NJ Spotlight News has launched a series called The Change Project that takes a deeper look at some of the state’s social and economic challenges — and at some possible remedies.
NJ Spotlight News anchor Briana Vannozzi spoke with health care writer Lilo H. Stainton about her first installment of the project that looks at a universal visiting-nurse model to address disparities in maternal health. New Jersey has some of the widest racial gaps in maternal health outcomes in the country.
“The model is called Family Connects NJ,” Stainton said. “It involves a nursing home-visit, and it’s universal. So that means that every new mom who gives birth in the counties that are now in play is eligible for a visit. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance, doesn’t matter your immigration status, it doesn’t matter how much you earn. And the fact that it’s a nurse making the visit is another unique feature.”
