(Courtesy of The Diabetes Foundation) The Diabetes Foundation (DF), New Jersey’s premier not-for-profit organization that empowers individuals living with diabetes, is launching a new program, the Bergen County Diabetes Initiative. This program, in partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, will support people in New Jersey who are living with diabetes to have better health outcomes. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers, is a 1,070-bed hospital located at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus.
The Diabetes Foundation and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center have come together to offer adults, living with diabetes, wraparound care to ensure they have the medication, supplies, healthcare and education necessary to manage their diabetes. Through a new Patient Navigator at The Diabetes Foundation, put in place with the gracious support of The Russell Berrie Foundation, personalized guidance will be provided to individuals to help them stay on track with their diabetes self-management.
“We are happy to support The Diabetes Foundation with their Patient Navigator Initiative,” said Ruth Salzman, chief executive officer of The Russell Berrie Foundation. “Our hope is that this role will connect patients to community resources and improve diabetes outcomes.”
DF’s direct services will include emergency insulin, supplies, A1c screenings, education through their certified Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program (in both English and Spanish) and support groups. CPB will provide its vast healthcare services in all areas, including endocrinology, cardiology and podiatry. This collaboration will ensure a steady flow of services, at any point, from diabetes diagnosis to consultations, treatment and related care.
“We are very excited to announce this partnership, which will allow for greater access to care within the Bergen County area,” said Ginine Cilenti, executive director of the Diabetes Foundation. “The main focus of the program is to educate and encourage patients to better manage their diabetes through our education initiatives and various services.”
“Our partnership with The Diabetes Foundation furthers our mission to help our communities better understand and manage their chronic conditions, such as diabetes.” said Deborah Visconi, president and chief executive officer of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “We are pleased to collaborate with The Diabetes Foundation to expand access to care, increase community education, and work with our patients by providing them with the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle.”
