HealthConnect One Brings Birth Equity Conversation to Martha's Vineyard

The event, supported by the maternal health platform Irth and Birth Center Equity, emphasized that birth support remains a community-driven necessity. Actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis, who spoke at the gathering, challenged the misconception that professional doula care is a luxury reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. She noted that even with her professional success, she initially lacked awareness regarding the accessibility of these services, highlighting the critical need for better public information.

Dr. Twylla Dillion, President and CEO of HealthConnect One, underscored that the organization’s mission extends beyond training birth workers to fostering institutional partnerships. Through initiatives like the DoulaREADI accreditation program and the "Doulas Are for Every Body" campaign, the nonprofit works to bridge the gap between community-based support and hospital systems. For Dillion, bringing this conversation to Martha’s Vineyard was a deliberate choice, aligning the organization’s focus on birth equity with the island's long-standing tradition of centering Black joy. The success of this intimate meeting has already prompted the group to begin planning a return to the Vineyard for next year.