Alarmingly, in the United States mothers are dying at the highest rate in the developed world with the crisis being most severe for Black moms, who are dying at 3 to 4 times the rate of their white counterparts. In New Jersey, Black mothers may be nearly twice as likely as white mothers to die from pregnancy-related complications and Black babies nearly three times as likely as white babies to die before their first birthdays.

To address these tragic realities, initiatives are in motion both at national and state levels.

In New Jersey, First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative includes a strategic plan that aims to make New Jersey the safest, most equitable state to deliver and raise a baby. The plan examines the structural barriers and systemic racism that impact maternal health and seeks to reduce maternal mortality in the state by 50 percent over five years and eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes

In this sequel to NJ Spotlight News’ October 2020 Maternal Health and Family Planning roundtable, we will be joined by experts to discuss key actionable recommendations in the Nurture NJ strategic plan and recommend implementation tools for New Jersey business leaders, state agencies, health and social service providers, community groups, and philanthropies to "put women at the center" and lay groundwork for systemic change.

Please join us for this important NJ Spotlight News virtual roundtable.

Opening remarks:

First Lady Tammy Murphy

Panelists:

Dr. Charletta Ayers, MPH, Associate Professor Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University

Dr. Kimberly Boller,Chief Strategy and Evaluation Officer, The Nicholson Foundation

Dr. Vijaya Hogan, independent consultant, Adjunct Professor, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill

Additional panelist to be announced.

Moderator:

Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight News Correspondent

Sponsor: