Donor’s Report
SPRING 2024
Assessing Progress
and Impact
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear NACPM Donors,
I recently had a wonderful conversation with a potential donor who asked a poignant question: Do we have all the resources we need to propel our projects forward? It was a moment that made me reflect deeply.
At NACPM, we embrace what we affectionately call the "drip method." It's a concept born out of the dedication of our board and staff who have tirelessly envisioned the future of our organization and the profession. We see our projects as interconnected pieces, each deserving of careful attention and nurturing. Just like filling buckets, we add drops of progress, one at a time.
While it's true that we have the capacity, through our 1.75 full-time staff members, to contribute to each of these buckets, it's important to acknowledge that this progress isn’t fast. Our approach is deliberate and mindful because we understand that focusing all our efforts on one or two buckets would leave others neglected.
So, when asked if we have all the resources needed to move forward, the answer is yes, slow progress is still progress. My return question is whether our work is advancing as swiftly as our supporters would like. Regardless the answer, our unwavering passion, supported by a team of dedicated and generous individuals and a board brimming with wisdom and compassion will continue to work diligently, strategically, pushing the boundary as hard as we are able.
Ultimately, it's the collective support of allies, donors, and CPMs like you that fuels our progress. Your belief in our mission is what propels us forward, one drop at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Cassaundra Jah
Executive Officer
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
WORKING IN CONCERT
We believe that CPM leaders who are deeply invested in equity, diversity, and inclusion need to be in every room birthing options, maternal and infant health, and reproductive issues are being discussed, policies written, and laws envisioned. We recognize we cannot do this alone.
It is our responsibility as the professional organization for Certified Professional Midwives to create opportunities for Leadership Development, Relationship and Network Building, Convening, and Advocacy while providing the tools and resources needed for these leaders to be successful.
Through these efforts we dismantle oppressive systems and build an equitable and sustainable workforce that is woven into the cultural and institutional fabric of the United States.
Overview
In the first half of 2024, NACPM took proactive steps to champion and uplift the next generation of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). We fervently advocated for CPM students, CPMs, and birth centers through targeted initiatives designed to bolster education and promote the sustainability of the profession.
Among our key efforts, NACPM has worked diligently to build meaningful relationships with stakeholder organizations and tried to make every effort a collaborative one. Two of our successes have been a multi organization letter writing campaign to states in support of TMaH and multi organizational advocacy with the Defense Health Agency to encourage a TRICARE policy change to include contracting with CPMs.
NACPM's letters were state specific highlighting their state's infant and maternity mortality rate as well as the percentage of counties in their state that are considered maternity deserts. We provided education on the improvement of these aspects of maternity care when midwives and birth centers are utilized and addressed if the state currently licensed CPMs, reimburses CPMs through Medicaid, and if that reimbursement was at parity. Three aspects we hope states address in their TMaH proposal.
Through our unwavering commitment to CPMs, students, consumers, advocates and the future of midwifery, NACPM continues to serve as a steadfast ally, dedicated to advancing the practice of midwifery and empowering the next generation of midwives.
CENTERING MiDWIFERY LEADERSHIP
NACPM's objective is to advance the CPM profession; a crucial action step entails nurturing leadership skills among CPMs who possess expertise in articulating the intersection and significance of anti-oppression work and the full integration of CPMs in the United States. Specifically, there is a pressing need for more BIPOC leaders who already possess insights into potential solutions.
To address this need, NACPM is currently developing a leadership training program tailored to empower these community leaders. The program aims to enhance CPM capabilities in various areas, including international engagement, advocacy at national and state levels, cultivating funding through grant writing, media engagement such as writing op-eds and engaging journalists, innovating sustainable midwifery care models, addressing reimbursement challenges, participating in research and publications, enhancing quality of care, designing innovative education models, understanding accreditation processes, navigating testing requirements, and addressing malpractice issues.
As part of its long-term vision, NACPM is seeking funding for the development of a nine-month virtual fellowship program. In the interim, efforts to advance this initiative will involve incrementally increasing the availability of webinars and inviting experts to facilitate critical areas of leadership development.
Tanya KHEMET TAIWO MIDWIFERY SCHOLARSHIP
NACPM is committed to fostering diversity in the CPM workforce and addressing limited access to care for Black and Indigenous communities. The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery Student Scholarship Fund, launched in 2022, honors Dr. Taiwo's legacy and aims to increase the number of Black and Indigenous midwives.
This fund supports second and third-year Black and Indigenous midwifery students in MEAC-accredited programs, providing financial aid for tuition and related educational expenses. 2024 Applications have opened and will close on September 30th, 2024.
Since 2021, We have distributed $51,200. We are half way to our goal of raising $30K to distribute in 2024. We are actively applying for grants to sustain this initiative and we encourage our generous donors to consider contributing directly to this fund.
THE BIGGER TABLE FUND
NACPM's Bigger Table Fund supports a diverse CPM workforce by offering financial assistance to student midwives of color, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. The fund covers the NARM examination fee, retest fees, and one-time state licensing fees, aiming to eliminate financial barriers hindering entry into the CPM profession.
With a commitment to addressing limited access for people of color and enhancing diversity in the midwifery workforce,
Quarterly distributions of up to $3,000 occur through a lottery system, with a maximum individual award of $1,000.
Though we remain committed to this initiative, we have temporarily paused accepting applications to the Bigger Table Fund. $6,000 have been distributed so far in 2024 which brings the grand total of $65,805 since 2018. We are actively applying for grants to sustain this initiative and we encourage our generous donors to consider contributing directly to this fund.
NACPM BRIEFING PAPERS
Engaging in discussions surrounding the complex and nuanced issues within the profession, NACPM recognizes the importance of providing thorough preparation for these convening. Briefing papers serve as a valuable tool in engaging stakeholders, equipping fellows with opportunities to collaborate with field experts, and effectively communicating diverse perspectives to legislators and consumers.
Currently, NACPM is in the process of trialing a multidisciplinary team to craft its initial briefing paper. This paper will delve into the historical evolution of midwifery and the development of the CPM credential. These papers serve as a foundation for generating insightful concepts and proposing solutions, which can then serve as a catalyst for broader regional collaboration efforts.
With a plethora of innovative ideas awaiting exploration, NACPM envisions briefing papers as a means to foster thoughtful consideration among knowledgeable stakeholders, ultimately laying the groundwork for impactful initiatives within the profession.
State & ReGIONAL CONVENING INITIATIVES
In its pursuit of fostering leadership and collaboration within the CPM community, NACPM recognizes the importance of providing platforms for networking, practice, and collaboration. The organization is dedicated to cultivating spaces that facilitate discussions aimed at advancing the CPM credential.
One avenue for such collaboration could involve state-level convenings focused on topics like licensing and Medicaid reimbursement for CPMs. These gatherings would bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including hospitalists, payers, consumers, CPMs, Medicaid officials, and health department directors. The goal is to foster collaborative problem-solving and create solutions collectively.
Similarly, NACPM envisions regional meetings aimed at fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in initiatives such as the development of a CPM quality collaborative. Together, we would explore ways to enhance outcomes through cooperative efforts.
While actively seeking funding sources to support these initiatives, NACPM is currently leveraging its existing relationships to gain deeper insights from various stakeholders involved in specific scenarios. This gradual approach allows the organization to lay the groundwork for meaningful future collaborative work.
MANA’S DISSOLUTION AND THE LEGISLATIVE IMPACT
To facilitate regulatory stability for midwives affected by the dissolution of MANA, NACPM has created a dedicated page on our website for MANA documents referenced in statute or regulation.
NACPM completed a legal analysis of state references to MANA documents, MANA stats, and/or equivalent statements to “MANA or its successor organization” in all states that recognize direct-entry midwives. We know that 13 states will be affected to varying degrees: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.
We are pleased to announce MANA has named NACPM as their successor organization!
MAPPING PROJECT
NACPM has diligently collected data on states from various projects, and we are now working on consolidating it into a single database. The ultimate aim is to create interactive maps where users can compare different data sets. For example, users could juxtapose the legalization of CPMs with maternal mortality rates or compare CPM Medicaid reimbursement with the number of CPMs providing care in each regulated state.
This initiative is anticipated to become a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating the significant impact of CPMs in reducing adverse outcomes and addressing health disparities. It aims to bring maternity care deserts closer to elimination. Currently, NACPM is utilizing Google Maps and a layering system as an interim measure to make gradual progress towards this goal.
VIEW our first Single data set map
LAW COMPARISON:
GOLD STANDARD PROJECT
The mapping project aligns with NACPM's Gold Standard Legislation initiative. NACPM is actively engaged in developing a comprehensive framework to understand various aspects of regulatory statutes necessary to establish a minimally adequate baseline structure for CPM legislation and regulation. This endeavor involves understanding both ends of the spectrum and identifying what constitutes "Gold Standard Legislation."
Examples abound of promising developments in this realm. For instance, NACPM has learned of an upcoming bill in a state that includes a provision acknowledging the role of racism in the decline of midwifery and its contribution to unacceptable health disparities. Similarly, in Ohio, a bill has been introduced explicitly stating that there are no regulatory impediments to hospitals hiring and utilizing CPM services.
By comprehensively understanding the components of existing laws and positioning them along a spectrum ranging from minimum requirements to Gold Standard, NACPM is creating a blueprint for grassroots midwives to advocate for specific enhancements to legislation strategically. The mapping project serves as a vital component in gathering current law data that complements and supports this broader initiative.
MIDWIVES FOR MOMS
NACPM has spent numerous hours advocating for the continuation of the Midwives for MOMS Act, including submitting more than 20 appropriation portal applications, signing onto joint letters in support of this funding, and lobbying in DC. We are very happy to report that appropriations funding was continued for fiscal year 2024.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SOFTWARE
Legislative advocacy lies at the heart of our mission at NACPM. Recently, our staff explored five different legislative advocacy software options, an experience that left us deeply inspired. After thorough evaluation, we have narrowed our choices down to two, and our board members are currently assessing previews of both platforms.
Regardless of the final selection, NACPM acknowledges the importance of securing funding amounting to $20,000 annually to access a comprehensive 50-state and federal campaign platform. This platform will empower targeted advocacy efforts, allowing us to concentrate on specific bills, offer legislative opinions, coordinate website signing campaigns, and inundate policymakers with letters addressing legislation that significantly impacts the lives of CPMs and their clients.
Already in 2024 NACPM has provided dozens of hours of analysis, support, and advisement on CPM licensing bills which are currently being considered by legislators or written by CPM leadership in Ohio, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. Legislative advocacy software would make this work more efficient and effective.
IMPROVing Existing State LEgislation
NACPM's legislative efforts not only influence practicing Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs), who often serve as clinical supervisor, but also shape the landscape for aspiring midwives. Students' future job prospects, potential practice limitations, and overall career sustainability are directly impacted by the outcomes of NACPM's advocacy work at the state level.
ALASKA
NACPM submitted a Letter of Opposition to Alaska Executive Order #130 and in Support of House Bill #175. We emphasized the importance of independent professional occupational licensing boards playing a critical role in the self-governance of professions. NACPM highlighted the importance of a volunteer board composed of midwifery experts who have the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out the board's function. In contrast, a government agency staffer who manages multiple professions’ occupational licensing and regulatory functions, cannot be expected to be an expert in a multitude of different professional fields. Simply put, in Alaska, the Board of Certified Direct Entry Midwives functions well beyond just the simple processing of licenses. Midwifery expertise is required in order to have the expertise to adjudicate and consider complicated practice issues.
IlliNOIS
NACPM has met several times with the NACPM chapter leader in Illinois, the Holistic Birth Collective, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) to support the state organizations’ proposed changes to the current proposed version of licensed midwifery regulations.
NACPM did a comprehensive analysis of direct-entry midwifery licensing fees across the United States. We, along with these other organizations, were able to persuade the DFPR to reduce the fee for initial and renewal applications from $2500 to $500! We continue to work with the department to come to a consensus on when reporting emergency transports to the state will be required.
MASACHUSETTS
NACPM, along with the Bay State Birth Coalition, prepared a presentation, met with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to discuss licensure, and followed up with a letter to the department with further requested information. Their bill to license CPMs just passed through the House unanimously!
NEW MEXICO
NACPM continues to advocate for the sustainability of midwifery practice in our testimony at New Mexico’s public comments for House Bill 2. Reimbursement parity for Licensed Midwives is essential for supporting our midwifery workforce and ensuring comprehensive maternity care for all communities.
INTERSTATE COMPACT AGREEMENTS
The evolving landscape of healthcare, with a particular focus on maternal health services, underscores the necessity for occupational licensing portability, especially in the field of midwifery. State-specific licensure restrictions often create barriers to access, making it difficult for midwives to practice across state lines and, in turn, limiting options for expectant mothers. Recognizing these challenges, NACPM applied for inclusion in a collaborative project with the Council of State Governments (CSG) which aims to forge interstate compact agreements. Interstate Compact Agreements could potentially positively impact important future DoE decisions regarding student enrollment and educational reciprocity agreements between states by allowing schools to operate in states that don’t yet offer licensure. Another impact to preceptors and students is that these agreements support birth centers by allowing Licensed Midwives to travel across state lines as needed to provide respite for owners and staff midwives to take breaks from constantly being on call.
We successfully secured letters of support from over a dozen organizations for this initiative. This includes organizations recognized by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPM), institutions accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), other national midwifery allies, and payer organizations.
Unfortunately, we weren't chosen this time, but we remain committed and will continue our efforts in the next round.
Fundraising sucesses
Thanks to the Skyline Foundation's generous grant, we've secured $100k for operational costs annually for three years and an additional $15K for the Tanya Khemet Taiwo scholarship in 2024.
In the first half of this year, NACPM diligently diversified income sources through several year-long campaigns, including recurring donations from midwifery members, merchandise sales, and newsletter sponsorship opportunities. Alongside individual donations, this effort raised $62K. However, we still require $155k for operations and $27k to fully support our regular programs and scholarships.
National Convening
Nine month Leadership Fellowship Program
Legislative Software
Fully fund scholarships and grants
Two Board Retreats and Strategic Planning
Four Webinars Annually
Advocacy Campaigns' Communications
Federal and State Legal and Policy Analysis
Weekly Communications with Members
Chapter and Member Support
Keep the doors open
How You Can Help
Our vision is to transform into a thriving organization, focusing on innovative projects like our leadership fellowship program, more accessible webinars, continuing and expanding on our grant and sholarship programs, and investing in legislative coordination software for efficient advocacy, rather than worrying about basic operational expenses. Your support can make this possible. Please join us in making this vision a reality.
