OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), today announced a total of $100,000 in funding for two community-based organizations working to advance maternal health and family-focused programs across the state. As Oklahoma continues to face significant maternal and infant health disparities, this funding supports efforts to improve outcomes for women and families.
“Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma is dedicated to investing in programs that improve maternal health for populations facing disproportionate risks,” said Lisa Gifford, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma. “By collaborating with trusted community organizations, we’re helping connect Oklahoma families to resources such as community-based doulas to support mothers before, during and after childbirth.”
Supporting statewide access to community-based doulas
Aetna provided funding to the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative (OKBEI), an organization that provides no-cost, community-based doula care from pregnancy through one year postpartum, centered on culturally responsive support, advocacy and continuity of care for families facing higher maternal health risks. The donation will help expand OKBEI’s doula network statewide, increase access for Medicaid-enrolled families and strengthen efforts to reduce disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
“The impact of community-based doula care is clear,” said Omare Jimmerson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative. “Among Black mothers in Oklahoma, the preterm birth rate is 15.6%, compared with 7% for Black mothers supported by OKBEI. Low birth weight affects 15.4% of babies born to Black mothers statewide, compared with 3.5% of babies born under OKBEI care. These outcomes show what’s possible when families receive continuous, trusted support.”
For OKBEI patient Ryan Taylor, the care provided by a doula made a meaningful and lasting difference during childbirth.
“She advocated for me, guided me through difficult moments and helped me make the best decisions for my baby and myself,” said Taylor. “From breathing techniques to pain management and constant encouragement, she truly made my birth experience safer and more empowering.”
Strengthening family stability and holistic care
Aetna also provided funding to Imani’s Village, which provides culturally responsive wellness programs, family support, maternal health resources and community-building services designed to uplift families facing barriers to care. The investment will help the organization expand programming, strengthen outreach and provide families with the tools they need to thrive.
“Imani’s Village is committed to doing intentional work in communities to enhance infant and maternal health,” said Farah Antoine‑Mayberry, Executive Director of Imani’s Village. “We want our Black families to know they absolutely matter despite existing disparities. We are honored to have provided no‑cost birth doula services to more than 120 families in the past two years and, thanks to Aetna’s generosity, we look forward to expanding our reach and offering postpartum doula services.”
Advancing Aetna’s commitment to community health
Today’s announcement reinforces Aetna’s commitment to listening to communities and supporting locally grounded solutions that improve health outcomes. These efforts build on the organization’s work to improve maternal health, expand access to care and support family well-being across Oklahoma.
