of successful doula programming and partnerships and must deliver services in Oklahoma communities with populations under 55000. While Oklahoma-based organizations are preferred, out-of-state applicants may apply if they can demonstrate relevant experience and a clear plan for establishing a presence in the state. Applicants must also meet administrative requirements such as maintaining an active Unique Entity Identifier, registration in SAM.gov, appropriate licensure, and compliance with insurance and federal funding eligibility standards. The application process requires submission of multiple components, including organizational information, a detailed project plan, a work plan with timelines, a budget using the provided template, and a grants management packet. Applicants must also complete required attestations and provide supporting documentation such as financial statements and staff qualifications. Each component application must clearly outline program design, implementation strategies, evaluation methods, and sustainability plans. The review process includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit-based evaluation using criteria such as organizational capacity, program design, impact, workplan feasibility, and budget reasonableness. Applications are due by July 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time. OSDH anticipates making award decisions by September 2026. Applicants may submit questions through July 8, 2026, and responses will be shared publicly. Awardees will be required to comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including monthly, quarterly, annual, and final evaluation reports. This program represents a strategic investment in strengthening maternal health infrastructure and ensuring long-term access to doula services in rural communities across Oklahoma.

Emphasize rural impact partnerships and sustainability demonstrate prior doula program success align budget with program components and ensure completeness of required attachments