On September 11, 2024, over 200 members of Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC) gathered at the Forsgate Country Club for the Annual Meeting of Members. The event brought together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, public health leaders, nurses, doulas, social workers, doctors, and government workers. The atmosphere was one of celebration, as the Consortium reflected on a year of achievements in advancing maternal and child health across New Jersey.
Celebrating Accomplishments
A key highlight of the event was Dr. Cheryl McFarland’s achievement in securing second place in the prestigious NIH’s Connecting the Community for Maternal Health Challenge. Dr. McFarland, alongside the CJFHC Evaluation & Analytics team, developed an innovative algorithm that predicts morbidities in birthing people before labor, a tool that has the potential to revolutionize care and reduce complications during childbirth.
Dr. Aakash Shah, a renowned expert on substance use and mental health, delivered the keynote address, drawing attention to the critical issue of drug addiction and overdose in New Jersey. Dr. Shah, a dedicated emergency room physician at Hackensack Meridian Health, has been at the forefront of addressing critical public health challenges, from treating the earliest COVID-19 cases to pioneering addiction and trauma recovery programs. As the Chief of Addiction Medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Dr. Shah has led groundbreaking initiatives that extend care beyond the ER, securing over $15 million in funding to support these vital efforts.
Dr. Shah presented on "The Overdose Crisis: A Conversation about its Past, Present, and Future." His speech emphasized how overdose remains a leading cause of morbidity among birthing people and highlighted CJFHC’s tireless work in addressing the social crises at the root of the epidemic. Dr. Shah’s remarks underscored the importance of continued advocacy and intervention to protect vulnerable populations, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The meeting also celebrated several programs, including the expansion of Family Connects, which began as a pilot program in Mercer county and has now been successfully adopted statewide. By 2027 the program will be available in every county in New Jersey. This program ensures that all birthing families in New Jersey receive support and resources during the critical postpartum period, promoting health equity and improving outcomes for mothers and infants.
Looking Ahead
Consortium staff and members expressed their excitement for the future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across communities. With a solid foundation of past successes, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium will continue making a significant impact on the health and well-being of families across New Jersey. As the organization moves forward, the focus will remain on fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and tackling the critical issues facing maternal and child health.
“Each year we advance further,” remarks Robyn D’Oria, CEO, “making meaningful strides in uplifting birthing people, children and families…while we celebrate today, we recognize our work is ongoing. Every day brings new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those we serve, and our mission remains unwavering.”
The Annual Meeting of Members was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when diverse sectors of healthcare come together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for families. Central Jersey Family Health Consortium’s dedication to advancing health equity and its steadfast pursuit of innovative solutions ensure that the organization will remain a leading force in maternal and child health for years to come.
Click Here to read the full Annual Report for 2024.
