Burke Foundation and New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Launch Alliance to Promote Maternal Health and Child Development
The Burke Foundation is partnering with the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics to launch the New Jersey Centering Alliance to support the Burke Foundation’s ongoing expansion of Centering, an innovative group-based approach to delivering prenatal and pediatric healthcare, to 50 sites by 2026.
Though among the wealthiest states, New Jersey has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate and some of the worst pregnancy, birth, and infant health outcomes in the country. The situation is especially dire among communities of color.
Utilizing relationship-based group healthcare for pregnant women and families with young children can move the needle on these outcomes. Centering is associated with fewer preterm births and low birthweight babies plus higher rates of breastfeeding, child immunizations, and well-visit attendance.
The New Jersey Centering Alliance will be led by a 21-member advisory group that will work to grow the number of Centering sites in New Jersey, build a community of practice among existing sites, and bolster Centering’s sustainability.