The Future of Black Maternal Health Initiatives in New Jersey

 

On Thursday, April 16, 2026 the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy hosted “The Future of Black Maternal Health in New Jersey” in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week. The hybrid panel event brought together leading experts to discuss policy-driven solutions and community-based strategies aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes across the state.

The program featured panelists Lisa Asare, Nicole Vines, Shakira Williams-Linzey, and Shanita Alvarez-Crawley. It was moderated by Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Hughes Center faculty fellow, Trina Gipson-Jones.

The event drew approximately 200 attendees between webinar participants and the in-person audience at the live screening. Panelists explored challenges in policy implementation, workforce development needs, and emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration across government, academia, healthcare, and community organizations to reduce racial disparities in maternal outcomes.

In conjunction with the event, the Hughes Center organized a donation drive to support local families in need. Hughes Center student staff, My’Air Henry, Dylan Caraballo, and Rachel Dunlap, designed a campaign to promote the donation drive across campus.

The effort raised more than $600 worth of essential baby items for the Family Succes Centers of Pleasantville and Egg Harbor Township. Representatives from both locations also attended the live screening of the panel event to share resources with the campus community about the services the Atlantic County agencies offer.

“As an anchor institution, events like this that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders are central to our mission. We’re committed to fostering partnerships that enrich student learning while making a meaningful impact in our local community,” said Hughes Center Assistant Director Alyssa Maurice.

Together, the panel discussion and community outreach highlighted the Hughes Center’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed dialogue about critical policy issues.

 

Panelists:

Lisa Asare, MPH, President and CEO of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority

Nicole Vines, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Black Studies at California State University, Channel Islands

Shakira Williams-Linzey, MPH, Director of Maternal and Infant Health Initiatives, March of Dimes NY/NJ

Shanita Alvarez-Crawley, LCSW, PMH-C, Director, Postpartum Support International’s Alliance for People of Color

 

Moderators:

Trina L. Gipson-Jones, Ph.D, RN, Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Hughes Center Faculty Fellow

Alyssa Maurice, Assistant Director and Head of Research at the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy