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Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility recognized the hospital for its community benefit (Paramus, NJ) – Paramus, NJ – The Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, released its annual list of the most socially responsible hospitals in America. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has been recognized for its community benefit, receiving an “A” Grade on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. Community benefit demonstrates a hospital’s commitment to investing in charity care as well as a broad spectrum of community health outreach programs. This is the fourth year of the Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, the only annual ranking to fully integrate racial inclusivity, community investment, and pay equity with traditional outcomes measures. Medicare Advantage claims have been included for the first time, further distinguishing the Lown Index from other platforms in terms of scope and validity. “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.” “Good hospitals make their patients healthier, but socially responsible hospitals make their communities healthier too,” said Vikas Saini, MD, President, Lown Institute. “These are the hospitals America needs right now—hospitals that can set and achieve ambitious goals for serving their entire community.” The health equity score on the Lown Index is based on hospitals’ performance on inclusivity (caring for all patients in the community), community benefit (investing in charity care and community health programs) and pay equity (avoiding excessive CEO compensation). Data sources include hospital cost reports filed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and IRS 990 forms, both from 2019. For more information, visit www.newbridgehealth.org. To learn more about the Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility by visiting www.lownhospitalsindex.org. ABOUT BERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC), a clinical affiliate of Rutgers, is a 1,070-bed hospital located at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus, NJ. The Medical Center is both the largest hospital and licensed nursing home in NJ and the fourth largest, publicly owned hospital in the nation. Bergen New Bridge, a not-for-profit safety net facility, provides high-quality comprehensive services, including acute and ambulatory care, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, long-term care, 24/7 emergency department, surgical suites, physical rehabilitation, pharmacy, laboratory, radiologic services (including digital mammography). It is a leading provider of COVID 19 testing, vaccinations, and therapeutics. The Medical Center also has satellite offices in Bergenfield, Englewood, and Paterson. Primary care and other health and wellness services are available at the hospital's CareRite Now centers located in select Inserra Supermarkets in Bergen County. Bergen New Bridge is in network with all major New Jersey commercial insurance plans covering 99.91% of NJ residents and is a Veterans Community Care Provider. It is also a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Learn more at www.newbridgehealth.org. # # #