Mental health concerns are common during and after pregnancy. But many moms don’t get the care they need. A $100,000 grant aims to change that by expanding access to trained doulas who offer support, care, and help during this key time.

On August 4, the AZ Blue Foundation awarded 4th Trimester Arizona with its annual Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant. The grant backs bold ideas that improve mental health in the state. This year, the focus is on helping moms.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should have to face it alone,” said Thiru Thangarathinam. “This grant helps more families feel supported, and it’s an honor for our family to be part of that.”

How the Grant Helps:

The “It Takes a Village” project will help 30 community-based doulas become credentialed with our state Medicaid program. Each doula will also receive training in mental health and perinatal navigation to recognize signs of anxiety or depression and connect families with resources like housing, food, and counseling. It's estimated that these doulas will serve more than 1,800 moms in the next 5 years.

“This kind of work gives moms real hope,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, President of the AZ Blue Foundation. “We’re proud to support 4th Trimester Arizona and are grateful for the Thiru Family Trust’s ongoing partnership to improve mental health in our state. Together, we are helping more families feel seen, heard, and cared for.”

Arizona faces gaps in mental health care for moms, especially in low-income and underserved communities. About 1 in 5 moms face anxiety or depression. But less than 25% get help. Doulas can help close that gap. They meet moms where they are and offer care built on trust and empathy.

“This funding will change the landscape of access to doula care for families in Arizona,” said Dr. Jennie Bever, CEO of 4th Trimester Arizona. “It allows us to expand and strengthen Arizona’s maternal health workforce by removing barriers for doulas who reflect and serve communities with the greatest need.”

Many of these doulas live in the same neighborhoods as the moms they support. They share the same culture, language, and lived experiences. That includes groups that face higher risks for maternal mental health issues. Because of that shared bond, it helps build trust and offers care that feels safe and personal.

For more about this grant, visit: www.azbluefoundation.org/grants/thiru-family-trust-momentum-maker-grant

ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY & HEALTH ADVANCEMENT

The Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement invests in the health of Arizona by tackling mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and health equity. A 501(c)(3) private, non-operating foundation, the Foundation works in service of the public good through grant funding for programs and applied research that align with its focus areas. The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit: azbluefoundation.org.

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AZ Blue Foundation Awards $100,000 to Support Moms Across Arizona