The deadline for Requests for Information seeking input to inform the establishment of a Center for Maternal and Infant Health in Trenton has been extended until June 25, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and first lady Tammy Murphy announced.
The creation of the center, which will be dedicated to innovation and research, with an emphasis on addressing racial disparities and ensuring equity in care and outcomes for mothers and infants, is a key recommendation from the recently released Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan.
The hope is to establish a center that “focuses on innovation and research in maternal and infant health through partnerships with the state’s academic, funder, business and faith communities,” the groups said.
New Jersey currently ranks No. 47 in the nation for maternal deaths and has one of the widest racial disparities for both maternal and infant mortality. A Black mother in New Jersey is seven times more likely than a white mother to die from maternity-related complications, and a Black baby is over three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday.
Stakeholders said the RFI aims to build on Nurture NJ’s knowledge base and community engagement process by gathering targeted input on the development and implementation of the Trenton-based center.
Respondents are encouraged to offer input regarding:
- The development of the center’s mission, vision and structure;
- Potential operating models and locations; services and program offerings;
- Strategies and best practices to foster research, innovation and commercialization in maternal and infant health;
- Potential partners within Trenton and throughout the U.S.;
- Considerations for the EDA and its partner agencies in creating initiatives anchored at the center;
- Considerations within the Trenton community focused on achieving equity in maternal and infant health outcomes.
The EDA is seeking responses from qualified entities including, but not limited to: mothers and caregivers; members of communities most affected by disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes; health care providers; hospitals and hospital systems; midwives and doulas; health organizations; universities; advocacy organizations; social services providers; municipalities, government agencies and school districts; community stakeholders; policy and academic researchers; real estate developers; business leaders, employers and entrepreneurs; technical assistance providers; and foundations and philanthropic organizations that address infant and maternal health.
The EDA is seeking responses from entities based within New Jersey as well as those located outside of the state. All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 p.m. June 25 to MaternalHealthRFI@njeda.com. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2021-RFI-127.”
