In Southern Arizona, high school students at Pima Joint Technical Education District (JTED) in Tucson are taking part in a unique program that prepares them to become certified doulas. This initiative, the only one of its kind at the high school level in Arizona, is part of the community health and wellness program offered by JTED.
Hands-On Experience
As part of their certification, students must support three live births this summer. The program, which includes practical and theoretical training, aims to equip students with the skills needed to provide emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth. Teachers Shannon Alexander and Joyce Wall, both experienced in the field, guide the students through scenarios that mimic real-life labor situations.
Senior Ashley Acuña Grijalva, an aspiring labor and delivery nurse, is one of the students participating in the program. She was inspired by her aunt’s experience with a doula and sees this as a stepping stone towards her future career. The program has helped her discover her strengths and given her confidence in her abilities, particularly in community health events where she has actively participated.
Program Structure and Impact
The program is part of a broader effort to address healthcare workforce gaps and improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for people of color. Research has shown that doulas can positively impact maternal and infant health, and expanding access to doula care is seen as a way to improve these outcomes. The students’ certification is supported by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services, which covers the $300 licensing fee.
JTED’s program is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education division as a certification pathway within the community health worker program. This recognition underscores the program’s importance in preparing students for future careers in healthcare, whether as doulas, nurses, or other health professionals.
With approximately 9,000 doulas practicing in the United States, the demand for such services is growing, and programs like JTED’s are crucial in meeting this need. Students like Edwin Moreno Rios, the only male in the class, see the value in gaining these skills, which enhance their resumes and provide a comprehensive understanding of community health.
Overall, the doula certification program at Pima JTED is a testament to the importance of practical, real-world education in preparing students for meaningful careers that support families and communities.
Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.
