Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC) is proud to congratulate our Director of Evaluation & Analytics, Dr. Cheryl Smith, on being featured in the New Jersey Integrated Population Health Data (iPHD) newsletter for her recently published research in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
The study, co-authored by Dr. Smith, examined racial differences in maternal morbidity and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among Black and White birthing people in New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research analyzed outcomes for more than 207,000 births using linked data from the New Jersey Integrated Population Health Data Project which included birth records, hospital discharge data, mortality records, and COVID-19 testing data from 2019 to 2021.
The findings highlight persistent inequities in maternal health. Black/African American birthing people experienced both higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and a greater overall burden of maternal complications compared with their White counterparts. The study also found that cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, obesity, and COVID-19 hospitalization contributed to these disparities, with cardiovascular and metabolic conditions remaining significant predictors of more severe maternal morbidity.
At CJFHC, we are committed to supporting research that informs policy, improves programs, and advances equitable maternal and child health outcomes throughout New Jersey. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Smith for her contributions to this important work and for representing our organization through research that helps shape a healthier future for mothers and families across the state.
Congratulations, Dr. Smith, on this well-deserved recognition!
