Bergen Hospital Ranked No. 2 In U.S. For Community Investment

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County hospital was ranked first in New Jersey and second nationally for its spending on charity care and health outreach programs.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center was recognized for "community benefit" on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, the first ranking to measure social responsibility of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. Hospitals, the index said, were ranked based on the extent of investment in community health.

The Paramus hospital also received "A" grades for social responsibility, and on measures of health equity and patient safety.

Health equity scores are based on performance in sub-metrics of community benefit, inclusivity (caring for patients demographically similar to surrounding community) and pay equity (avoiding excessive compensation for executives compared to workers without advanced degrees).

“I am incredibly proud of what this designation means for the Medical Center as our mission is to bring healthcare directly to those who need it most, particularly those who have historically been underserved and disenfranchised,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “We will continue to lead efforts to eliminate barriers to care in our community and to be stewards of health equity while continuing to provide high quality healthcare and behavioral health services to all who need them.”

“America needs hospitals that prioritize community health, fair pay, and inclusivity,” said Vikas Saini, MD, President, Lown Institute. “That’s why it’s so important to life up these high-performing hospitals as examples for others to follow.”