Advocacy & Impact

GPS has been a steadfast advocate for advancing doula access, improving birth outcomes, and strengthening maternal health equity through coalition work, policy advocacy, and workforce development.

Coalition Advocacy

For more than six years, GPS has collaborated with community and statewide partners through the Doulas For All Coalition to support advocacy efforts that helped advance and pass the Medicaid doula reimbursement bill—expanding access to culturally responsive birth support for families across Washington State.

Black Maternal Health Leadership

GPS leadership also helped draft a maternal Black health proclamation that was signed into law by the governor, formally recognizing Black Maternal Health Week each year from April 11–17.

In addition, GPS has participated for the past two years in the Good Black Birth Initiative, led by Byrd Barr and other community-based partners, working collectively to advance Black birth equity and improve outcomes for Black mothers and babies.

Doula Training & Workforce Development

GPS has trained more than 200 doulas through mentorship, education, and workforce development opportunities designed to strengthen community-based birth support.

This work also includes supporting newly arrived women by providing training, confidence-building, mentorship, and pathways to education and employment opportunities within the maternal health workforce.