Governor Mikie Sherrill today announced new funding in her proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget aimed at expanding New Jersey’s universal newborn home nurse visitation program, with plans to make the service available statewide by January 2027.

The funding would support the growth of Family Connects NJ, a program that offers free in-home visits from specially trained registered nurses to families with newborns. During visits, nurses conduct health screenings, provide guidance, connect families with community resources, and help ensure a safe and healthy transition home.

Since launching, the program has served more than 10,000 families across participating counties. It is currently available throughout South Jersey and in most parts of Central and North Jersey, including counties such as Monmouth and Ocean.

Under the proposed budget, nearly $49 million would be allocated to expand the program into the remaining counties—Union, Hunterdon, Morris, and Warren—completing a statewide rollout. If implemented, New Jersey would become the first state in the nation to offer universal, free nurse home visits to all families with newborns.

The announcement was made during a visit to CAMcare Health, where the governor also recognized Black Maternal Health Week and highlighted ongoing disparities in maternal health outcomes.

According to state data, pregnancy-related mortality rates remain significantly higher for Black and Hispanic women compared to white women. Officials say programs like Family Connects NJ are designed to help close these gaps by providing early intervention and support.

“For too long, Black women have disproportionately struggled to access critical maternal health care, resulting in dangerous disparities within our State’s public health ecosystem and contributing to shocking maternal mortality rates. This is unacceptable and New Jersey mothers deserve better – but thankfully, New Jersey is on the right path forward,” said Governor Sherrill. “My budget invests in New Jersey families, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. By expanding our free nurse home visitation program – Family Connects NJ – and continuing investments to support our work to combat maternal mortality, we are building a better future for our residents.”

State officials say early results from the program show measurable impact. In about 18 percent of visits, nurses identified serious postpartum health concerns requiring immediate attention, helping connect families to care sooner.

In addition to expanding home visitation services, the proposed FY27 budget includes continued funding for maternal and infant health initiatives, including extended postpartum Medicaid coverage for up to 365 days, workforce development, and data-driven health programs.

If approved, the expansion would mark a significant milestone in New Jersey’s efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes statewide