Mercer Times

First Lady Tammy Murphy announced today that the State of New Jersey has been awarded $25 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury for the construction of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC) in Trenton. The center, developed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), is a key component of the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, aiming to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

In a statement, First Lady Tammy Murphy expressed her pride in the progress of the Nurture NJ mission, saying, "Now, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and our dedicated congressional delegation’s commitment to provide essential resources for our Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center – a one-of-a-kind hub for developing groundbreaking maternal health care innovations – Nurture NJ will not only be able to lead the maternal care transformation here in New Jersey, but also nationwide, ensuring equitable and compassionate care for every mother and baby."

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan highlighted the importance of the funding in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, stating, "The funding made possible by the Biden Administration is imperative to the development of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center, which will provide critical health care services, training, and education that will improve maternal and infant health outcomes."

U.S. Senator Cory Booker commended the federal investment in New Jersey's maternal healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of addressing maternal mortality rates, "I am proud to champion federal investments such as this one to give New Jersey resources to make crucial investments into our state’s maternal healthcare system."

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman echoed the sentiment, praising the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners, "The Trenton Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center will go a long way toward making New Jersey the best place in the country to birth and raise a child."

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora expressed his support for the initiative, stating, "With the Capital Project Fund bolstering federal and state support, we are poised to make Trenton a beacon of safety and equity for all mothers and infants, setting the standard for the nation to follow."

The funding for the MIHIC was allocated through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Project Fund (CPF), which supports critical infrastructure projects promoting public health and safety. The MIHIC, guided by the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Authority, aims to provide essential services, training, and innovations to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in New Jersey and beyond.