First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey has announced that the State has been awarded a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury to support the construction of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC) in Trenton. The MIHIC, a key initiative of First Lady Murphy’s Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, aims to establish New Jersey as the safest and most equitable state in the nation for delivering and raising babies.
The MIHIC will serve as a vital resource for pregnant individuals, new parents, and infants, while also focusing on advancing the perinatal workforce and driving maternal and infant health policy, research, and innovation to address racial disparities in health outcomes. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will utilize the funding to engage the services of a construction manager and architect engineer, who will collaborate closely with the NJEDA’s real estate and program teams to oversee the design and development phases of the MIHIC.
Expressing her gratitude for the support received, First Lady Tammy Murphy stated, “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and our dedicated congressional delegation, the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center will lead the transformation of maternal care not only in New Jersey but also nationwide. This investment will ensure equitable and compassionate care for every mother and baby.”
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan emphasized the significance of the funding in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, stating, “The MIHIC will provide critical health care services, training, and education, while also fostering innovation and job creation in the Trenton community.”
U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman also applauded the federal investment, highlighting the importance of addressing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes for New Jersey families.
The $25 million grant, allocated through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Project Fund (CPF) as part of the American Rescue Plan, underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that promote public health and safety. Projects like the MIHIC are essential for enhancing community resilience and economic vitality across the United States.
