Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, hosted a butterfly release on Tuesday, July 14, to remember and honor lives impacted by the opioid epidemic and celebrate the power of recovery.
The event raised awareness of Max’s Law, which requires New Jersey schools to teach students about the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. The law is named for Westwood resident Max Lenowitz, who lost his life to a fentanyl-laced pill.
“As New Jersey’s largest safety net hospital, we understand our responsibility extends far beyond the walls of our medical center. We are committed to expanding access to prevention, treatment, recovery services, and behavioral healthcare because every person deserves the opportunity to heal and every family deserves hope,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
“We care for individuals struggling with substance use disorder, we celebrate those who achieve recovery, and we stand beside families whose lives have been forever changed by addiction,” Visconi added.
Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III joined the medical center for the butterfly release and reiterated how the opioid epidemic continues to impact families throughout communities across Bergen County and the state.
“Every life lost to the opioid epidemic is a heartbreaking reminder of why this work matters. Today, as we honor Max Lenowitz and all those whose lives have been impacted by addiction, we also renew our commitment to prevention, education, treatment, and recovery,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III.
“Bergen County is proud to stand alongside Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, advocates, and families in this fight. Through initiatives like Max’s Law and the lifesaving services offered every day at our county hospital, we are working to ensure more people find hope, healing, and a path forward,” Tedesco added.
The opioid epidemic continues to impact families throughout our community, and Bergen County remains committed to expanding education, prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
“Thank you to Patrice Lenowitz for sharing Max’s story and ensuring his legacy continues to save lives. Together, we will keep working to build a healthier, safer Bergen County,” Tedesco said.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center continues to serve as a safe haven and welcoming place for individuals and families facing addiction, offering compassionate care and support to those on the path to recovery.
“I am so honored you showed up today — it’s my son’s birthday and he should be here to celebrate with us. We don’t want any other family to know our anguish,” said Patrice Lenowitz, mother of Max Lenowitz. “[With Max’s Law] we want to share with the state, educators, families, and students the research and education that will save their lives.”
About Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC), 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, and radiologic services (including digital mammography). 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.