On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the soon-to-be constructed Trenton Maternal & Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC), at the southwest corner of Pennington Avenue and Warren Street in the Battle Monument neighborhood. Local and state leaders were in attendance to celebrate the milestone, including Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy. Central Jersey Family Health Consortium CEO Robyn D’Oria was also in attendance.

This marks a pivotal step in New Jersey’s progress towards bringing much needed services to its Capital city, and improving family and maternal health outcomes. The Trenton MIHIC is the corner stone of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative, and will anchor bold efforts to address and eliminate racial disparities in care and improve outcomes for mothers and babies in New Jersey.

Over the past seven years, New Jersey has seen measurable improvements towards this goal: maternal mortality has improved from 47th to 28th in the nation; infant mortality from 5th to 2nd; and neonatal mortality from 6th to 1st. Central Jersey Family Health Consortium is proud to have been part of this effort, partnering with the state on key initiatives like Healthy Families, the NJ Postpartum Research and Support Network, Connecting NJ, and Family Connects NJ.

The MIHIC will continue to build on these gains, offering a permanent home for the momentum of the Nurture NJ movement and ensuring that maternal and infant health remains a top priority for generations to come.

 “Today’s groundbreaking is a resounding success for not only the City of Trenton, but for the mothers and babies who have historically been left out of conversations regarding their health. The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center will serve as a true community health hub where parents and babies can receive the care that they deserve, helping uplift the neighborhood and the people who raise their families there,” said Lisa Asare, President and CEO of Maternal and Infant Health Authority.

The Maternal Infant Health Innovation Center will be powered by three anchor institutions:

• The Trenton Health Team will represent Trenton’s network of maternal health partners as the Lead Multi-Service Organization, addressing social determinants of health — housing, food security, transportation — with comprehensive case management, wraparound supports, and parenting resources.
•  Rutgers University, with leadership from the School of Nursing, will oversee academic training, research, and workforce training in partnership with Mercer County Community College, Stockton University, The College of New Jersey, and Thomas Edison State University. Princeton University will support future research and policy efforts. Additionally, the NJEDA will work in collaboration with the Trenton Board of Education and Rutgers University to establish career pathways and training opportunities for public high school students in Trenton.
•  Capital Health will deliver first-in-class family, OB/GYN and pediatric services, mental and behavioral health care, and doula and lactation consultant support.

“The Trenton Maternal & Infant Health Innovation Center represents the next chapter in New Jersey’s commitment to equity, innovation, and community-driven care.” Said Robyn D’Oria, CEO of Central Jersey Family Health Consortium, “We at Central Jersey Family Health Consortium are proud of the measurable strides we have made in our communities—and we know the work doesn’t stop here. With Capital Health, Rutgers University, and Trenton Health Team leading the way, the MIHIC will be a powerful force for sustainable change and healthier futures for families across Trenton and beyond. I think I can speak for everyone at Central Jersey Family Health Consortium when I say we are excited to continue improving outcomes for infants and birthing people in Central New Jersey under their lead.”