RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Union University (VUU) proudly announces the launch of Virginia’s first Doula Certification Program at an HBCU, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. In partnership with Birth In Color
and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), this six-month certification program will provide specialized training to increase the number of certified doulas who can offer non-biased, culturally competent care to expectant families across the Commonwealth.
This initiative comes as part of VUU’s Health Equity Initiative, which is focused on expanding Allied Health certifications, beginning with Phlebotomy and CPR training. These programs mark the university’s commitment to broadening its healthcare offerings and addressing critical gaps in health services. Addressing a Maternal Health Crisis According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African American women die during childbirth at three times the rate of white women nationwide.
In Virginia, Black women experience maternal mortality at twice the rate of their white counterparts. Additionally, infants born to Black women are up to three times more likely to die than infants of other races in the state.
The root causes of these alarming statistics include:
● Racial bias in healthcare
● Limited access to quality prenatal care
● Higher rates of underlying health conditions
Through this first-of-its-kind Doula Certification Program, participants will receive training in:
● Holistic maternal care to support mothers before, during, and after childbirth
● Non-biased, culturally competent care to reduce racial disparities in maternal health Access to vital education and resources to empower expectant families
● Community-based healthcare advocacy to address systemic inequities
“As we launch this pioneering Doula Certification Program, we are taking a bold step toward transforming Black maternal and infant healthcare in Virginia,” said Felicia D. Cosby, Dean of Virginia Union Technical College. “This program is more than training—it is about saving lives, reducing disparities, and empowering communities.”
By integrating health equity and workforce development, VUU is expanding its impact in public health and healthcare education, making real-world change in the lives of Black families.
The Doula Training Program is in its second cohort since Fall 2025. More details are forthcoming for the future of VUU's Health Equity Initiatives. By integrating health equity and workforce development, VUU is expanding its impact in public health and healthcare education, making real-world change in the lives of Black families.
An event held on VUU’s campus to announce the new program featured key speakers and partners dedicated to advancing health equity, including Felicia D. Cosby, Dean of the Virginia Union Training Center; Kenda Sutton-El, Founder and Executive Director of Birth In Color; Bryant Craig, Founder and Executive Director of CGM Safety & Health Alliance; and Dr. Veronica Cosby from the Virginia Department of Health.
Additionally, Saintalia Oracius-McKinney and Maya Armstead, both VUU participant representatives, shared their perspectives on the program’s impact. Attendees gained valuable insight into how this initiative is training future doulas, addressing racial disparities in maternal health, and expanding workforce development in the healthcare sector.
The launch marked a significant step in Virginia Union University’s commitment to health equity and community-focused education.
For more information on the event and VUU’s Health Equity Initiative, please contact: Felicia D. Cosby by phone at (804) 901-1252 or by email at fdcosby@vuu.edu.