UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO HOST #HEARHER EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS AROUND PREVENTABLE PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS AND DISPARITIES IN MATERNAL OUTCOMES

The Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, in partnership with University Hospital and the Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey, will host #HearHer Day on September 30th, 2022 at the Oral Health Plaza, 50 12th Avenue, Newark. The day-long program will provide a medical overview of maternal health disparities and call attention to the local #HearHer campaign, which seeks to raise awareness around potentially life-threatening pregnancy complications.

“No one is immune from complications of pregnancy, and these potentially dangerous effects can strike anyone, at any time. It is essential that women know what to look out for and when to seek help.” said Mary K.E. Maples, Interim President and CEO for University Hospital. “We are proud to provide high-quality, award-winning prenatal and postpartum care at University Hospital.  As a woman and a mother, I am honored to lend the expert voice of University Hospital to advocacy efforts like the CDC’s #HearHer campaign because it is a powerful reminder to all of us to deliver on our mission every day so that the partnership between our expectant mothers and their clinical teams are grounded in confidence and respect.”

The CDC estimates that as many as 50,000 women experience severe and unexpected problems resulting from pregnancy, many with lasting health consequences. The #HearHer campaign educates women and birthing people on what warning signs to watch out for and empowers them to raise these concerns with a healthcare professional. The campaign also encourages spouses, domestic partners, friends, and family members of pregnant and postpartum women to better listen to their loved ones and act on their behalf, if needed.

In the State of New Jersey, black women are seven times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. In addition to general information on pregnancy and post-partum care, University Hospital’s #HearHer event will also focus on what those in the hospital and healthcare industry can do to help close that gap. The event will feature six #HearHer ambassadors and virtual remarks from New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy.

“I became a #HearHer Ambassador because the campaign empowers expectant parents, their families, physicians, and the community with the urgent warning signs of pregnancy and postpartum complications that threaten the health and safety of mothers,” said Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake. “The program’s health information and advocacy tools help ensure healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and support for ongoing postpartum care.”

University Hospital has been consistently recognized for excellence and high-quality maternal care, including a 2021 recognition as a Best Maternity Hospital by Newsweek. University Hospital is also proud to have the lowest Cesarean section and episiotomy rates in New Jersey.

Learn more about #HearHer Newark at www.newarkmom.org. 

About #HearHer
CDC’s Hear Her campaign seeks to raise awareness of urgent maternal warning signs during and after pregnancy and improve communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Women know their own bodies better than anyone and can often tell when something does not feel right. The campaign seeks to encourage partners, friends, family, coworkers, and providers—anyone who supports pregnant and postpartum women—to really listen when she tells you something doesn’t feel right. Acting quickly could help save her life.

About The Greater Newark Health Care Coalition
The Greater Newark Health Care Coalition (GNHCC) is one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs—non-profit organizations dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and health outcomes, working in concert with consumers and stakeholders in the region. GNHCC works collaboratively to improve systems and community and individual conditions for optimal health and well-being. GNHCC is dedicated to protecting and advancing the health of mothers, infants, children and adolescents in the Greater Newark area. GNHCC’s programs target reproductive health, infant mortality, healthy eating, and environmental health. For more information, please visit https://www.greaternewarkhcc.org.

About The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
The Partnership is committed to improving the health of women, children, and families across northern New Jersey.  We provide resources that support families and improve the quality of maternal and infant care through collaboration with our member hospitals and birthing centers. Our education, support, community engagement, and advocacy initiatives reach thousands of community members and health care professionals each year.  For more information, visit www.pmch.org.