Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC) was recently recognized as a 2024 SAGECare Platinum Credentialed Provider for its commitment to LGBTQ+ older adults.
The credential confirms BNBMC’s commitment to its Long-Term Care (LTC) division’s unwavering allegiance to provide an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ older adults.
“We are an important healthcare and long-term care resource for the LGBTQ+ community because they know they will receive respectful, equitable, and compassionate care,” said BNBMC President and CEO Deborah Visconi.
“Earning this credential validates our commitment to providing high quality culturally competent care to older adults in the LGBTQ+ community. We are dedicated to creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and respected,” Visconi added.
SAGECare awarded Bergen New Bridge with its SAGECare Platinum Credential after a rigorous assessment of policies, practices, and staff training to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The SAGECare Platinum Credential required a minimum of 80% of the Medical Center’s LTC management and staff to complete training in LGBTQ+ aging cultural competency. The training program included education on historical and contemporary LGBTQ+ challenges, correct use of terminology pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity, and strategies to address unique challenges faced by members of the community.
SAGECare is a division of SAGE, the country’s largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. SAGECare provides LGBTQ+ competency training and consulting on LGBTQ+ aging issues to service providers.
About Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers, is a 1,070-bed hospital located at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus, NJ. The Medical Center is both the largest hospital and licensed nursing home in NJ and the fourth largest, publicly owned hospital in the nation.
Bergen New Bridge, a not-for-profit safety net facility, provides high-quality comprehensive services, including acute and ambulatory care, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, long-term care, 24/7 emergency department, surgical suites, physical rehabilitation, pharmacy, laboratory, radiologic services (including digital mammography). It is a leading provider of COVID 19 testing, vaccinations, and therapeutics. The Medical Center also has satellite offices in Bergenfield, Englewood, and Paterson. Primary care and other health and wellness services are available at the hospital’s CareRite Now centers located in select Inserra Supermarkets in Bergen County.
Bergen New Bridge is in network with all major New Jersey commercial insurance plans covering 99.91% of NJ residents and is a Veterans Community Care Provider. It is also a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Learn more at www.newbridgehealth.org.