Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing CDC Meeting

The Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing (CHEW), New Jersey’s Public Health Institute, leads the Health Opportunity Zones (HOZ) initiative—a community-driven, place-based strategy designed to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life across the state. Launching as a pilot in 2025 in three municipalities, HOZ uses data-informed, equity-focused analysis to identify communities with the greatest opportunity for health improvement. Through inclusive stakeholder convenings, asset mapping, and cross-sector collaboration, CHEW supports local partners in strengthening existing evidence-based programs and filling gaps in programs addressing social determinants of health, including housing, food access, education, transportation, and healthcare. CHEW secures and re-grants funding to local organizations while providing technical assistance, capacity building, and evaluation support to ensure sustainable, measurable impact.