In July 2022, the Burke Foundation and the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) partnered to launch the New Jersey Centering Alliance to support the expansion of Centering, an innovative group-based approach to delivering prenatal and pediatric healthcare, to 50 new sites by 2026.

This work is guided by an advisory group of 22 leaders– including family advocates, nonprofit leaders, state officials, community doulas, clinicians, and public health professionals – who provide strategic advice, ideas, and support.

NJAAP oversees the New Jersey Centering Alliance with thought partnership from Centering Healthcare Institute. As part of efforts to scale the model and nurture newly-established sites, the Alliance will:

  • Collaborate with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to explore sustainable financing strategies for Centering’s long-term success
  • Amplify Centering’s value and benefits at existing sites to strengthen buy-in among patients, staff, and leadership
  • Raise awareness of Centering’s models of group healthcare and their value to deepen interest among communities and health systems
  • Create a community of practice where New Jersey Centering sites can share learnings and network

Support for this work has been generously provided by the Burke Foundation.

Though it is among the wealthiest states, New Jersey has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate in the US and among the worst pregnancy, birth, and infant health outcomes in the country. The situation is especially dire among communities of color.
Centering is one way to change that. Among the most effective interventions to improve maternal and child health and reduce health disparities, Centering is associated with such outcomes as fewer preterm births and low birthweight babies plus higher rates of breastfeeding, child immunizations, and well-visit attendance.

Meet The Advisory Group

Noelle Abbott

Cherriece Battle

Carl Boyd

Damali Campbell,
MD

Lisa D’Amico, RNC, MSN, APN-C

Diane Dellanno, LCSW

Erika Dickerson, MSW, LSW

Robyn D’Oria, MA, RNC, APN

Natasha Dravid, MBA

Arielle (Cheifetz) Elias, CNM, NP

Tonique Griffin

Roger Kierce, MD

Marie Kinsella, MS, MCHES

Monica Lallo, EdD, MPM, MPA

Keri Logosso-Misurell, JD

Wendy Morriarty, RN, MPH

Shilpa Pai, MD, FAAP

Taru Sinha, MD, FAAP

Suzanne Spernal, APN-BC, MSN, RNC-OB, CBC

Deepa Srinivasavaradan

Pamela Tew, LSW

Ediza Lahoz Valentino, MSW, LSW

Jaye Wilson, LPN

For more information, please contact Program Director, Brittany Johnson.