C.A.R.E. Doulas

Toy Hightower, C.A.R.E. Doula Coordinator

Renett Clough, AAIMM CARE Doula

"As a doula, I am privileged to provide support, advocacy, and create safe spaces for birthing families in my community." – Renett Clough, AAIMM Doula

Luz Ticas, AAIMM CARE Doula

“Being a doula means serving my community by uplifting those who bring forth life, love and hope in our everyday lives.” – Luz Ticas, AAIMM CARE Doula ...

MORE DOULA PROFILES

What is the CARE Doula Program?

The Los Angeles County Care, Advocacy, Resilience, Empathy (CARE) Doula Program provides essential care and compassionate support for justice-impacted people before, during, and after childbirth. Operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), the program aims to improve birth outcomes and reduce stress for people impacted by the justice system, ensuring that every birthing person has access to trauma-informed, culturally responsive support.

Launched in 2022, the CARE Doula Program is the only program of its kind in Southern California and one of a handful nationwide. Doula services and support are offered to pregnant people in custody at or recently released from Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF), the County’s women’s jail, as well as to justice-impacted pregnant women across Los Angeles County. The program is an extension of Los Angeles County’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) Doula Program, which similarly seeks to provide support to families most at risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Through weekly doula visits, prenatal education, labor companionship, and postpartum care for up to one year, the program provides emotional, physical, and informational support across the perinatal journey.

Services include referrals and linkages for mental health, housing, and lactation support, along with a pilot lactation initiative that enables safe milk expression, storage, and shipment to infants separated from their incarcerated parent.

🌟The CARE AAIMM Doula Program
is Award-Winning!

In recognition of its innovative, community-centered approach, the CARE Program was selected as a winner of the 2025 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Awards. Chosen from nearly 400 submissions from counties across California, the award honors county programs that demonstrate exceptional vision, creativity, and impact in addressing complex community challenges. The program will be recognized at the annual CSAC Challenge Awards Dinner on February 11 in Sacramento.

How Do I Register for the CARE Doula Program for myself, friend or family member?

To register, email [email protected] and include the following information:

Name
Phone number
Zip code
Estimated due date
Currently or previously incarcerated? (Yes/No)

A program representative will follow up with next steps once your email is received. Your information will only be used to communicate with you directly.