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Procter & Gamble recalls 8.2 million laundry detergent packets. Here's what parents need to know; issues with the outer packaging can make it easier for children to access and ingest. READ MORE

Please view the document with important safety information regarding the upcoming solar eclipse.

NJDOH is urging individuals, especially parents, guardians, and caregivers, to be aware of the symptoms of these highly contagious viruses and to stay up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots. The MMR shot is the most effective way to avoid these illnesses. Children are recommended to receive two doses of MMR, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR shot. Individuals who have not received two MMR shots or are unaware of their history should reach out to their healthcare provider to check their immunity levels, especially if traveling. In addition to health care providers, MMR shots are available at many pharmacies, local health departments, and federally qualified health centers. NJDOH is urging individuals to be aware of the symptoms and, if they suspect illness, to call their healthcare provider first before arriving at the facility so that the provider can take precautions. For measles: Symptoms appear about one to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms start as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery or red eyes. The measles rash starts three to five days after the other symptoms. Measles can also cause neurologic or brain complications for people later in life. Mumps can start with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Later, it appears as a swelling of the salivary glands or puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Mumps can be dangerous. Swollen glands can include swelling of brain, testicles, ovaries, or breast tissue. This can cause complications such as brain inflammation (encephalitis), deafness, or infertility later in life. Symptoms for rubella are mild and are similar to measles. But rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant people and can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death for babies shortly after birth. For more information, visit nj.gov/health/vaccines/mmr.

Please read about how to protect you & your loved ones from the norovirus

Please see attached information in regards to the food recall: Trader Joe’s Recalls Certain Products Containing Cotija Cheese Because They May Be Contaminated With Listeria Monocytogenes FDA:  Trader Joe’s Recalls Certain Products Containing Cotija Cheese Because They May Be Contaminated With Listeria Monocytogenes This recall is in conjunction with the following:  Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese (February 2024) and FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products Containing FDA-Regulated Dairy Products That Have Been Recalled Due To Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination Original recall (did NOT include products sold in NJ) on 1/11/2024: Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. Recalls Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) Because of Possible Health Risk Trader Joe’s of Monrovia, CA is recalling certain products containing cotija cheese, as the cheese used to make these products has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women. The cotija cheese that was used to produce the products below was manufactured by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. On 2/5/2024, Rio- López Foods initiated a recall of dairy items, including cotija cheese, under multiple brand names. As a result, Trader Joe’s is recalling all codes of the products listed below that were manufactured with cotija cheese. The recalled products were sold in Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. Recalled products include all lots of the following products: Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde (SKU 58292) Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing (SKU 36420) Trader Joe’s Elote Chopped Salad Kit (SKU 74768) Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad (SKU 56077) No illnesses have been reported related to these products, to date. If you purchased any of these products, please discard them or return them to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 [Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time]. Risk Involved: Listeria Monocytogenes Sold/Distributed:  nationwide Further information:   CDC.gov

Friday, January 26, 2024 is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day 2024! The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. Learn more at www.irs.gov/eitc

Please see attached information in regards to the health alert/food recall: Haleon Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult Products Due to Microbial Contamination Please click on above picture for full information.

RENTON – First Lady Tammy Murphy today celebrated Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of S-4119/A-5739, which ensures every mother has the right to a doula in a hospital or birth center. On November 20, 2023, the First Lady held a roundtable discussion at University Hospital in Newark to discuss maternal and infant health progress in New Jersey and announce the introduction of the bill in the Assembly. The bill unanimously passed both houses on January 8, 2024 before reaching the Governor’s desk.Under the bill, hospitals and birthing centers must develop and maintain policies that allow doulas to accompany patients before, during, and after labor and childbirth. These facilities will also be required to publicly post their policies and designate a contact to maintain communications between their staff, the doula community, and patients.“Evidence shows that doulas help reduce birth complications, lower rates of C-sections, improve mental health, and provide overall essential support and advocacy during the birthing process, making them an indispensable part of a mother’s health care team,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Today’s bill, which ensures doulas are afforded the respect they deserve as a critical care team member with access to birthing hospitals and centers, prioritizes the health of New Jersey’s mothers and is another significant step toward our goal of becoming the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. I am incredibly grateful to our many partners who have supported the work of Nurture NJ over the years – none of our accomplishments, including today’s bill signing, would be possible without their collaboration.”"Doulas play an essential role in a birthing person's care team, providing support that has been demonstrated to reduce maternal mortality disparities," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. "Through the Doula Learning Collaborative, we are working to train and increase the workforce of community doulas and community health workers to support families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I am excited that birthing people will have increasing access to doulas in hospital settings as a result of this legislation."In the six years since Governor Murphy took office, several steps have been taken to promote doula services and program. Today’s bill signing addresses two key recommendations within the First Lady’s Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan: Develop a communications plan to promote the benefits of midwifery and community doula models of care; and New Jersey hospitals should institute systemic changes to accommodate doulas and safe birth practices. Since 2018 through First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative, Governor Murphy and legislative partners have taken several steps and included millions of dollars of funding towards doula services and programs. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget included $1 million to implement doula coverage through NJ FamilyCare, which is New Jersey’s Medicaid program. Medicaid officially began to cover doula care in 2021, making New Jersey the third state in the nation to expand this coverage and the first state to require doulas to be community doula trained – ensuring culturally competent care – to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement.Additionally, the Governor included $15 million in his Fiscal Year 2023 budget to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for perinatal, midwifery, and community doula care. This increase provided community doulas a maximum $1,165 reimbursement for labor support and eight additional perinatal visits, up from $900. The Fiscal Year 2024 budget also included funding to continue the training of community doulas throughout New Jersey. Since 2018, this continued effort of Nurture NJ and the NJ Department of Health has resulted in the training of over 250 new doulas in the heart of communities most impacted by high maternal mortality. The primary sponsors of this bill are Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight. Other prime sponsors of the bill include Senator Nellie Pou as well as Assemblymembers Shavonda Sumter, Annette Quijano, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson Senators. Co-sponsors of the bill include Senator Renee Burgess, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and former Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera. Former Assemblywoman Mila Jasey was also a supporter of the bill before her retirement in December 2023.“We should know what our rights are, and all of the services that are available before, during, and after giving birth,” said Senate Majority Leader Ruiz. “Having access to a trained professional who is completely focused on the well-being of the mother is critical. The Administration and Legislature have been keenly focused on improving the maternal health outcomes of all women, and we must continue to make investments in our hospitals and the organizations that have proven to elevate those efforts.”“Supporting doulas is part of supporting women and combatting maternal and infant mortality,” said Senator Pou. “Doulas can help a mother follow their birth plan and avoid unnecessary, potentially dangerous interventions, such as C-Sections for low-risk pregnancies.”“In communities, particularly those of color, where challenging birthing experiences persist, this bill is a beacon of hope. It ensures that every parent, irrespective of background, has access to the resources necessary for a safe and empowering birthing journey,” said Assemblywoman Shanique Speight. “Doulas, as tireless advocates, play a vital role in amplifying the voices of mothers in need, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate maternal care system.""In the state of New Jersey, Black mothers are 6.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. This initiative is ultimately a crucial lifeline,” Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. “This bill is a step in the right direction to help eradicate racial disparities in childbirth. By championing this bill, we are taking a decisive step toward transforming New Jersey into a state where every mother, regardless of race or background, receives the adequate care and support she deserves. This initiative is a testament to our state’s commitment to health equity and our dedication to the well-being of every family in our state.""The disparities in maternal and infant health are not just statistics, they represent real challenges faced by my constituents every day. The signing of this bill, ensuring that all mothers have access to doula support, is a critical step towards addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable, compassionate care for every mother and child in New Jersey. Drawing from the values instilled by my great grandmother, who served as a midwife in Puerto Rico, I am committed to championing policies that uplift and support the health and well-being of all women, especially those from historically underserved communities. Together, with initiatives like the First Lady’s Nurture NJ program, we will improve the lives of our communities of color, particularly Black and Latino mother and babies, across our state," said Majority Conference Leader Annette Quijano.“Empowering pregnant individuals with the support of a doula not only enhances their physical and emotional well-being but also nurtures a sense of confidence, ensuring a journey through childbirth marked by compassion, understanding, and strength,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “Supporting mothers of color is not just an act of compassion; it's a commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering equity, and ensuring every mother receives the respect, care, and opportunities she deserves for a brighter future for all.”“NurtureNJ, under the leadership of First Lady Tammy Murphy, is one of the most comprehensive undertakings dedicated to improving black infant and maternal health outcomes in New Jersey history. As a former public health nurse and long-time lactation consultant, I know that the bill signed today, a collaboration with legislators, stakeholders and advocates, will continue the endeavor to achieve substantial and necessary short and long-term outcomes. I am privileged to have contributed to this extraordinary effort,” said Former Assemblywoman Mila Jasey."The signing of S4119/A5739 will guide the normalcy of a Doula as part of the birth team in NJ's hospitals. It has been challenging navigating different hospitals, to support clients, when some hospitals were "making-up" the policies depending on who was on staff when I arrived. Having a person to communicate with or policy availability on a website will help clients/patients and doulas. I feel this will also help facilitate communication with Healthcare Providers/staff and Doulas,” said Tonique Griffin, Doula, Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey.“This new legislation strengthens and enhances access for doula care in all 21 counties in NJ so women and families can be assured their doula can be part of their birth experience,” said Jill Wodnick, Doula, Childbirth Educator and Maternal Health Policy Expert at Montclair State University. "Governor Murphy's signing of Senate Bill 4119 reaffirms the significance of doulas as trained professionals who play an important role in the medical team. It is crucial to have written policies and procedures that support a patient's choice to engage with a doula throughout the state, to strengthen our system of care and improve birth outcomes for all women. Most importantly, it empowers women to take an active role in the way they want to experience one of the most significant events in their lives - becoming a mom. As an organization working closely with doulas and birthing persons, we are grateful for the opportunity to have our Safer Childbirth Cities Coordinator, Uzo Achebe, and Sarah Stecker, our External Relations Manager, recently testified to educate about their experiences in the doula space, as advocates for the BIPOC communities they serve. We are proud of the progress we have made in the state of NJ in recent years, and we look forward to educating our doulas as well as our clients about this new law," said Maritza I. Raimundi-Petroski, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Prevention Programs, and Community Engagement, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey.

UPDATED with new products (click picture above) - The Quaker Oats Company announced the recall of specific granola bars and granola cereals listed below because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. The products listed when link above is clicked (picture) are sold throughout the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. Consumers should check their pantries for any of the products listed below and dispose of them. Additionally, consumers with any product noted below can contact Quaker Consumer Relations (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Mon.-Fri.) at 1-800-492-9322 or visit www.quakergranolarecall.comExternal Link Disclaimer for additional information or product reimbursement. To date, Quaker has received no confirmed reports of illness related to the products covered by this recall. Quaker has informed the FDA of our actions.

On Giving Tuesday, consider donating to Community Child Care Solutions. We provide the highest quality services to children, their families, and child care professionals. Click here to donate to our organization.