New Jersey

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S. and one of the country’s most diverse. Of New Jersey’s more than 9 million residents, nearly a quarter are foreign born, and 45 percent identify as people of color. While this diversity enriches our state, there are significant disparities in health and health care access that negatively affect many people and communities. Factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic status play a role in creating and perpetuating health inequities.

The economic disparities in New Jersey are pronounced. There are more millionaires per capita here than any other state in the country, but there is also significant urban poverty. For example, in Rutgers’ home cities of New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, as well as in Trenton, New Jersey’s capital, roughly a third of residents live below the poverty line. There also are many rural, non-urbanized communities in the state, and a variety of social and environmental factors influence health and health care access in these regions.

Global Health Includes Local Health

Global health is about responding to inequities in health, wherever they may occur. At Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, we are committed to advancing research, innovation, learning, and service to improve lives. If it concerns New Jersey, it concerns Rutgers.

Rutgers Global Health Institute’s mission is to improve the health of the most vulnerable populations and develop solutions to critical health problems worldwide. In New Jersey, we are actively confronting the serious disparities in access to health care and in the conditions that make good health possible. Our institute’s network of global health scholars and practitioners – our principal faculty, core faculty members, professional members, institute staff, seed grant recipients, and community partners – are involved in global health and health equity projects throughout the state.

Examples of New Jersey-based global health activities include:

Promoting health equity everywhere

For the benefit of New Jersey, our home state, we are proud to serve as a convener and catalyst for global health activity that results in local impact. Explore Rutgers Global Health Institute’s website to learn more about Rutgers’ health equity efforts in New Jersey, as well as around the world. Questions? Email communications@globalhealth.rutgers.edu.