TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation authorizing the Department of Health to designate a Public Health Institute (PHI), underscoring his commitment to strengthening public health outcomes for all New Jerseyans. The PHI will play a key role in advancing public health initiatives, streamlining coordination across agencies and sectors, and promoting equitable health outcomes and data-driven solutions that will benefit communities throughout the state.

“New Jersey is taking an important step to strengthen our health systems across communities. The Public Health Institute will help us close gaps, modernize our response, and build resilience for the future, enabling us to support positive health outcomes for more New Jerseyans,” said Governor Murphy. "By continuing to prioritize building our public health system, we are ensuring that our state is not only better prepared for the next public health crisis – we are also raising the bar for day-to-day care and working to eliminate disparities that have impacted our most vulnerable communities. Today’s bill signing would not have been possible without the support of our current and former Health Commissioners. I thank Commissioner Baston and former Commissioner Persichilli for their tireless advocacy for a better, more equitable public health system that is ready to meet the needs of New Jerseyans. " 

Under the bill, the Commissioner of Health is responsible for designating a nonprofit organization that meets certain criteria to serve as the Public Health Institute. The nonprofit must be recognized by the National Network of Public Health Institutes; possess the capacity to integrate and coordinate public health functions on a local, county, and statewide level; and maintain a network with relevant health policy and research experience, among other things. The organization chosen must enter into an agreement with the Department of Health and provide operating plans and furnish periodic progress reports to the Department of Health.

"This public-private partnership will strengthen our public health infrastructure and help us respond more effectively to emerging health threats and trends,” said Department of Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “As America's densest state – and one of its most diverse – we must deliver culturally responsive, evidence-based information through both our public health system and community partners. This institute will help us meet New Jerseyans where they are, advancing policies and practices that improve health and quality of life for all of us.”

“I am thrilled to see New Jersey take another key step toward establishing a partnership between the State and a public health institute. In order to provide the best possible health outcomes for our communities, we must work together in lockstep at all levels and bring diverse partners to the table,” said former Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The Murphy Administration has long seen the promise of public health institutes to build upon New Jersey’s progress in addressing disparities, supporting innovations in the health care field, and bolstering the public health workforce.”

For over 30 years, public health leaders within and outside government have advanced interest in establishing a public health institute in New Jersey. The COVID-19 pandemic exemplified the need for collective action to address public health challenges, with the independent COVID-19 after action report finding the need for health departments to maintain working partnerships with diverse stakeholders, for the public health system to act more nimbly, and for the State to continue investing in health equity. Similarly, the 2022 Seizing the Moment report issued through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that a nonprofit PHI could play a key part in reimagining and modernizing New Jersey’s public health system.

According to the National Network for Public Health Institutes, there are currently 51 public health institutes active nationwide. In New Jersey, the designated PHI will be responsible for:

• coordinating among national, State, and local agencies to promote equitable public health services in New Jersey; 
• providing administrative, operational, and fiscal support to public and private health agencies, community-based organizations, and other strategic partners;
• developing and implementing projects, programs, initiatives, or services designed to improve public health outcomes; address racial disparities in public health – including the underlying systemic root causes of health disparities and inequities; and bridge gaps between public and private sector health care and community services; 
• promoting, supporting, and funding programs related to workforce development, education, applied research, policy development, and other initiatives that advance the purposes of the Public Health Institute; 
• entering into contracts for the purchase of medical countermeasures, supplies, or therapeutics, or other products or service agreements as may be necessary to aid the Department of Health in advancing or protecting public health; and 
• engaging in charitable programs dedicated to the purposes and objectives of the Public Health Institute.

Primary sponsors of this legislation (S-3562/A-4362) include Senators Joseph Vitale and Renee Burgess and Assemblywomen Shanique Speight and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.  

"By enacting this legislation into law, New Jersey is taking a bold step forward in the way we work to protect public health,” said Senator Joseph Vitale. “The Public Health Institute will streamline coordination among healthcare services and community members, allowing us to combat longstanding disparities more efficiently. The pandemic made it clear—we need a unified, strategic approach to public health, and this institute will play a critical role in making a more equitable and prepared New Jersey."

"Signing this bill into law is an important investment in the health and well-being of all New Jersey residents,” said Senator Renee Burgess. “The Public Health Institute will facilitate crucial partnerships and deliver focused solutions to eliminate disparities and expand access to care. It's a forward-thinking move toward a more equitable, connected, and resilient public health system focused on people."

“The importance of ensuring equitable health outcomes and managing public health emergencies has become undeniably clear in recent years,” said Assemblywoman Shanique Speight. “It is why the development of a Public Health Institution is essential. It will enhance our ability to plan and respond to a range of health-related contingencies, while helping us deliver more personalized health services that address the unique needs of communities throughout New Jersey.”

“We’ve seen time and again the need for a strong, coordinated public health system and recognize the enormous benefits that such an entity will bring to our state,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “With this legislation, we’re establishing a long-overdue Public Health Institute to address racial health disparities, build a more resilient workforce, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for New Jersey residents.”