First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted the 21st Nurture NJ Family Festival in Vineland, providing resources to 1,500 attendees. The event offered information on health, child care, housing support, and food assistance to help new parents.
“Our Family Festivals have proven to be a powerful tool in connecting New Jerseyans with the resources necessary to help support their growing families,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We know that raising children comes with a whole host of challenges and rewards, and we are committed to being there every step of the way through our innovative initiatives to uplift mothers and babies."
Vineland has a significant Hispanic and Latino population. Data shows Hispanic mothers face higher maternity-related complications compared to white mothers. Cumberland County has the highest infant mortality rate in New Jersey.
Launched by First Lady Tammy Murphy in 2019, Nurture NJ aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality in New Jersey. Since its inception, over 60 pieces of related legislation have been signed by Governor Murphy. The initiative includes the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA) overseeing programs like the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center.
Under First Lady Murphy’s leadership, Nurture NJ has achieved several policy milestones such as expanding Medicaid coverage postpartum and launching a universal nurse home visiting program.
The festival was organized with partners including Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci, Vineland Public Schools, CompleteCare Health Network, Community Foundation of South Jersey, Gateway Community Action Partnership, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Inspira Health, The Cooperative, and The Burke Foundation.
"It was truly a privilege to host the First Lady Tammy Murphy's Family Festival right here in Cumberland County," said Senator Michael Testa.
"The First Lady's Nurture NJ initiative is a beacon of hope for maternal and infant health," said Assemblyman Antwan McClellan.
“The Nurture NJ initiative exemplifies the power of strategic cooperation between local hospital networks and social services agencies," said Assemblyman Erik Simonsen.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to First Lady Tammy Murphy,” said Mayor Anthony Fanucci.
"We are thrilled to be part of the Vineland Family Festival," said Mr. Alfonso Q. Llano from Vineland Public Schools.
“Gateway was pleased to be part of an event designed to improve quality of life,” said Bonnie Eggenburg from Gateway Community Action Partnership.
“It has been an honor to host the First Lady here in Vineland,” said Meghan Spinelli from CompleteCare Health Network.
“The Burke Foundation is proud to support the First Lady’s Nurture NJ Family Festivals,” said Atiya Weiss from The Burke Foundation.
"A thriving South Jersey isn't possible if it isn't a safe place," said Andy Fraizer from Community Foundation of South Jersey.
“We are heartened and humbled to join First Lady Tammy Murphy at her Vineland Family Festival,” said Helen Hannigan from The Cooperative and Family Health Initiatives.
“Inspira Health is committed to creating greater access," said Amy Mansue from Inspira Health.
“Improving maternal and infant health is central,” said Wendy Morriarty from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ.
