$1M Boost Will Fight Infant Mortality Gap In Newark Area – Newark, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A $1.1 million boost for a health center in Essex County will help combat an “egregious” infant mortality gap that’s developing in New Jersey, officials say.

On Tuesday, federal officials announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award $1,122,899 to Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. (NCHC) to help it lower the local infant mortality rate and improve the health of women, infants and children.

NCHC was founded in 1986 as a federally qualified health center to address growing health disparities plaguing underserved populations in Newark. It’s since expanded with centers in East Orange, Irvington and Orange.

HHS’ Healthy Start programs are targeted to the needs of vulnerable mothers and infants in areas of the country with disproportionately high rates of infant mortality and high rates of low birthweight, preterm birth and maternal mortality. Through the program, organizations reach out to pregnant women and new mothers and connect them with the health care and other resources they need to nurture their children.

Several New Jersey lawmakers praised the funding, saying it will help level out a statewide disparity in black and white infant deaths that may stand as high as three-to-one.

“We already know that communities of color like Newark disproportionally suffer poorer health outcomes on everything from chronic conditions to maternal and child health,” Sen. Cory Booker said. “Federal funding like this can begin to stem the rising tide of maternal mortality and close the egregious racial gaps that exist in maternal and infant health outcomes.”

“We must continue investing in vulnerable communities so we can ensure women of all backgrounds have the resources to bring a healthy child into the world,” Sen. Bob Menendez said. “Children in every zip code deserve the same opportunity for a healthy and successful life and that begins with expanding access to affordable and quality health care.”

“For over thirty years, Newark Community Health Centers has provided dedicated and quality health care to the residents of the greater Newark area,” said Rep. Albio Sires, who represents the state’s 8th District. “This grant will support services and resources for underserved mothers and children, granting service providers the ability to administer the high-quality care these families deserve and need.”

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