Author Archive
Delivering on the Promise to Improve Maternal Health
Five years ago, the Quality Institute, in partnership with many of our members, increased our focus on Maternal Infant Health. We were driven by our concern over New Jersey’s high rate of Caesarean section deliveries, high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality, and the disparities based on race. Since then, much has changed, and I…Read More…
Take Five Interview with Nicole McGrath-Barnes
Nicole McGrath-Barnes, DDS, FACD, is Founder and CEO of the KinderSmile Foundation, a member of the Quality Institute’s Consumer Council. Dr. McGrath-Barnes serves on the Advisory Council of the Quality Institute’s Medicaid Policy Center. You were a dentist in private practice and the Program Dentist for Montclair Child Development Center, a Head Start program,…Read More…
It’s Time to Elevate Oral Health in New Jersey and Nationally
Oral health is a window into overall health. Poor oral health is associated with higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary infections. Oral health also is linked to pregnancy complications such as low-birth weight and premature birth. Moreover, studies have shown that regular dental treatments for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes lowers…Read More…
Take Five Interview with Judy Aschner, M.D.
Judy Aschner, M.D., is Physician-in-Chief at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, which is made up of two hospitals — the Joseph M Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center and the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Hospital. HealthySteps is a member of the Quality Institute’s Provider Council. Tell us about the HealthySteps program. HealthySteps is an…Read More…
Must-Read Report Finds Racial Disparities in Patient Safety and Outlines Strategies to Address
A new research report conducted by the Urban Institute and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has found that Black adult patients experience significantly higher rates of hospital acquired infections and injuries than white adult patients of the same age group, gender, with similar insurance coverage — within the same hospital. The report is an…Read More…
Take Five Interview with Rachel Baum
Rachel Baum is President and CEO of the New Jersey Family Planning League, a member of the Quality Institute’s Association Council. As the new CEO of the New Jersey Family Planning League, can you tell us about the organization? The New Jersey Family Planning League has been around for over 45 years. We work…Read More…
The Post-Pandemic Budget We Need Right Now
Budgets, like tax codes, are not just fiscal documents with numbers. A budget reflects who has power, whose voice is heard, what needs are met. After the traumatic year we’ve been through, it’s good to see that we have money to spend to begin healing our State. When it comes to health care spending, it…Read More…
Take Five Interview with John Pepen, MPP, MD
John Pepen, MPP, MD, is a surgeon at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center and a Senior Fellow of the Quality Institute. Dr. Pepen brings his clinical expertise and direct patient experience to support the Mayors Wellness Campaign and the development of programs that address social drivers of health. As a general surgeon focused…Read More…