Editor’s note: The following is a press release from Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House. Bloom has republished it here with minor edits for style and clarity.
Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House received a $30,000 grant from the Jack Hopkins Social Services Grant Program, which is run by the City of Bloomington. Tandem will use the funds to launch their Birth Center and Midwifery Clinic.
Jack Hopkins Social Services grants support nonprofit organizations with projects focused on previously identified social service needs in the community, and has helped contribute more than $5 million since its inception in 1993. This year, over $500,000 in grant money was awarded to more than 30 organizations.
The grant will support the renovation and opening of the region’s first freestanding community birth center, which will seek to reduce parent and infant mortality rates, improve perinatal outcomes by trusting patients, and increase options for care.
“Being awarded this Jack Hopkins grant has been exactly the boost we needed,” says Tandem co-founder Julie Duhon. “Because of it we are currently negotiating a space for our permanent location and are on track to open our doors in 2022. We are so grateful to the City of Bloomington for recognizing the need that we are filling.”
While Tandem is primarily focused on launching its midwifery clinic and birth center, it is currently offering some limited services. Evidence-based childbirth and lactation education classes are currently open for enrollment and are offered on a donation basis to ensure they are accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. These courses are intended for anyone planning to give birth in the near future, regardless of where or how they plan to birth.
To learn more about Tandem’s current or future offerings, please visit tandembloomington.org.
