University Hospital and UH Foundation Driving Change

University Hospital (UH) and the University Hospital Foundation share a commitment to improving health outcomes for the communities of Newark and surrounding areas. As a Level 1 Trauma Center and New Jersey’s only public safety-net hospital, UH serves as an anchor institution focused on expanding access to care, protecting patient safety, and developing programs that respond to urgent community health needs. Supporting this mission is the University Hospital Foundation, UH’s fundraising arm, which secures philanthropic support to strengthen patient care, advance key initiatives, and expand the hospital’s impact across the region.

One of the most pressing health challenges in the area is maternal health. Newark’s maternal mortality rate is more than twice the New Jersey state average, and many families face barriers to good health, including limited access to care before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as challenges related to housing, income, and transportation. These realities highlight the need for high-quality, continuous maternal care. In 2023, more than half of the pregnancies treated at UH were considered high risk, and roughly one in five patients relied on charity care.

UH provides comprehensive maternal health services tailored to the families it serves. As a nationally designated “Baby-Friendly Hospital,” UH supports infant nutrition providing lactation guidance and electric breast pumps for mothers in need returning to work. UH also advances maternal health through the Centering Pregnancy Program, which offers group prenatal care, peer support, and stronger provider connections. In addition, UH’s Risk Reduction Program supports pregnant women facing substance use and mental health challenges to reduce preterm births and improve outcomes for mothers and infants.

Leading many of these efforts to improve access, expand safety, and promote equity in maternal care at UH is Lisa Gittens-Williams, MD. She supports both national and local initiatives, including the CDC’s Hear Her campaign and Maternal Health Awareness Day, which focus on recognizing warning signs and addressing barriers that contribute to the fact that 53% of maternal deaths occur after childbirth.

“Improving maternal health in Newark means looking beyond the delivery room. It requires understanding the challenges many families face and building programs that respond to those realities,” said Dr. Gittens-Williams. “Through partnerships with the UH Foundation, we can expand services that help mothers and babies thrive.”

Working with the University Hospital Foundation, Dr. Gittens-Williams has helped secure more than $3 million in grant funding over the last three years. These funds have expanded services, reduced barriers to care, and shortened appointment wait times so families can receive essential care sooner.

This April, the UH Foundation will host its annual Toast & Tribute event honoring community leaders who are transforming local healthcare. Dr. Gittens-Williams will be recognized for her leadership in expanding maternal health services and improving access to care.

Funds raised will directly support both new initiatives and ongoing maternal health programs at UH. Supporters can register to attend or donate by visiting https://uhnjfoundation.org/. Together, we can advance maternal health and build a healthier future for all.