3 March 2026
CDC Awards FCCA $12,500 "mini-grant" to continue Doula C-HOT program!
17 February 2026
Doula C-HOT Training
23 October 2025
FCCA's Doula C-HOT Program Featured in The 19th!
In Florida, a new pilot program teaches doulas how to prepare pregnant people for hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat — addressing a growing climate and maternal health crisis.
6 October 2025
Doula C-HOT Presents at VoLo Climate Week!
Being Pregnant during Heat & Hurricane Season:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1BCuOcfjAk
13 September 2025
CDC Foundation Convening | Minneapolis, Minnesota!
FCCA Executive Director, Dr. Cheryl Holder, Jessica “Jessie” Kelly, MPH (Climate and Health Project Manager), and FCCA grant partner Esther McCant of MetroMommy Agency joined the convening.
The event included tours of environmentally challenged areas in Duluth and Northeast Minneapolis, along with workshops on effective communication, advocacy, funding, and collaboration. The CDC Foundation proudly supports FCCA’s Doula Climate and Health Outreach Project.
15 March 2025
Doulas "Lunch and Learn" - Preparing for Heat Season!
Esther McCant of our Doula C-HOT program participated in a “lunch and learn” session with other doulas in Miami to prepare for the upcoming Heat Season. Pregnant people face unique risks to their health due to high heat, and doulas are a great resource for keeping clients healthy for the duration of their pregnancy and into parenthood!
13 March 2025
Doula C-HOT Presented at Xavier University of Louisiana National Alumni Conference!
Esther McCant and Dr. Niki Smith present the Doula C-HOT Program poster at the XULA 18th Health Disparities Conference in New Orleans, LA.
13 December 2024
First Progress Narrative Report submitted to CDC Foundation.
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7 December 2024
Participating doulas were invited to join a social media and communications training program hosted by FCCA consultant, Kala Riggins. Participants learned the fundamentals of social media storytelling as well as guidance for presenting naturally on camera.
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7 November 2024
D-CHOT nurse/doula, Cortes Lewis James, completed a client climate resilience (CCR) scoring during a prenatal visit with client, Andrea Nelson, while at her work place. During the assessment, the client was identified to reside in a high flood risk area per the FEMA flood mapping tool utilized in the scoring. Based on the client scoring in the flood category, client-specific education and a preparedness plan was initiated to increase the client's flood resilience.
22 October 2024
During this kickoff session, the doulas were introduced to FCCA's work and the Doula C-HOT program. Doulas were also also asked about their interest in participating in the program long-term and informed of the requirements and expectations.
15 October 2024
Nurses Take the Lead on Climate Action -- Doula C-HOT Curriculum Lead, Dr. Nikki Smith, presented on how childbearing women, particularly in South Florida, need to know that extreme heat and other climate related events can have a negative impact on pregnancy and lactation.
Through her involvement with FCCA as the D-CHOT curriculum developer, she has received CDC Foundation funding to educate doulas on the effects of climate change on pregnancy health as well as provide them with tools to be able to assess risk, educate and create preparedness plans with their pregnant and lactating clients. This partnership allows her to share this information with other audiences so that more childbearing women can be reached. The goal is to increase the climate resilience of our clients and reduce potential negative effects on their health.
9 September 2024
FCCA along with representatives from Metro Mommy Agency joined 15 other grantees for a kick off meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
