FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject: MAAME, Inc. and Durham Volunteer Doulas Announce Merger

MAAME, Inc. and Durham Volunteer Doulas, two dynamic organizations serving birthing people of Color, have joined forces to make a greater impact on the Triangle. Both organizations have been dedicated to improving health outcomes from the grassroots.  Organizations like these two are much needed in the community.

In 2020 the NC Center for Health Statistics showed that Black women were 1.6 times more likely to die in childbirth than White women. Groups like these have become an essential part of birthing the next generation, ensuring the health of new mothers, and creating economic development opportunities for Black and Brown women. Maya Jackson, Executive Director of MAAME, Inc. states that the mission is simple: “Our society has created an environment that it is difficult for mothers and babies to thrive during and after childbirth; if we want to see better health outcomes in this country for birthing people, we have to remove the barriers they face by supporting them and their families at every social determinant of health and better policies, especially for Black and other Birthing People of Color.

Through community-driven solutions and empowering Birthing People together, our mission is to create a village to nurture not only the child but to support and empower their parents.”

MAAME, Inc. is a community-driven organization dedicated to “Empowering Black, Indigenous, and other Birthing People of Color to navigate systems and mobilize to offer resources, services, and support for holistic maternal health, wellness, sustainable communities, and economic advancement;” and the Durham Volunteer Doulas are an organization dedicated to expanding accessible Reproductive Justice-based doula support. Together their mission is to “be the bridge” that closes the gap between the community and systems/institutions that have historically excluded people of color. They recognize and value the women/birthing people they support and their lived experiences. Their combined efforts will operate under the name MAAME, Inc.

Maya Jackson will continue to serve as MAAME, Inc.’s Executive Director, as the leadership team of Durham Volunteer Doulas adopts similar roles within the structure of the merged organization. Active members will continue to be an inaugural part of this new community of birth workers. The headquarters for MAAME will remain in Durham, North Carolina. MAAME, Inc. and Durham Volunteer Doulas have both served communities in North Carolina, providing equitable and accessible maternal health support. With this merger, MAAME, Inc. will expand its presence and scope of work through conducting community-centered research, creating and connecting services, and mobilizing the community to define and provide excellent care throughout the state.

In the past year, MAAME, Inc. has served 109 birthing people through our Community Baby Showers during the pandemic. We are so grateful to have been sustained by 70 different donors from 2020-2021, and received our Largest Single Donation of $100,000 in 2021.  Community-driven Doula support will remain a key function of the organization, and the leadership team of MAAME anticipates re-opening doula services in October of 2021. The leadership team of MAAME, Inc. and Durham Volunteer Doulas are thrilled to enter this next chapter, coming together to leave a greater impact on the community through love, compassion, and dedication.

For more information or questions, please contact Courtni France, courtni@maameinc.org.

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