Family Health

Our vision for a healthy Trenton includes every family in the greater Trenton area having the opportunity to thrive.

In New Jersey, Black mothers are more than twice as likely to not receive any prenatal care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Nationwide, more than 77% of women initiate prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. In New Jersey, the rate is 72% and in Mercer County rates of early prenatal care are lower, with 63% of Mercer county mothers and fewer than half of Trenton mothers attending a prenatal visit in the first trimester (2016).

Of all pregnancy-related deaths in New Jersey between 2009-2013, more than 46 percent were Black women — five times that of their white counterparts. Black babies still die at three times the rate of white newborns and women of all races are more likely to lose their lives during childbirth here than in many other states.

In Trenton, 57.8% of women reported “adequate” prenatal care–care beginning by the end of the fourth month of pregnancy and receiving at least 80% of recommended prenatal visits in 2017. This falls far below rates for Mercer County (71.1%) and New Jersey (72.3%).

What is THT Doing About It?

THT is working to address gaps in the maternal, infant, and overall family health landscape. Our Maternal Health Stakeholders group meets regularly as a forum for sharing ideas and collaborating on projects. The group is open for anyone to join.

From 2021 to 2023, THT completed a pilot of the Family Connects universal home visitation program in Mercer County with a number of partners, which informed the statewide rollout in 2024.

The Safer Childbirth Cities project successfully wrapped up after five successful years of increasing doula services, improving access to wraparound supports for people seeking prenatal care, and utilizing data to alert providers of maternal morbidity risks.

THT also continues to work with the Burke Foundation and other partners to address gaps in Black participation in maternal health programs utilizing a community-based participatory approach.

Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center

In 2024, THT was chosen as one of the leading organizations behind the soon-to-be constructed Trenton-based Maternal and Infant Health Innovation center where we’ll be connecting families to services that directly impact social determinants of health.

Paid Leave Navigator Program

We understand paid leave is a benefit that intimidates some. That’s why our Community Care team, made up of Community Health Workers and trained nurses, steps in to offer one-on-one, culturally grounded, and flexible support. Our Paid Leave Navigator Pilot Program helps new and expecting parents in Mercer County understand and access state paid leave benefits.

This pilot, a collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL) and Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, will run through October 2026. If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact us.

Family Support

TNI area residents are eligible for Family Support services from THT’s Community Care team. Community Health Workers build trusted relationships with residents and provide targeted, one-on-one support to increase family health and stability.

Support can include, but is not limited to, addressing healthcare needs, securing health and other forms of insurance, utility and rental arrears, school supplies, internet access, transportation, and more. For more information, contact us.

Projects

Family Health

What is THT Doing About It?

Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center

Paid Leave Navigator Program

Family Support

Want to learn more about our work in Family Health? Click on the flyer below.

Related Projects

Medicaid Support

Substance Use

Food Security

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