Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and NJ Reentry Corporation Launch ‘A New Bridge to Health’
‘A New Bridge to Health’-A Complete Healthcare Program for Persons Leaving State Prisons
Virtual program will use telehealth to provide access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and healthcare providers
On Monday, November 16, 2020, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and the NJ Reentry Corporation will implement an innovative program co-created called ‘A New Bridge to Health’. This new program links individuals being released from prison under the new COVID-19 early release bill with a prominent New Jersey health care provider that can offer immediate access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for ongoing substance use disorder care. The program also offers connections to primary care providers, medication management and treatment of chronic conditions via a telehealth platform.
“A New Bridge to Health” will offer Medication Assisted Treatment to those in substance use disorder care. NJRC participants will register in advance with NJRC personnel to schedule a telemedicine appointment with a physician. Many persons being released due to the pandemic have a limited two week supply of MAT. For many individuals released, their supply for MAT and other prescriptions will be exhausted as of Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
NJRC participants will complete intake process, providing MVC or NJDOC identification. Participants will be required to electronically sign to participate in treatments. The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center team will contact the participant at the respective NJRC site with an approved Bergen New Bridge IPAD. Clinical staff will conduct a health questionnaire screening with the participant to determine/schedule the appropriate medical provider.
“We are proud to work collaboratively with James McGreevey and the NJ Reentry Corporation to offer a complete continuum of care for those coming back to our communities,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “Having an immediate connection to healthcare to maintain their medications and other conditions is crucial for successful reintegration after incarceration,” said Visconi. “This partnership aligns with our mission and dedication to caring for underserved populations, managing population health and addressing social determinants of health to better care for our communities.”
“NJRC is greatly indebted to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Medication Assisted Treatment is critically important for those addicted,” said James McGreevey, Chairman of New Jersey Recovery Corporation. “The medical and behavioral health care provided by Bergen New Bridge at our reentry sites will save lives.”
“I could not be prouder of Deb and Bergen New Bridge and Jim and NJ Reentry for forging this partnership that will help acclimate those returning to their communities have the care they need to lead healthy and productive lives,” said James J. Tedesco, lll, Bergen County Executive. “Bergen New Bridge continues to be a community leader and the County asset and the work NJ Reentry is doing is life-changing. I appreciate the efforts of both organizations for our residents.”
