SISTA Fire

In 2021, NIRH worked with SISTA Fire in their mission to dynamically address the systemic racism and maternal health crises faced by Black womxn, womxn of color, and their children in Rhode Island, including the particular challenges for those giving birth in the state. NIRH joined with SISTA Fire in partnership with local doula-of-colors and Umoja Nia Collective to build a network of doulas and birth workers of color to pass private and public insurance coverage for doula care into law in Rhode Island. This project led to the successful passage of insurance coverage for doulas in Rhode Island in 2021!

With support from NIRH, SISTA Fire also continued to lead and expand a community accountability process with Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, including in holding a community meeting with key staff from the hospital and presenting a petition and their demands as a collective.