>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD; RJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER; AND OR STEAD, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

♪ THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS .

>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I AM MICHAEL HILL.

AS ONE JERSEY-BASED DRUG MAKER MERCK SHUTS DOWN DEVELOPMENT OF TWO COVID-19 VACCINES, DUE TO POOR TRIAL RESULTS, ANOTHER HOMEGROWN VACCINE MAKER JOHNSON AND JOHNSON JUST MIGHT BE MERE WEEKS AWAY FROM FDA EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION.

IT CANNOT HAPPEN SOON ENOUGH AS NEW JERSEY REPORTS NEARLY 3700 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES.

THEY ARE REACHING A TOTAL OF ALMOST 600,000.

THE STATE REPORTS 21 NEW COVID- 19 DEATHS, RAISING THE TOTAL TO MORE THAN 21,000.

HOSPITALIZATIONS TONIGHT STAND AT 3250 FOR.

THE STATE DASHBOARD SHOWS MORE THAN 565,000 VACCINES HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

THAT IS AN INCREASE OF 65,000 OVER FRIDAY.

THE DEMAND SURPASSES THOSE NUMBERS.

THE STATE LEARNED THAT TODAY WHEN IT LAUNCHED A NEW VACCINE HOTLINE.

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS CALLED TRYING TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR VACCINES.

IT IS A LINE INTENDED TO HELP RESIDENCE.

THIS IS ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS WHO STRUGGLE WITH GOING ONLINE TO NAVIGATE THE STATE'S COVID- 19 VACCINATION SYSTEM.

AS THE MOST VULNERABLE STRUGGLE TO GET LIMITED APPOINTMENTS, ONE STRATEGY IS TO BRING THE VACCINE TO THEM.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT REPORTS.

>> THEY CAME ON FRIDAY.

THEY SCHEDULED US FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

MY APPOINTMENT IS THIS MORNING.

>> Reporter: CHERYL SMITH GOT HER FIRST DOSE AT A COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC AT AN ELDERLY APARTMENT CLINIC DAY ROOM.

NEWARK'S HOUSING AUTHORITIES COORDINATED THIS FOR THE TENANTS.

THEY ARE BRINGING COVID-19 VACCINATIONS TO SENIORS AND COMPROMISED FOLKS WITH 200 SIGNED UP.

CHERYL HESITATED INITIALLY.

>> FIRST IT WAS A LOT OF FEAR.

BUT THEN WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT ALL OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT GETTING IT, AND SEEING HOW IT AFFECTED THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE, AROUND ME, I THINK THAT I WOULD TAKE A CHANCE ON GETTING THE VACCINE.

>> VACCINES IN GENERAL, IN MINORITY COMMUNITIES, THERE IS A TOUGH HISTORY.

WE HAVE TO DO A GOOD JOB OF EDUCATING OUR RESIDENTS, DISPELLING ANY MISCONCEPTIONS.

>> Reporter: NEWARK HAS LIMITED DOSES OF THE MODERNA VACCINE AVAILABLE.

THEY COULD BE VACCINATING UP TO 25 HOUSING AUTHORITY RESIDENTS, VACCINE SUPPLIES ARE NOT RELIABLE.

IT IS TOUGH.

>> THE DEMAND WILL INCREASE AS WE START PROVIDING MORE ACCESS.

>> Reporter: THOUSANDS OF UNION COUNTY RESIDENTS HIT A WALL WHEN 1200 APPOINTMENTS GOT SNAPPED UP IN A FLASH YESTERDAY.

>> YOU HAVE TO RELOAD, RELOAD, REFRESH.

I THINK I PROBABLY HIT THE REFRESH BUTTON ABOUT 8 MILLION TIMES [ LAUGHTER ] I FELT LIKE IT WAS LIKE CIRCA 1989 AND I WAS ON TICKETMASTER TRYING TO GET SPRINGSTEEN TICKETS, THAT IS WHAT IT FELT LIKE.

>> Reporter: STACY SAID SHE HAD FOUR DEVICES OPEN TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT FOR HER 81-YEAR- OLD MOTHER-IN-LAW.

SHE HAS BEEN ON MULTIPLE WAIT LISTS.

SHE CHECKS EVERY DAY BUT MANY INELIGIBLE PEOPLE JUMPED THE LINE.

>> IT WAS LIMITED AS TO WHO GOT THE APPOINTMENTS.

I THINK THERE WAS A SERIES OF INSURANCE QUESTIONS.

I GOT TRIPPED UP.

IT IS UNFAIR.

THERE IS NO BETTING SYSTEM.

THERE IS NO WAY TO CHECK.

>> Reporter: PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT PROBLEMS GETTING VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS, TRANSPORTATION, AND INTERNET ISSUES DO NOT HELP.

TODAY A NEW STATEWIDE CALL- CENTER WET LIFE TO HELP CONNECT PEOPLE TO APPOINTMENTS.

>> THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE NEW JERSEY COVID-19 VACCINE CALL-CENTER.

IN THE NEAR FUTURE, OUR AGENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU WITH REGISTERING AND SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT AT ANY OF THE MEGA SITES.

>> Reporter: WE DIALED SEVERAL TIMES BUT KEPT GETTING VOICEMAIL REFERRALS TO WEBSITES.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS 250 AGENTS HANDLED 17,000 CALLS WITHIN THE HOTLINE'S FIRST HOUR OF OPERATION AND REGISTERED 500 CALLERS.

THE HOTLINE 855-568-0545 OPERATES FROM 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 8:00 P.M. >> BECAUSE OF THE SCARCITY OF SUPPLY, WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE LIMITED APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE.

WE ASK ALL CALLERS FOR PATIENTS.

WE EXPECTED A LOT OF PEOPLE CALLING.

THEY DID.

>> I AM STARTING TO HAVE MY DOUBTS FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO REACH HERD IMMUNITY BY JUNE.

THIS IS GIVEN THE LACK OF VACCINE IN OUR COUNTRY.

CERTAINLY, I UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION THAT PEOPLE ARE FEELING.

>> Reporter: JERSEY IS ADMINISTERING 25,000 DOSES A DAY.

ONE HOSPITAL SYSTEM HAS ALREADY CANCELED FIRST DOSE APPOINTMENTS GOING FORWARD NOTING THAT IT CURRENTLY FINDS ITSELF WITH MORE APPOINTMENTS THAN VACCINES.

IT IS NECESSARY FOR US TO RESCHEDULE FIRST DOSE APPOINTMENTS AND FULFILL OUR EXISTING APPOINTMENTS FOR SECOND DOSES.

SCARCE VACCINES CREATING A BOTTLENECK THAT FRUSTRATES PEOPLE AT RISK LIKE JACK, A DRIVING TEACHER WHO IS IN A CAR WITH STUDENTS.

>> IT IS CONCERNING.

I FEEL LIKE BEING VACCINATED WOULD KEEP ME SAFE, KEEP MY LOVED ONES SAFE.

>> Reporter: HE HAS HAD NO LUCK GETTING AN APPOINTMENT.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> AS BRENDA REPORTED, THE COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT IN NEW JERSEY HAS FALLEN FAR SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS.

AMONG THE BIGGEST SHORTCOMINGS, VACCINATING SENIORS ARE AMONG THE MOST AT RISK OF CONTRACTING THE VIRUS AND SUCCUMBING TO IT.

OUR HEALTH WRITER HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO THIS AND JOINS US NOW.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHY IS THE VACCINE ROLLOUT FOR THE STATE'S ELDERLY POPULATION NOT GOING AS PLANNED?

>> Reporter: WELL, IT IS INTERESTING.

IF YOU TALK TO CVS AND WALGREENS, THEY WILL INSIST IT IS GOING EXACTLY WELL.

THAT IS BECAUSE APPARENTLY, THE CONTRACT THEY SIGNED AND AS MURPHY LOVES TO POINT OUT, THIS IS A PARTNERSHIP.

UNDER THE AGREEMENTS, I AM SORRY, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, GOD I AM DATING MYSELF; UNDER THOSE AGREEMENTS, IT CALLED FOR THEM TO BE DONE WITH THE FIRST PHASE WHICH WAS NURSING HOMES BY TODAY.

IT DID NOT REALLY, THE TIMELINE IS A LITTLE LESS CLEAR FOR ALL OF THE OTHER FACILITIES.

THEY ARE ALSO VACCINATING PEOPLE AT HUD, YOU KNOW, FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY.

OTHER SENIOR BUILDINGS, YOU KNOW, THERE ARE ASSISTED-LIVING FACILITIES.

THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT GROUPS THAT ARE MOVING THROUGH.

NOT ARE ALL ON SCHEDULE.

IT IS NOT HAPPENING AS QUICKLY AS PEOPLE WOULD LIKE.

THIS IS EVEN THOUGH IT IS WHAT THE SCHEDULE CALLS FOR, TECHNICALLY.

>> IS MURPHY'S ADMINISTRATION OF SALT OF ANY OF THE BLAME FOR THE ROLLOUT OR DOES HIS ADMINISTRATION BEAR ANY RESPONSIBILITY?

>> Reporter: WELL, HE HAS DONE A REALLY, I MEAN, THEY REALLY MADE AN EFFORT TO POINT OUT THAT THIS IS FEDERAL.

RIGHT?

THEY KEPT SAYING FEDERAL, FEDERAL, FEDERAL, NOT US.

THE MESSAGE WAS CLEARLY WE DO NOT HAVE POWER OVER THIS.

BUT THEN, HE HAS ALSO MADE A POINT OF YOU KNOW, CALLING OUT PARTICULARLY WALGREENS, CVS, THE OTHER CONTRACTOR BUT WALGREENS IS THE ONE THEY HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY FRUSTRATED WITH.

THEY CALLED THEM OUT.

>> WHAT IS THE FIX FOR GETTING THE ROLLOUT TO MEET EXPECTATIONS TO VACCINATE MORE OF NEW JERSEY'S SENIORS?

>> Reporter: YES, I WISH I KNEW.

I THINK THE NUMBERS ARE REALLY FAST.

I THINK WE ARE FORGETTING THAT YOU KNOW, NURSING HOMES FOR EXAMPLE THERE ARE AT LEAST 150,000 PEOPLE IN THE NURSING HOME GROUP ALONE.

THAT IS THE STAFF AND THE RESIDENCE.

IT IS PROBABLY DOUBLE THAT IN THIS PROGRAM ALTOGETHER.

TODAY, HE MENTIONED YOU KNOW, WALMART WILL BE DOING A SEPARATE PROGRAM FOR FOLKS IN GROUP HOMES.

THAT IS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.

I MEAN, I INC., YOU KNOW, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE ANSWER IS.

I HOPE SMARTER PEOPLE THAN I DO ARE GIVING THAT ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT.

I GET THE SENSE THAT WE JUST NEED TO SCALE UP.

EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE MUCH LARGER.

I THINK THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION WOULD SAY EVEN IF WE DID THAT, WE STILL WOULD NOT HAVE THE VACCINES THAT WE NEED.

THAT IS A REAL CONCERN.

I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE ANSWER IS.

IT DEFINITELY INVOLVES MORE SHOTS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> READ MORE REPORTING ON THE SLOW PACE OF THE VACCINE ROLLOUT AT WWW.NJTVONLINE.ORG.

>>> AN INMATE AT FORT DIX FEDERAL PRISON HAS DIED FROM THE CORONAVIRUS.

IT IS THE FIRST COVID-19 DEATH AT THE LOW SECURITY PRISON WHERE MORE THAN HALF THE INMATES HAVE TESTED POSITIVE SINCE MARCH.

THE BUREAU OF PRISONS HAS IDENTIFIED HIM AS A 58-YEAR-OLD MAN NAMED MYRON CROSBY.

THE ACLU SAYS THE BOP DENIED HIM COMPASSION.

HE TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS IN LATE DECEMBER.

HE WAS ADMITTED TO A HOSPITAL IN JANUARY WITH BREATHING DIFFICULTIES.

HE DIED LAST FRIDAY.

FORT DIX LOGGED NEARLY 800 ACTIVE POSITIVE CASE IS EARLY THIS MONTH.

THE BUREAU OF PRISONS SAYS RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE JUST 73 POSITIVE INMATES AND 30 ONE POSITIVE STAFF.

ACTIVISTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE CHALLENGED THOSE NUMBERS.

>>> THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS SET TO DELIVER AN ARTICLE OF IMPEACHMENT FOR A SECOND TIME AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP.

THIS TIME, THE ACCUSED HIM OF INCITING A MOB OF HIS SUPPORTERS TO ATTACK THE U.S. CAPITOL TO OVERTURN THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION.

THE TRIAL HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO START IN TWO WEEKS TO GIVE TRUMP TIME TO PREPARE DEFENSE, ALL THIS AS THE BIDEN/HARRIS ADMINISTRATION BEGINS GOVERNING THE COUNTRY.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUISE REPORTS.

>> THE FACT IS, THE HOUSE WILL DELIVER THE ARTICLE OF IMPEACHMENT TO THE SENATE.

THE SENATE WILL CONDUCT A TRIAL OF THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD TRUMP.

>> Reporter: THAT PROCESS WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN WITH THE DELIVERY OF THAT SINGLE ARTICLE, CHARGING THE PRESIDENT WITH INCITEMENT TO INSURRECTION.

>> THEY WILL NEVER TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY WITH WEAKNESS.

YOU HAVE TO SHOW STRENGTH.

>> Reporter: THE PRESIDENT GRAVELY ENDANGER THE SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT.

SENATORS AGREED TO HOLD OFF ON IMMEDIATELY STARTING A TRIAL IN ORDER TO GET TO OTHER PRESSING MATTERS LIKE CABINET CONFIRMATIONS, AND PRESIDENT BIDEN'S COVID-19 RELIEF BILL.

THE DEFENDANT WILL ALSO GET A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO PUT TOGETHER A LEGAL TEAM TO DEFEND HIM.

RON CHEN, THE FORMER DEAN OF RUTGERS LAW SAYS THAT THE CASE AGAINST TRUMP MAY LOOK STRONG BUT -- >> THE ARTICLE OF IMPEACHMENT WHICH EMPHASIZES THE INCITEMENT HAS RAISED A LOT OF DEBATE IN LEGAL CIRCLES ABOUT WHETHER IT MEETS THE VERY STRINGENT TESTAMENTS THAT WERE SET OUT IN A SUPREME COURT CASE, BRANDON VERSUS OHIO.

THIS REALLY ACQUIRES THAT YOU SHOW HE INTENDED THE MOB TO ENGAGE IN INSTANT, IMMEDIATE OVERTHROW, VIOLENCE RIGHT THEN AND THERE.

THIS IS NOT FOR SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE.

THAT IS A DIFFICULT TASK.

>> Reporter: THE 1969 SUPREME COURT RULING HELD THAT THE STATE VIOLATED THE FREE-SPEECH RIGHTS OF CLAN LEADER CLARENCE BRENDA BURKE, A DEFENSE WHICH IF EMPLOYED, WOULD BE RIFE WITH IRONY, GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

>> THE SENATE COULD ADOPT A BROADER OR LESS DEMANDING TEST AND STILL SAY THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO CONNECT SOMEONE IN AND IMPEACHMENT.

IT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT TO PUT HIM IN JAIL.

>> Reporter: REGARDLESS OF WHAT EVIDENCE IS PRESENTED IN THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL, FOR WHICH ALL 100 SENATORS WILL SERVE AS JURORS, THIS IS NOT A CRIMINAL OR A CIVIL TRIAL FOR THAT MATTER.

THE SENATORS CAN LISTEN TO OR NOT LISTEN TO THE EVIDENCE AND THEN CAST A VOTE.

THIS IS MORE SO THAN RENDER A VERDICT.

>> IT IS NOT THE SAME STANDARD OF DUE PROCESS THAT YOU WOULD SEE IN A NORMAL COURTROOM.

THESE THINGS ARE DIFFERENT.

THIS REALLY IS ABOUT POLITICS.

THIS IS A POLITICAL DECISION.

>> Reporter: PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR IMPEACHMENT, 56% APPROVED WITH 42% AGAINST IMPEACHMENT.

53% OF RESPONDENTS SAY THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS WERE DEFINITELY GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT.

52% SAY THAT THEY WOULD VOTE TO CONVICT.

>> WHEN WE LOOK AT THE FIRST IMPEACHMENT AND THE PROCESS, I DO NOT THINK VERY MANY PEOPLE WERE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE CHARGES.

WHEN WE GET TO THIS IMPEACHMENT, THE LINES SHOULD BE MUCH CLEARER.

I MEAN, THERE WAS A CONSISTENT BANGING OF THE DRUM THAT THIS ELECTION WAS RIGGED.

AND THERE WAS A SPEECH THAT DAY THAT JUST SAYS GO MARCH DOWN THERE.

THESE PEOPLE TOOK THAT UP.

>> Reporter: DEMOCRATS WILL NEED HELP FROM REPUBLICANS, 17 SENATORS TO BE EXACT.

THIS IS IF THEY ARE GOING TO REACH THE SUPER MAJORITY NEEDED TO CONVICT.

SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH McCONNELL HAS SIGNALED THAT MEMBERS OF HIS CAUCUS SHOULD VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCES.

THIS LEADS SOME TO BELIEVE THAT UNLIKE THE FIRST IMPEACHMENT, WHICH WAS DOOMED FROM THE START, A GUILTY VERDICT HERE IS NOT ENTIRELY OUT OF THE QUESTION.

I AM DAVID CRUISE, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> SINCE BECOME A NEW JERSEY'S FIRST LADY, TAMMY MURPHY HAS PUT A BULL'S-EYE ON THE STATE'S HIGH RATES OF MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY.

AMONG HER GOALS IS ELIMINATING RACIAL DISPARITIES THAT DRIVE UP THE NUMBERS.

TODAY, THE FIRST LADY RELEASED THE NURTURE NJ MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH PLAN.

IT COMES WITH A BOLD GOAL, REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY BY 50% IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

HOW WILL THAT HAPPEN?

RAVEN SANTANA HAS ANSWERS.

>> I AM VERY WELL EDUCATED.

MIGHT RISK OF DYING IS BASICALLY BECAUSE OF MY RACE.

>> Reporter: VICE PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF NEW JERSEY BLACK WOMEN'S PHYSICIAN'S ASSOCIATION SAYS THE STATE'S MATERNAL CRISIS COULD GET WORSE IF THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY WHEN IT COMES TO RACISM IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

>> IF THAT HAPPENS OVER AND OVER AGAIN, ONE COULD LOSE THEIR TRUST IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

IF THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUS, THEY MAY ACTUALLY THINK TWICE ABOUT ACTUALLY SEEKING HELP.

>> Reporter: THE FIRST LADY HAS MADE IT HER MISSION TO ADDRESS THE RACIAL DISPARITIES.

>> IN NEW JERSEY, BLACK MOTHER IS SEVEN TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM THE MATERNITY RELATED COMPLICATIONS.

A BLACK IS MORE THAN THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY THAN A WHITE BABY TO DIE BEFORE HIS OR HER FIRST BIRTHDAY.

>> Reporter: DAYS AFTER THE STATE'S MATERNAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY, THE FIRST LADY UNVEILED THE NURTURE NEW JERSEY STRATEGIC PLAN, A STRATEGY TO REDUCE THE HIGH RATES OF MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY.

>> IT MAKES BROAD REFORMS AIMED AT DISMANTLING THE STRUCTURES THAT FOR GENERATIONS HAVE PREVENTED WOMEN OF COLOR FROM LIVING IN ENVIRONMENTS AND PROVIDING THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO SIMPLY BE HEALTHY.

>> Reporter: THE FIRST LADY SAYS THE GOAL IS TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY BY MORE THAN 50% OVER FIVE YEARS AND ILLUMINATE THE RACIAL DISPARITIES AND BIRTH OUTCOMES.

ULTIMATELY, THE GOAL IS TO MAKE NEW JERSEY THE SAFEST PLACE IN THE NATION TO DELIVER AND RAISE A BABY, NO MATTER WHAT SKIN COLOR YOU HAVE.

ANOTHER KEY PART OF THE SAFER EXPERIENCE IS BETTER MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR MOMS.

>> I WAS HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS FIVE OR SIX TIMES A DAY.

THEY WOULD PUT ME IN THE FETAL POSITION AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO BREATHE.

>> Reporter: WEEKS AFTER GIVING BIRTH TO A HEALTHY BABY BOY IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC, THIS NEW MOTHER FOUND HERSELF SPIRALING OUT OF CONTROL AND HAD NO IDEA WHY.

>> NOBODY EMPHASIZED A DAY IN THE HOSPITAL THAT THERE WAS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, OCD.

ALL OF THESE THINGS THAT PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING WITH, IT WAS NOT DISCUSSED.

>> Reporter: SHE IS NOT ALONE.

MORE THAN 36% OF PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN ARE MORE THAN ONE IN THREE HAD SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF DEPRESSION COMPARED TO 15-20% PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC, ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY FROM BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL IN BOSTON.

>> WITH THIS PANDEMIC, NOBODY IS ABLE TO HAVE THAT SOCIAL SUPPORT THAT IS CRUCIAL IN THOSE FIRST FEW DAYS, FEW WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY.

WE WERE NOT DOING A GOOD JOB IN SCREENING FOR ISSUES.

SO, NOW IT IS EVEN, IT IS EVEN WORSE.

USUALLY, WE GIVE QUESTIONNAIRES PRIOR TO DELIVERY OR POSTPARTUM.

THESE THINGS ARE JUST NOT GETTING OUT THERE.

>> THIS HEALTH HAS BEEN A BLESSING.

RELAXATION OF THE REGULATIONS HAVE REALLY ENABLED US TO YOU NOW, REACH INDIVIDUALS WHO WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REACH.

>> Reporter: THIS IS THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AT CARE PLUS NEW JERSEY, A NONPROFIT THAT PROVIDES RECOVERY FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

HAVING GONE THROUGH A PANDEMIC PREGNANCY AND BIRTH, DR. FINCH SAYS IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER THAT WOMEN KNOW THAT THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE.

>> NOBODY IS EXEMPT FROM IT.

YOU KNOW, THERE IS MANY MANY WOMEN AND FAMILIES STRUGGLING NOW TO A DEGREE THAT WE HAVE NEVER SEEN.

IT IS ALL THE MORE REASON NOW, MORE THAN EVER TO SEEK HELP.

>> Reporter: FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM RAVEN SANTANA.

>>> THE COVID-19 VACCINE SUPPLY CHAIN TOOK A MAJOR HIT AS A NEW JERSEY-BASED COMPANY HALTS PRODUCTION OF ITS VACCINE.

WE HAVE DETAILS ON WHY AND TODAY'S TOP IS NESTORIUS.

>> Reporter: A SETBACK IN THE EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE COVID- 19 VACCINE SUPPLY, KENILWORTH- BASED MERCK SAYS IT WILL DISCONTINUE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS TWO COVID-19 VACCINE CANDIDATES.

THIS IS AFTER A REVIEW OF EARLY CLINICAL STUDIES FOUND THAT THOSE VACCINE CANDIDATES PRODUCED INSUFFICIENT IMMUNE RESPONSES.

MERKEL WAS LATE IN THE GAME IN THE EFFORT TO DEVELOP CORONAVIRUS VACCINES.

INSTEAD, IT HAS BEEN FOCUSING ON TREATMENTS.

IN THE MEANTIME ANOTHER BIG JERSEY PHARMA COMPANY, JOHNSON AND JOHNSON WILL SEEK EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION FOR ITS CORONAVIRUS VACCINE EARLY NEXT MONTH.

THE PUSH IS ON TO RESTORE THE FULL STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENCE.

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY SAYS THAT HE, ALONG WITH THE GOVERNORS OF NEW YORK AND CONNECTICUT, SENT A LETTER TO THE ENTIRE CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP SAYING THAT THE SALT CAP SHOULD BE REMOVED.

MURPHY SAYS THAT THE CAP UNFAIRLY HURTS TAXPAYERS, ADDING IT SERVED NO PRACTICAL PURPOSE ONLY A POLITICAL ONE THE SALT CAP WAS PUT IN PLACE WHEN THE TAX CODE WAS CHANGED UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

IT IMPACTED TAXPAYERS AND STATES WITH HIGH PROPERTY TAXES.

>>> THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN TALKING WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TRYING TO WIN SUPPORT FOR ITS $1.9 TRILLION ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN.

SOME MEMBERS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE PRICE TAG.

A NEW ANALYSIS FROM AN ANALYTICS ORGANIZATION FINDS THAT THE PLAN WOULD CREATE JOBS ACCORDING TO A CHIEF ECONOMIST.

>> IT WOULD ADD ABOUT 7 1/2 MILLION JOBS TO THE ECONOMY OVER THE COMING YEAR.

THIS IS MEANINGFUL.

AGAIN FOR A LITTLE BIT OF CONTEXT, THE ECONOMY IS STILL DOWN ABOUT 10 MILLION JOBS FROM ITS PRE-PANDEMIC PEAK.

>> Reporter: IT IS A BUSY WEEK FOR NEW JERSEY LAWMAKERS AND ONE WILL THAT BUSINESSES ARE KEEPING THEIR EYE ON HAS TO DO WITH PPP LOANS.

STATE SENATOR TROY SINGLETON INTRODUCED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ENSURE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE NOT HIT WITH A BIG STATE TAX BILL IF THERE PPP LOANS ARE FORGIVEN.

HIS BILL WOULD ENSURE THAT MONIES RECEIVED FROM THE LOANS WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO STATE INCOME TAX AND WOULD ALLOW FOR THE DEDUCTION OF BUSINESS EXPENSES PAID FOR BY THE PPP LOANS.

NOW, HERE IS A CHECK ON OUR WALL STREET TRADING DAY.

I AM RHONDA AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP IS NESTORIUS.

♪ >>> 18,000 STRONG AND STILL GOING, THAT IS HOW MANY MASKS THE WOMEN'S CLUB HAS ITS OWN OVER THE LAST 10 MONTHS.

THE CLUB'S MISSION IS SIMPLE: STOP THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.

THERE IS NO MASK FOR THE BIG GOAL, SAVING LIVES.

WE LOOK AT THE CLUB'S OPERATIONS.

>> I SAID YES ON A FRIDAY AND BY MONDAY, I WAS SELLING.

>> Reporter: MARIE SULLIVAN WAKES UP AROUND 7:00 A.M., MAKES TEA AND HEADS TO HER BASEMENT TO BEGIN HER DAY.

WHAT WAS ONCE A GAME ROOM IS NOW HER MASK MAKING FACTORY.

>> THIS IS ALL FROM THE HEART.

THAT IS WHAT THE WOMAN'S CLUB IS ALL ABOUT, VOLUNTEERING.

>> Reporter: IT ALL STARTED WHEN THE WOMEN'S CLUB PRESIDENT HEARD IN MARCH THAT VALLEY HOSPITAL WAS IN URGENT NEED OF MASKS.

>> THAT IS WHEN THE PPE SUPPLIES WERE VERY LIMITED.

THEY PUT OUT A SPECIFIC PATTERN THAT THEY WERE ASKING FOR.

AND, WE WERE FOLLOWING THAT PATTERN.

>> AT THE BEGINNING, I WAS NOT SLEEPING BECAUSE I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT, IN PARTICULAR, MY COUSIN.

MY COUSIN WAS VERY VERY SICK.

I WOULD JUST SO.

I FIGURED THE MORE THAT I COULD SO, THE MORE I COULD GIVE AWAY.

I COULD HELP SAVE OTHER PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: SHE CAN MAKE ABOUT 100 MASKS THE DAY.

AT THE PEAK, SHE WAS WORKING THROUGH THE NIGHT UNTIL 3:00 OR 4:00 A.M. >> ONCE THEY REACHED THE SUPPLY THAT THEY NEEDED, WE REALIZED THAT THERE STILL WAS SUCH A NEED IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> PEOPLE STARTED TO HEAR THAT WE WERE MAKING THESE MASKS.

WE WOULD GET REQUESTS.

I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE FABRIC FROM THE HOSPITAL.

THIS IS BECAUSE THEY WERE DONATING THAT.

WE HAVE SOME ANGELS WHO WERE WILLING TO DONATE.

THEY PURCHASED THE FABRIC.

>> Reporter: DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, 16 MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S CLUB WILL VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME.

SOME SEAMSTRESSES, OTHERS CUTTING FABRIC AND ELASTIC.

>> WE CALLED OURSELVES THE PROMISE WOMAN'S CLUB SEWING CIRCLE.

>> I CUT THOUSANDS OF ELASTICS.

>> Reporter: MARIE HAS A STRICT NONCONTACT POLICY.

OUR CAMERAS WERE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE.

THE ELASTICS ARE DROPPED OFF ON HER FRONT PORCH TO AVOID CONTACT.

SHE USES THEM AND THEN SHE HAS VOLUNTEERS PICKING UP SUPPLIES FROM HER PORCH TO TAKE TO THE OTHER SEAMSTRESSES IN THE GROUP.

>> SOME OF OUR MEMBERS, THEIR HUSBANDS ARE RETIRED.

WE WILL ENLIST THEM AND THEY CAN YOU DROP THIS OFF.

>> Reporter: SULLIVAN, KNOWN AS THE SEVEN COORDINATOR SAYS THAT THERE ARE FIVE OR SIX WOMEN HELPING TO MAKE A MASKS.

>> WE HIT THE 18,000 MARK.

WE HAVE DONATED TO OVER 15 HOSPITALS, OVER 15 NURSING HOMES , FIVE DIFFERENT POLICE FORCES.

PEOPLE WOULD CONTACT US WHO HAD RELATIVES IN OTHER STATES.

WE HAVE MAILED TO ARIZONA, TO GEORGE.

>> Reporter: ARE YOU SHOCKED BY HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN NEED OF MASKS?

>> SHOCKED, WE HAVE LOTS OF REQUESTS.

THEY ARE PRIMARILY FROM NURSING HOMES.

>> Reporter: WHAT MOTIVATES HER TO KEEP GOING?

>> MY COUSIN PASSED AWAY ON EASTER SUNDAY.

IT WAS REALLY DEVASTATING FOR ME.

WE GREW UP LIKE SISTERS.

BUT, SHE WAS REALLY PROUD OF ME.

>> Reporter: SHE MAKES EACH ONE IN HER NAME.

THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

HEAD OVER TO WWW.NJTVONLINE.ORG WHERE WE WILL CONTINUE COVERING THE NEWS AFFECTING THE STATE.

I AM MICHAEL HILL.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

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>>> NJM INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN SERVING POLICYHOLDERS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

JUST TO OUR THE POLICYHOLDERS?

THEY ARE THE SOCIAL SERVICE AND NONPROFIT PIONEERS WHO LEND A HELPING HAND.

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THEY ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROVIDE OUR SKILLED LABOR AND OUR HOMEGROWN CHAMPIONS.

THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR STATE A GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME.

♪ NJM, WE HAVE GOT NEW JERSEY COVERED.

>>> IF YOU NEED TO SAY A DOCTOR, RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH HAS TWO EASY WAYS TO DO IT.

YOU CAN SEE AND URGENT CARE PROVIDER 24/7 ON ANY DEVICE WITH OUR TELE-META-.

YOU CAN USE OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK A VIRTUAL VISIT WITH A MEDICAL GROUP PROVIDER OR SPECIALIST, EVEN AS A NEW PATIENT.

YOU HAVE TAKEN EVERY PRECAUTION AND SO HAVE WE.

DO NOT DELAY YOUR CARE ANY LONGER.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

♪