For Deborah Visconi, unveiling a new Hispanic health service at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center wasn’t just another program launch. It was personal.
“As a member of the Hispanic community, I am even prouder to unveil these essential services during Hispanic Heritage Month,” Visconi, president and CEO of the Paramus-based hospital, said during the Medical Center’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration this week.
The service she introduced, Puentes Nuevos de Salud — Spanish for “New Bridges to Health” — is designed to give Hispanic and Latino patients and families a dedicated point of connection to the hospital’s full range of care. The program will help patients navigate the health system, connect with the right providers and services, and get support that accounts for the role language, culture, trust and family play in getting people healthy.
Bergen New Bridge is New Jersey’s largest hospital, and its footprint reflects it:
It has emergency, acute and ambulatory care, behavioral health and substance use treatment, long-term care, and a growing network of specialty and community-based services;
It’s in-network with every major commercial insurance plan in the state, covering more than 99.9% of New Jersey residents;
It’s recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.
Dr. Elbia Toribio, Medical Director of Puentes Nuevos de Salud said the initiative adds another layer to a hospital built to serve just about everyone who walks through its doors.
“Language, culture, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system can prevent people from getting the care they need,” she said. “Puentes creates a welcoming connection to care where patients and families can feel understood, supported, and confident about taking the next step in their health.”
The launch builds on work Bergen New Bridge has already been doing to remove barriers to care across Bergen County’s diverse communities.
“Puentes Nuevos de Salud is about making sure people know there is a place where they will be welcomed, understood, and connected to the care they need,” Visconi said. “Our Hispanic and Latino communities are an important part of Bergen County, and they deserve healthcare that understands and responds to their needs. We are proud to build this new bridge to care.”
