To combat infant and maternal mortalities among women of color, the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative’s (SNJPC) Camden Healthy Start program will receive a $1,070,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to a recent announcement from U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross.

Chart depicts infant deaths per 1,000 births: gathered from Camden Healthy Start (data source: NJ State Health Assessment)

Camden’s infant mortality rate is double the state and national averages. The Camden Healthy Start program has been providing support to new and expectant mothers in Camden for 18 years, working closely with  primary care providers, hospitals and other community organizations to offer family counseling, home visits, health screenings and supplies.