Bergen New Bridge Medical Center hosted the third annual Pride Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony in partnership with the County of Bergen and the Bergen County LGBTQ Advisory Committee.
“Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride with our partners and community members defines what we as a Medical Center have been dedicated to over these past seven years–building relationships, providing much needed services, and creating an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment for all those we serve,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
The event included a resource fair with community organizations and agencies, music, and refreshments.
“Every area of our hospital from emergency services, primary and specialty care, mental health, and long-term care are trained and ready to provide kind, inclusive, and high-quality care to the LGBTQ+ community,” Visconi added.
“Pride Month is a time of celebration and reflection, acknowledging both our progress and the challenges that remain. As we continue this fight for equality, Bergen County stands united in its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every LGBTQ+ individual feels safe, supported, and celebrated.,” said James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive.
Dr. Christopher Awwad, Medical Director, LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Center, said that LGBTQ care should be focused on the patient and also of the highest quality.
“… it should be the standard,” Awwad said, adding that his team is aiming to shape LBGTQ healthcare by heading up think tanks and conferences as well as offering training to healthcare professionals.
“As we celebrate Pride Month, Bergen County proudly reaffirms its dedication as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Germaine Ortiz, Chairwoman, Bergen County Board of Commissioners.
“It has been a privilege to witness the exceptional support and care that New Bridge Medical Center has provided, and we look forward to continuing our joint efforts in championing equality and inclusion for all,” Ortiz added.
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, 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.