Statewide gathering strengthens collaboration, elevates community voice, and advances maternal and infant health across New Jersey

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (July 10, 2026) — The New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) convened doulas, birth workers, community leaders, and maternal health advocates from across the state on July 9 for The Village Moves Forward, a statewide Doula Town Hall focused on strengthening collaboration, advancing birth equity, and supporting healthier outcomes for New Jersey families.

Held in New Brunswick, the town hall created a space for participants to connect, share experiences, identify challenges and opportunities, and help shape solutions that strengthen community-based maternal health support systems. More than 100 attendees participated in networking, facilitated discussions, and resource-sharing focused on expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

“Doulas are trusted partners in improving maternal and infant health outcomes and advancing more equitable care for families across New Jersey,” said Lisa Asare, NJMIHIA President and CEO. “The Village Moves Forward reflects our commitment to listening to the birth workers who support families every day. Their lived experiences, expertise, and leadership help inform stronger policies, programs, and partnership that improve maternal and infant health outcomes statewide.”

The event is part of NJMIHIA’s quarterly Doula Town Hall series, hosted in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS). The series supports NJMIHIA’s broader efforts to strengthen the perinatal workforce, foster community-rooted innovation, and ensure that the voices of doulas and birth workers help shape maternal and infant health initiatives across the state. Since the series launched in January, more than 220 perinatal workers have participated in the town halls, reflecting growing interest in collaboration, shared learning, and community engagement.

Participants explored topics including workforce development, sustainability of doula services, access to care, cross-sector collaboration, community partnerships, and strategies to advance birth equity throughout New Jersey.

“Doulas deliver essential insights and expertise that New Jersey needs to continue improving maternal and infant health outcomes,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, NJDOH Commissioner. “They build trust, expand access to care, and provide critical support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Town halls like this one ensure their perspectives keep shaping our work.”

The town hall also reinforced the importance of collaboration among state agencies, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and birth workers to ensure families have access to coordinated, culturally-responsive care and support.

“Every family deserves access to the support and resources needed for a healthy start,” said Dr. Stephen Cha, NJDHS Commissioner. “Doulas play an essential role in connecting families to care, navigating services, and advocating for their needs during one of life's most important transitions. By supporting and investing in this workforce, we strengthen the continuum of care and help improve outcomes for mothers, babies, and families across New Jersey.”

Feedback gathered during the town hall will help inform future NJMIHIA initiatives and strengthen statewide efforts to improve maternal and infant health through community-driven innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

The next town hall will be on October 8 at 12PM.

About NJMIHIA

The New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) is the nation’s first state authority dedicated exclusively to maternal and infant health. NJMIHIA connects partners across healthcare, community, policy, workforce, and innovation to improve outcomes, address disparities, strengthen the perinatal workforce, advance best practices, and expand equitable access to care to create a world where all mothers and babies flourish. Learn more at nj.gov/njmihia/.