Bergen New Bridge Medical Center recently hosted its first annual Health Equity Partnership Forum, bringing together non-profits and county agencies to collaborate on advancing health equity in the county and the state. Among the attendees were Greater Bergen Community Action, Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, United Way of Bergen County, YWCA of Northern New Jersey, The Bright Side Family, BVMI, Integrity House, Women’s Rights Information Center, NJ4S, and the Bergen County Office of Food Security.
“We are dedicated to improving health equity and addressing the disparities that exist for so many in our communities,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “This event positioned us as a leader, bringing together our community partners to collaborate and expand all of our collective efforts to provide accessible services and support to all who need them.”
The Medical Center was recently awarded The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Advanced Certification. The voluntary certification is meant to help organizations close the gaps and increase equity by examining all aspects of care, treatment, and health care delivery, and addressing disparities faced by historically marginalized groups.
“We want our patients to get what they need so they can achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes and by working together we can improve access to care and essential services,” said Shari Gold, Senior Vice President for Regulatory Compliance & Chief Quality and Equity Officer, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “By addressing the social determinants of health which include transportation, food, housing, education, job opportunities, language and literacy, discrimination, violence and income, we can help break through barriers and improve health equity.”