(Paramus, NJ) – New Bridge Medical Center (NBMC) was honored with a proclamation from Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, at The Medical Center’s Stigma-Free Rededication Ceremony. The Medical Center was the first hospital in New Jersey to be declared Stigma- Free in support of the County-wide Stigma-Free initiative started in Paramus, New Jersey by Mary Ann Uzzi, who is now a board member for the Medical Center’s managing body, Care Plus, Bergen, Inc. Today’s ceremony acknowledges the ongoing commitment to the initiative under the current management and new facility name.
New Bridge Medical Center Stigma Free
“New Bridge Medical Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate, and inclusive care in a stigma free environment. Today we rededicate ourselves to this mission and support of the Stigma-Free initiative,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center, “As healthcare leaders, we know the most important step toward managing any illness is seeking treatment. We recognize a major barrier in accessing the care that truly makes a difference is often the fear of judgement, or feelings of shame, embarrassment, or guilt. Mental illness to us is no different than any other illness and we are dedicated to creating a safe environment where consumers can comfortably receive the quality care they need,” added Visconi.
“I have been a strong advocate for the Stigma-Free initiative because there is no shame in having mental illness or seeking mental health treatment,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “I applaud the ongoing commitment by the team at New Bridge Medical to the Stigma-Free Initiative. New Jersey’s largest hospital has cultivated a compassionate community where both patients and staff know that they can seek help without judgment.”
“All of us at New Bridge Medical Center are honored to work with the Stigma-Free initiative, proud that our County Executive has been steadfast in his support of the endeavor from its onset and thankful to Mary Ann Uzzi and all those who work tirelessly as mental health advocates around our County,” said Visconi. “Today we will fly our flag but every day our doors and hearts are open to care for those who need us the most.”
New Bridge Medical Center (NBMC) is proud to welcome several new physicians from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School to our Ambulatory Care Center.
Madouna Hanna, DO, is a physician specializing in physiatry. Dr. Hanna earned her Bachelor of Arts at Rutgers University in Newark. She received her medical degree from the ROWAN School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at North Well Health System. She then completed her fellowship in Interventional Musculoskeletal Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Her clinical interests include all aspect of general musculoskeletal pain complaints, ultrasound guided musculoskeletal procedures, electrodiagnostic studies, and lower back epidural injections. She is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Zachary Criswell, DPM, is a fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon. He received his undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, and went on to receive his DPM degree from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. He then went on to complete his residency in podiatric surgery at University Hospital in Newark, NJ. Next, he completed a one-year surgical fellowship through the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Santa Cruz, California, with emphasis on lower extremity sports medicine and arthroscopy. He is board qualified through the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Chitra Kodery, DO, is a primary care physician, with a specialty in sports medicine. Dr. Kodery earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her medical degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. She then completed a residency in family medicine as well as a fellowship in sports medicine at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. She is board certified in family medicine and sports medicine.
“A priority for New Bridge Medical Center is to provide healthcare for our communities by expanding the scope of services we offer and access to the Medical Center,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center. “We are very excited that working with our partner, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, several new physicians have joined our outstanding medical staff in our Ambulatory Care Center. Over the next few weeks and months, we will see even more physicians join our team”.
A new advocacy group for teens to speak their mind, express their concerns, and talk to key stakeholders.
Join us for a panel discussion featuring Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement representatives, government officials, physicians, clinicians, and teens on suicide awareness and prevention.
Topics Include:
Awareness
Education
Perception
Prevention
Resources
Social Media
Keynote Speakers:
New Bridge Medical Center’s
Edward G. Hall, MD
Child Psychiatrist
Avas Shariff, MD
Resident Psychiatrist
NBMC physicians will speak on the impact social media has on adolescent suicide, provide valuable information on identifying warning signs and behaviors associated with suicide risk, and information on how caregivers can find the appropriate help for their teens.
Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center will be the honoree of Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County’s “A New Bridge to Literacy”, the annual gala on Friday, October 12. 2018 at the Stony Hill Inn.
New Bridge Medical Center and Bergen County Department of Health Services are proud to present this Youth Mental Health First Aid national training program free of charge.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Auditorium
A light breakfast and lunch will be served.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Evidence-based interactive course
Teaches the signs of mental illness and substance abuse
Introduces a five-step action plan to respond to a mental health crisis
Teaches how to initiate a referral to mental health resources
Why is Mental Health First Aid important?
Just like CPR, it is a vital skill that improves the well-being of our community
Helps to eliminate the stigma that is associated with mental illness and substance abuse
Promotes recovery and resiliency
“Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help individuals across the community to understand mental illnesses, support timely intervention, and save lives.”
Pre-Registration required by Tuesday, September 11, 2018:
“As a leader in the battle against the opioid epidemic, New Bridge Medical Center is at the forefront of offering innovative programs to those suffering from this disease and leveraging the power of partnerships through our work with the Attorney General, the Bergen County Prosecutors’ Office, Integrity House, and all our community partners,” said NBMC President and CEO Deborah Visconi. “I am honored to have been selected to speak at this important summit and provide insight on the opioid crisis from a hospital administration prospective.”
Jersey Matters host Larry Mendte with Michael Paolello, Chief Clinical Officer, Addiction Treatment Services at New Bridge Medical Center and Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center to discuss treatments for opioid patients.
New Bridge Medical Center is now a participating provider in Aetna’s network
PARAMUS, NJ, August 15, 2018 – New Bridge Medical Center has entered into a new agreement with Aetna. Effective immediately, New Bridge Medical Center and all New Bridge Medical Center employed physicians are now in-network with Aetna.
New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, is part of New Bridge Health, a healthcare system uniting services across the continuum of care. Care Plus Bergen, Inc., the not-for-profit operator of New Bridge Medical Center since October 1, 2017, is an innovative alliance between three world-class partners – Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Integrity House, and Care Plus NJ Inc. – manages the day-to-day operations of New Bridge Medical Center, strengthening the hospital’s core services of acute care, behavioral health, addiction treatment, and long-term care.
“One of the goals for New Bridge Medical Center is to ensure greater access to health care for all Bergen County residents, as New Bridge Medical Center continues to play a critical role in healthcare delivery for patients and families in Bergen County and across New Jersey,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center. “In addition to its role as a safety net facility, adding the ability for County residents who have health coverage through managed care plans to use the services of the County’s hospital is a vital component in our mission to become a destination facility providing quality and cost-effective inclusive care to all communities,” said Visconi.
“We are pleased to welcome New Bridge Medical Center to our network in New Jersey,” said Michael Costa, executive director of Aetna’s New Jersey and New York operations. “This agreement strengthens our commitment to the community by continuing to broaden and improve access to high-quality providers.”
By adding New Bridge Medical Center to its New Jersey network, Aetna has expanded its health care delivery system providing enhanced provider choice in Bergen County.
“On October 1, 2017, Care Plus Bergen, Inc., became the new tenant-operator of the County hospital, now known as New Bridge Medical Center. Since day one, we have worked together to explore new ways to improve and expand hospital services. This new partnership between the Medical Center and the Aetna managed care network is yet another step toward fulfilling my commitment to improve access to the services New Bridge offers,” said James J. Tedesco, III, Bergen County Executive. “I am proud of the work being done to provide quality healthcare for all County residents, including our veterans.”
By joining the Aetna network, consumers will have better access to the full range of health care services offered at New Bridge Medical Center. “With New Bridge Medical Center and its employed physician practice joining the Aetna network, it allows our medical staff and patient community to collaborate to reduce the cost of care, improve access, and ensure patients who need care get it when they need it,” said Barbara Palmer, MD, President of the medical staff at New Bridge Medical Center.
