Kansas City Expands Access to Free Doula Services

Second round of KC Doula Program funding now open for eligible families

For immediate release: Thursday, April 9, 2026

The Kansas City Health Department, in partnership with the Community Capital Fund (CCF), has opened the second round of funding for the KC Doula Program, which provides free doula services to expecting families living in Kansas City, Missouri. Applications are currently open and will stay open as long as funding is available.

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the KC Doula Program aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes while supporting local doula businesses. Research shows doula care can lead to healthier pregnancies and births, including lower cesarean rates, shorter labor, less postpartum depression, and more personalized birthing experiences.

"Every family in Kansas City deserves the chance to experience a safe, supported, and empowered birth," said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director, Kansas City Health Department. "By expanding access to doula care, we are removing financial barriers that have historically kept families-especially those most impacted by maternal health disparities-from receiving the culturally responsive, hands-on support they need. This program is an investment in healthier parents, healthier babies, and a healthier Kansas City."

Scholarships for Families
People who were recently pregnant or who are expecting to give birth by August 2026 are encouraged to apply for scholarships of up to $6,000 to cover doula services at no cost.

Scholarships may include:

• Birth Services: Prenatal visits, continuous labor support, advocacy, and comfort measures.
• Postpartum Care: Newborn support, lactation guidance, emotional care for parents, and overnight help.
• Specialized Services: Lactation consulting, bereavement support, fertility and conception guidance, and adoption or surrogacy support.

Why Doulas Matter
Doula support has been shown to improve birth outcomes by reducing the chance of cesarean delivery, shortening labor, reducing postpartum depression, and creating a more positive and personalized birth experience.

By connecting families with local doulas and removing financial barriers, the KC Doula Program works to improve maternal health outcomes across Kansas City.

How to Apply
Families must live within the Kansas City, Missouri, city limits and should first identify a certified doula of their choice before applying. Priority is given to families with household incomes at or below the Kansas City median income.

Applications may be submitted in three ways:

• Online at www.ccfkansascity.org/doulakc
• By emailing a completed PDF application to [email protected]
  By mail or drop-off at:
  Community Capital Fund
  3200 Wayne Ave.
  Kansas City, MO 64109

Award notifications will be sent within two weeks of the application date.

Need Help Finding a Doula?

Join the Kansas City Health Department for It's a Date!: Doula Meet & Greet.

• Saturday, April 18, 2026
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Kansas City Health Department
  2400 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108

This event gives attendees the chance to meet Kansas City doulas in a welcoming, supportive space. You can explore different care styles, ask questions, and see who you connect with.

Please note: There is no pressure or guarantee that you will find your doula at this event. The goal is simply to help you learn, explore, and feel supported.

Questions or Need Application Assistance?
Email [email protected] or call 816-502-9584.