Credit: NJ Spotlight News
New Jersey's efforts to make childbirth safer in New Jersey received added attention as the state Economic Development Authority announced three anchor tenants for the Maternal and Child Health Innovation Center it plans to build in Trenton. ing.
But it may still be some time before women can give birth in the capital.
The EDA board on Wednesday unanimously approved a plan by Capital Health, a Mercer County hospital system, to provide obstetric care and other clinical services at the facility, which will be built on an undisclosed site.
Rutgers University's School of Nursing will lead workforce development and research efforts under the agreement, and the nonprofit Trenton Health Team will coordinate support services at the center. The three entities were selected through a process the EDA began last spring and will pay little or no rent for the facilities.
The Maternal and Child Health Innovation Center is designed to house and sustain the work of First Lady Tammy Murphy's Nurture New Jersey campaign to improve the state's dire maternal mortality rates and large racial disparities in outcomes. It was also envisioned as a way to expand maternal care options in Trenton, which lacks a hospital-based birthing facility, something many residents and local leaders see as an issue. The state has secured more than $75 million for the project over several years.
“The Center for Maternal and Child Health Innovation will be a truly unique hub for developing innovative solutions to the maternal and child health crisis and addressing health inequalities once and for all,” Tammy Murphy said Wednesday. Probably.'' “At the same time, this center will provide critical maternal and child health services to the residents of Trenton and New Jersey, transforming the maternal and child health landscape locally, statewide and ultimately nationally.”
nuclear tenant
Capital Health will serve as the new facility's lead clinical provider, including prenatal and postnatal care, neonatal and pediatric services, obstetrics and gynecology care, support from doulas and lactation specialists, and mental health support. I will provide a. . But the agreement also calls for the establishment of a Trenton-based midwifery center (a clinic where women with low-risk pregnancies can give birth), but the state says there are ongoing discussions about how to incorporate this service. officials said.
“Capital Health has been caring for Trenton residents for more than 125 years, ensuring that pregnant and newborn parents and their babies receive safe, high-quality care,” said President and CEO Al Magazehe. “We are deeply committed to ensuring access to care.”
Capital Health currently operates facilities in Hamilton and Trenton, and officials cut the ribbon Wednesday for an emergency room expansion, but birthing services are currently limited to the company's Hopewell Hospital. . Mr Magazehe praised Tammy Murphy's “dedication and vision”. “Together, we can make a huge impact on the health and well-being of our communities,” he said.
According to the agreement, Rutgers School of Nursing, the Health Innovation Center's flagship higher education institution, will work with other state universities and community colleges to develop certification programs, job training and support for maternal and child health research.
The Trenton Health Team has a proven track record of coordinating clinical and social services in the region. As a leading multiservice organization, the team will focus on addressing the social determinants of health, such as transportation and housing, which have a significant impact on clinical health, state officials said.
What progress has been made?
EDA is leading the creation of the Trenton Center in collaboration with Tammy Murphy and the Office of Maternal and Child Health Innovation. The Office of Maternal and Child Health Innovation is a government agency created last year to oversee the facility and continue the state's efforts to develop policies and programs to improve maternal health. The Office of Health Innovation is governed by a 13-member board of public experts and state officials, which first met in late March and was led by a maternal and child health expert and former state official. Lisa Asare, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Humanity, was nominated. Established the service as the first CEO.
Wednesday's announcement was also welcomed by Rep. Vallina Reynolds Jackson (D-Mercer), the sponsor of the bill creating the Agency for Medical Innovation. “As a member of Congress, it is deeply satisfying to see our bill become a tangible ray of hope. I am proud of our city’s contribution to advancing health equity.”
While the Murphy administration is focused on the Health Innovation Center, community-based organizations are also working to fill gaps in maternal care options in Trenton.
Although childbirth-related deaths have declined in recent years, national statistics show that New Jersey still loses more mothers, on average, during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the months that follow (2018-2021). (at least 25 per 100,000 per year) than many states. Including New York and Pennsylvania. Furthermore, the maternal mortality rate for black women here is nearly seven times higher than for white mothers.
Planning for the Trenton Center began at least four years ago, when the EDA sought input from stakeholders, a process that brought together diverse ideas from dozens of medical groups, academic societies, and community organizations. Proposals included a midwifery center, workforce development initiatives and community education programs.
community survey
EDA also eavesdropped. Kean University's John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy Research will gather input from the Trenton community through a series of forums, surveys and targeted focus groups. Participants reported a number of challenges, with many stating that Trenton lacks maternal care options.
Among the findings: At least half of those interviewed reported being food insecure, 9 in 10 had children at home, and 40% received little or no prenatal care before giving birth. Nearly one-third said they had missed a health checkup for themselves or their child. I was worried that it would cost too much. Approximately 15% are born prematurely or with low birth weight, both of which can affect the child's development.
While the Murphy administration is focused on the Health Innovation Center, community-based organizations are also working to fill Trenton's maternal care desert. Rev. Charles Boyer, a social justice advocate and leader of the Greater Mount Zion AME Church in Trenton, and his wife, Rosalie Boyer, who was later appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy to the Office of Innovation Board of Directors, in October 2022. He made the announcement along with state and local leaders in March. A division of the church will establish a midwifery center in a Pennington Avenue building owned by the church. The facility is also designed to include community education programs and is supported by approximately $2 million in state funding.
New Jersey is taking other steps to implement the goals outlined in the Raising New Jersey campaign, including expanding Medicaid coverage to protect low-income mothers for up to one year after giving birth. More than half of all maternal deaths recorded nationally occur in the postpartum period. The company has trained hundreds of community-based doulas and in January launched the first phase of a statewide newborn home visiting program called Family Connect New Jersey, which is open to all mothers, regardless of income level, insurance, or immigration status. Phase 1 has started.
