Rutgers University has been chosen to play a key role in the establishment of a new hub for maternal and infant health services and research in Trenton. The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center aims to enhance access to healthcare and social services for pregnant individuals and up to a year after childbirth. In addition, the center will focus on addressing racial disparities in maternal health care, as Black individuals are nearly seven times more likely than white individuals to die from maternity-related complications.

This initiative is a part of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ strategic plan, which aims to tackle race disparities in maternal health care. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has allocated $75 million to this project and has designated Rutgers, Capital Health, a local health system, and Trenton Health Team, a community health nonprofit, as anchor tenants to lead operations at the innovation center.

Rutgers’ School of Nursing will be spearheading research into health disparities and efforts to make care more equitable. The university will collaborate with other academic institutions to expand training opportunities for midwives, nurses, doulas, lactation professionals, and community health workers. By diversifying the perinatal workforce, this project aims to enhance care and outcomes for women and pregnant individuals in New Jersey.

Julie Blumenfeld, the director of Rutgers’ nurse-midwifery program and a clinical assistant professor in the nursing school, will lead Rutgers’ efforts at the innovation center. Rutgers will also work with other schools such as Mercer County Community College, Stockton University, The College of New Jersey, and Thomas Edison State University on this important initiative.