Garden State Times

On Friday, the Rowan University Rutgers–Camden Board of Governors released the first Population Health Impact Report from the South Jersey Institute for Population Health (SJIPH). The SJIPH was established in 2018 through a state grant received by the Rowan University/Rutgers–Camden Board of Governors. It supports collaborative research aimed at addressing health disparities among underserved populations in New Jersey’s seven southern counties.

Since its inception, SJIPH has commissioned 11 projects with $250,000 to 29 researchers from both Rowan and Rutgers Universities. These projects focus on identifying public health challenges and solutions. Over 450 individuals participated in research across eight different demographic populations. The report highlights eight projects and their findings on health disparities in South Jersey.

“These research projects have taught us valuable information about social determinants of health and health disparities in our region,” said Jeffrey Nash, president of the Rowan University/Rutgers–Camden Board of Governors. “It is our hope that with this information we can look for solutions to the various issues covered in the report to create a healthier and more equitable community here in Camden County and across South Jersey.”

Nicole A. Vaughn, co-lead for SJIPH at Rowan University, emphasized how the report will guide efforts to improve health in South Jersey. “It is exciting to be able to share the research results from our inaugural SJIPH funding cycle,” Vaughn said.

Notable projects include:

- **South Jersey Longitudinal Data Project**: Focused on individuals who had hospital encounters between 2017 and 2022 in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties. Findings showed higher emergency department utilization rates among Black and Hispanic individuals compared to White individuals.

- **Transgender and Non-Binary Needs Survey**: Conducted across several counties including Atlantic and Salem, this survey revealed significant mental health challenges among transgender and non-binary individuals.

- **Perinatal Population Health Project**: Found significant geographic variability in postpartum depression rates across South Jersey.

- **Snack, Chill & Chat Program**: Aimed at adults with intellectual disabilities, this program improved knowledge of healthy breakfast options but noted no significant changes in overall nutrition habits.

An ongoing project focuses on improving opioid use disorder treatment retention post-incarceration in Camden County.

“The data gathered in the Population Health Impact Report is incredibly valuable,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “As elected officials, we are obligated to do our part to improve the quality of life for our residents.”