BURLINGTON CITY– In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, First Lady Tammy Murphy will host a Mini Family Festival at the Southern Jersey Family Medical Center in Burlington City, on Wednesday, April 13. The Mini Family Festival serves as a one-stop-shop for care, support, resources, and relief while continuing Nurture NJ’s mission to reduce maternal and infant mortality and ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. Partners of the program include Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, the Burke Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) and more.

During the event, new and expectant moms who receive prenatal care at SJFMC can sign up to receive services from the NJMVC’s Mobile Unit, which will be on site and serving those who have registered for an appointment. The festival will also include maternal and infant health programs, resources and services from state, county and local organizations. Refreshments and raffle prizes will also be available to attendees.

Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week in New Jersey means continuing to push forward with determination to solve our state’s Black maternal health crisis,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Our Mini Family Festival series brings local, county and state resources directly to families in need in locations that are both trusted and familiar to them. I look forward to bringing this festival to Burlington City and ensuring every mother and family has access to the comprehensive care and critical information they need to thrive.”

“The fact that black and brown women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, coupled with another staggering statistic that black and brown infants die at double the rate of their counterparts, is unacceptable and alarming,” said Linda Y. Flake, MBA, President/CEO of Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, Inc. “As a community health center, we provide all women with access to health care, regardless of their ability to pay. We have a robust Women’s Health Care Program and deliver close to 1000 babies across southern New Jersey. Our mission is to break down the disparities in health care by addressing chronic conditions and social determinants such as education, racism, transportation, and implicit bias to provide our pregnant patients, mothers, and babies with the best chance of living fulfilling lives. We still have much work to do, but the future holds much promise, as demonstrated by First Lady Murphy’s commitment to prioritize and address the maternal and infant health crisis through Nurture NJ. This program has placed a spotlight on this issue, has connected existing community partners, and directed new resources toward eliminating this disparity. We are so honored to participate in this important initiative and will continue our work with Nurture NJ! Together, with the partners that have been assembled across the state, we will make a difference.”

“On behalf of the Burke Foundation, we are honored to support family festivals in Burlington and across New Jersey to help pregnant women and families access healthcare services and vital community resources. These community events spark joy and connection, and in turn, support healthier babies, mothers, families, and communities,” said Atiya Weiss, executive director of The Burke Foundation. “We deeply admire First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy’s steadfast leadership in making New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the US to have and raise a baby.”

“The Family Festivals are all about improving maternal and infant health to create a healthier New Jersey and Horizon is excited to continue our partnership with the Governor and First Lady,” said Wendy Morriarty, Vice President and Chief Medicaid Officer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “Everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare no matter who they are or where they live and as New Jersey’s health solutions leader, Horizon is best positioned to meet our neighbors where they live and help them achieve their best health through partnerships like this one.”

“The NJMVC is excited to partner with First Lady Tammy Murphy for the first Mini Family Festival of 2022,” said MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton. “They are always great community events, and we look forward to bringing motor vehicle services directly to those attending the Festival in Burlington City with our Mobile Unit.”

  The events are open to all, but services provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Mobile Unit are for those registered ahead of the event, with service costs covered by Horizon. Interested individuals can register here: bit.ly/NNJFAMILYFESTIVAL