Bergen New Bridge Hosts World AIDS Day Event

The Medical Center partnered with Buddies of NJ, Inc. for the event

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center hosted its annual World AIDS Day event in partnership with Buddies of NJ, Inc. The event remembers those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and celebrates the new treatments, support, and services that have stemmed the loss of life from HIV/AIDS.

“We know that, now more than ever we must come together to champion health equity and ensure access to high quality and essential services to slow the spread of HIV and move us further down the path of ending AIDS,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “Let this day serve as a tribute to the legacy of those we lost, a reflection on the progress we have made, and a commitment to doing the work needed to create a world free of AIDS.”

Sections of the AIDS Quilt were on display at the event as well as in the Medical Center’s chapel throughout the day, allowing for silent reflection. Other speakers at the event included:

• Germaine Ortiz, Chairwoman, Bergen County Board of Commissioners
• Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, LD38
• Dr. Christopher Awwad, Medical Director, LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Center, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
• Ray Welsh, Events Manager, Buddies of NJ, Inc.
• Ric Miles, Executive Director, Buddies of NJ, Inc.
• Bishop Charles Singletary, Senior Chaplain, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

The LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Center at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center was designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. The Center provides gender-affirming hormone therapy, HIV care, primary care, and more. The Center offers PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis medication, for HIV prevention in both the pill option as well as the injectable option.

Call or text 551-207-0386, or email LGBTQ@newbridgehealth.org for information or appointments.