New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan speaks during a Jan. 20, 2023, event in North Brunswick. - MATTHEW FAZELPOOR/NJBIZ
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During last week’s board meeting, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) took action advancing the forthcoming Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center project in Trenton.
The MIHIC is a key aspect of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative. It will serve as a hub in Trenton and across the Garden State for stakeholders around the issue of maternal and infant health. The project has been allocated $75 million in state and federal funds support its construction.
The NJEDA board approved three anchor tenants to lead the MIHIC:
- Lead Institution of Higher Education, Rutgers University – Providing services such as accredited degree programs, certification programs, non-degree programs, on-the job training opportunities, student services, and maternal and infant health research. Rutgers’ School of Nursing (within Rutgers Health) will lead the MIHIC’s Higher Education Consortium, alongside Mercer County Community, Stockton University, The College of New Jersey and Thomas Edison State University. Princeton University will collaborate in future research and policy endeavors.
- Lead Healthcare Clinical Services Provider, Capital Health – Offering clinical care to Trenton residents focused on maternal and infant wellbeing and health equity, as well as provide prenatal and postpartum care, newborn and pediatric care, mental and behavioral health care, doula and lactation services, telehealth services, and obstetrics and gynecology.
- Lead Trenton-Based Multi-Service Organization, Trenton Health Team – The nonprofit uses a data-driven approach, working with community groups regarding their health care needs. It will focus on providing services that directly impact social determinants of health such as food security, housing, and transportation.
One-of-a-kind
In a press release, First Lady Murphy described the MIHIC as a one-of-a-kind hub for developing groundbreaking solutions to the maternal health crisis while addressing health care inequities once and for all.
“At the same time, this center will provide critical maternal and infant health services to Trenton and New Jersey residents – transforming the maternal health landscape locally, across our state, and ultimately, we hope for the nation,” said Murphy. “More importantly, the Center and the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority will continue to our vital work long after the Murphy administration, ensuring all New Jersey moms and babies are able to receive the highest quality care for generations to come, and helping us reach our goal – and becoming the safest state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.”
“The MIHIA Board and I are excited to working alongside leading organizations that will provide quality health care services and education to residents who need it most,” said Lisa Asare, who was recently appointed president and CEO of the MIHIA by Gov. Phil Murphy. “When we care for parents and infants, we give them the tools to live healthy, full lives.”
Tenant talk
The three anchor tenants are excited about the opportunity.
“Rutgers Health is proud to partner with the state to provide vital maternal and infant health care to our community through this new center,” said Brian Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Science, who leads Rutgers Health. He noted the value Rutgers brings to the program as the state’s university as well as its commitment to advancing maternal health equity for the community. “We are honored to have been selected as the Lead Institution of Higher Education and are excited to contribute our innovative expertise to this important initiative.”
“For over 125 years, Capital Health has cared for the residents of Trenton, and we are deeply committed to ensuring access to safe, high-quality care for expectant and new parents and their babies,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center is a visionary opportunity to deliver much needed clinical, educational, and social services in Trenton.”
“Trenton Health Team is immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Lead Trenton-based Multi-Service Organization for this innovative center,” said Trenton Health Team CEO Gregory Paulson. “This pivotal opportunity will help us directly engage with community members in need of services that impact their daily lives – beyond just health care.”
Making progress
The NJEDA has partnered with the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University to lead community engagement efforts in Trenton as the center develops. Working in partnership with the lead tenants, MIHIA and NJEDA, the groupwill play a key role in informing the center’s design and service delivery
“To have leaders like Capital Health, Rutgers University, and Trenton Health Team as partners in this endeavor is an incredible victory for the families of Trenton and it will further the NJEDA and MIHIA’s mission to provide top-of-the-line care,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The center is well-positioned to have a long-lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the Trenton community for years to come.”
“I am thrilled to see the progression of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. “With Capital Health, Rutgers University, and Trenton Health Team at the forefront, this collaborative effort promises a brighter, healthier future for our community and beyond.”
