Social Health X Foundation Honors Mothers with a Targeted Approach to Maternal Health

Chatham, NJ - May 10, 2024 - On this Mother's Day, Social Health X Foundation (SHX) reaffirms its commitment to maternal health by announcing strategic pilot partnerships with NJ Women, Infant, and Children, or WIC programs to address alarming maternal mortality rates, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic women in New Jersey.

State health statistics have revealed a disturbing reality: Black women are seven times more likely, and Hispanic women are 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. Most of these deaths are preventable. They tend to occur among low-income minority women. Many are caused by pregnancy-related hypertension and heart complications. In response, SHX is teaming up with hard-working NJ WIC nutritionists and health educators to tackle these sobering statistics head-on.

"Our focus is clear: protecting the health and well-being of mothers and babies," says Joe Luzi, CEO, and Founder of SHX. "Through targeted interventions, such as our collaboration with the Children's Home Society of NJ Mercer County WIC program, we aim to prevent maternal complications stemming from hypertension and ensure safer pregnancies for all mothers and a healthier start for NJ babies."

In addition to CHSONJ Mercer WIC, which serves the Trenton region, SHX is working on other strategic partnerships with WIC programs in NJ regions experiencing higher maternal and infant mortality rates. Under these pilot programs, pregnant women who have been diagnosed with hypertension or have experienced preeclampsia during a previous birth are equipped with free SHX PressureCare Kits. The kits include a medical-grade automatic blood pressure cuff, a one-year blood pressure journal, and easy-to-understand information on managing hypertension during pregnancy. WIC nutritionists identify women at high risk of maternal complications and provide essential lifestyle modifications and dietary guidelines. Together, SHX, and WIC nutritionists empower mothers to proactively safeguard their health and the well-being of their unborn babies.

"We are proud to partner with SHX in this critical endeavor," remarks Joan Martin, Director of the CHSONJ Mercer County WIC program. "By combining the comprehensive support and resources of WIC with SHX's innovative approach, we can empower mothers with the tools they need to navigate pregnancy safely and mitigate the risks associated with hypertension."

SHX Founder and CEO Joe Luzi says, "Our foundation's partnerships with WIC Programs underscore a shared commitment to health equity and community well-being. By addressing the root causes of maternal mortality and leveraging targeted interventions, both organizations are dedicated to ensuring that every mother receives the care and support necessary for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience."

For more information about the program or enrollment opportunities, please contact SHX Foundation’s Joe Luzi at:  joe@socialhealthx.com.