2023 Goals
This year GALS will offer support 200 families with no-cost birth and postpartum support, offering childcare to 50 Black families, providing pregnancy, birth and postpartum supplies to families at our twice annual baby showers, and will be translating our perinatal education class into Spanish.
GALS will continue to develop the doula workforce by hosting 3 birthworker trainings and orientations, offering 6 advanced skills day continuing education, and providing specialized training opportunities for birthworkers through the Teachable platform. Have a skill or knowledge you want to share with birthworkers, families or the community? Contact Raichal@givingaustinlaborsupport.org to learn more!
The Texas legislative session is underway and we are closely monitoring bills and will be working to advance the recommendations in the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Report released in December. Specifically we are advocating for:
Extend Medicaid to 12 months postpartum
Expand Medicaid coverage to ensure everyone has access to health coverage
Expand access to doula support through insurance reimbursement
Promoting health equity through required anti-racism training for health care professionals
We are also watching to see how the Texas legislature addresses those who are parenting while incarcerated, and ask for Legislatures to intentionally address disparities for Black parents. GALS examines bills through the reproductive justice framework (will this legislation make Texas a safe place to choose to have children, not have children, and/or raise children in a safe and equitable environment).
If you want to share your story (how medicaid coverage, access to healthcare, or doulas impacted you, or how racism impacted your care) reach out and let us know!
Follow along with us in our journey! @galsupport