Juneteenth was celebrated on Monday, June 19 at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, with a flag raising ceremony commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans.
Speakers shared the significance of acknowledging the holiday, as well as the errors of the past, and being committed to building a better future.
“Today’s ceremony is more than symbolic, it is representational of our Medical Center’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as we gather to remember and celebrate the historic and significant holiday of Juneteenth,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
“Today is a day of celebration of freedom, but it is also a moment for all of us to acknowledge the past, recommit to building a safer, stronger, and a more equitable tomorrow for all Black Americans and communities of color,” Visconi added.
Juneteenth also offers a critical reminder that healthcare quality should always be top of mind as a priority for all, according to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Senior Vice President for Regulatory Compliance & Chief Quality and Equity Officer Shari Gold.
“Until everyone can easily access the necessary services to achieve optimal health and wellness, we must continue to address injustices and eliminate barriers to healthcare,” Gold said.
Lynne Algrant, Chief Resource & Development Officer, Greater Bergen Community Action, said, “I believe freedom means that everyone who is eligible to vote can cast their vote fairly, everyone who works full time should earn a wage that supports them and their families, that no one in this country should ever go to bed hungry, and everyone should have access to quality culturally affirming healthcare like it is practiced here at Bergen New Bridge.”
“Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s Juneteenth Celebration is a testament to its commitment to providing culturally competent and compassionate care to all of Bergen County’s many communities,” said James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive. “As a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Bergen New Bridge is at the forefront of the fight, ensuring that all residents have access to quality, safe, and non-discriminate healthcare right here at the County’s hospital.”