This initiative was funded through the Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Study Period: January 2024 -
January 2026
Nevada Community-Based Birth Doula & Spanish-Language Community Health Worker Workforce Initiative
Nevada faces significant maternal health disparities, particularly among low-income, rural, Spanish-speaking, and historically underserved communities. Access to culturally and linguistically appropriate maternal support services remains limited, contributing to higher rates of adverse birth outcomes and gaps in postpartum care.
Simultaneously, Nevada’s community health workforce lacked accessible, bilingual pathways for certification and advancement. Spanish-speaking community members interested in becoming certified doulas or Community Health Workers (CHWs) often faced language barriers, financial obstacles, and limited structured training opportunities aligned with Nevada standards.
The funder supported this initiative to address both maternal health inequities and workforce shortages by investing in culturally responsive, community-rooted training models that strengthen trust, access, and long-term health outcomes.
The Solution
The Larson Institute developed and implemented a Nevada-specific Community-Based Birth Doula Foundational Training in both English and Spanish. The curriculum was aligned with state certification requirements and integrated culturally responsive care, trauma-informed practice, and community-rooted birth support.
In parallel, the team launched a Spanish-language Certified Community Health Worker training program, designed to expand the bilingual workforce pipeline and support underserved communities. Scholarships were provided to reduce financial barriers and increase participation from rural and Spanish-speaking communities.
The Results
- 77 workforce scholarships awarded
- 53 doulas trained (15 English, 15 Spanish)
- 20 Spanish-language CHWs trained, 26 currently enrolled
- 22 emerging public health leaders enrolled in the Leadership Academy
The project strengthened Nevada’s maternal and community health workforce pipeline, expanded access to culturally humble care, and built sustainable partnerships across academic, state, and community sectors. The initiative has positioned Nevada as a model for bilingual workforce development.
