Garden State Times

On June 17, 2024, Commissioner Virginia Betteridge and First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy convened at the Camden County Conference on Nurturing Care and Maternal Health to address various aspects of maternal health. The program covered topics such as healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and early childhood development.

“Maternal health and wellness are extremely important, and it is crucial that experts in this field come together to solve this crisis and that all representatives on the government side are investing every resource possible to improve the quality of life for mothers and babies,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “The state of maternal health in this country and in New Jersey is unacceptable. This is an issue that we have the power to change, and it is of utmost importance that we are working around the clock to create a better outcome for expecting mothers and their infants.”

First Lady Tammy Murphy highlighted her philanthropic efforts through Nurture NJ, an initiative aimed at making New Jersey one of the safest states for maternal health. The program focuses on ensuring women’s health before pregnancy, providing equitable care during prenatal stages through postpartum care, and fostering supportive community environments throughout a woman’s life.

“I was thrilled to join Commissioner Betteridge to discuss our efforts to improve maternal and infant health across New Jersey,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Through the Nurture NJ initiative, we have been able to implement some life-changing, innovative programs and policy changes to better serve the mothers and babies of our state. It is so important to get the word out about these resources, which is why we must continue to have these conversations and ensure that our community leaders are informed about all that we are doing to improve our maternal and infant health outcomes statewide.”

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), New Jersey faces significant disparities in maternal health outcomes with approximately 14 women dying from pregnancy-related complications annually. Black women in New Jersey experience seven times higher rates of death from pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.

In July 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the “New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center Act,” establishing the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority. This Authority oversees a center based in Trenton dedicated to reducing birth-related deaths by offering pre- and postnatal care services.

“Maternal mortality is an urgent worldwide issue that needs addressing; here in New Jersey, we are working tirelessly towards solutions,” said Anita Wemple, CEO of the Community Planning and Advocacy Council. “Pregnancy and the postpartum period are incredibly vulnerable times for women and children, making it imperative that we continue collaborating on this crisis.”