Bergen New Bridge, CarePlus Suicide Response Program Gets Funding

PARAMUS, NJ — Care Plus NJ and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center have received a federal grant to fund the Bergen County Suicide Prevention and Response Program.

In a Monday news release, the two collaborators announced the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration awarded $800,000 in federal grant money.

The grant, they said, will advance their efforts to prevent suicide, and suicide attempts, amid the coronavirus pandemic in Bergen County.

"It is expected that the number of individuals seeking mental health services will rise exponentially due to COVID-19," said Lorelle Holway, Vice President of Hospital and Clinical Services for CarePlus.

"Social restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the coronavirus have resulted in severed support systems, increased levels of stress, anxiety, conflict, violence, and a sense of isolation, leaving many in a state of crisis."

CarePlus and Bergen New Bridge will develop plans for follow-up services and triaging of adults that have attempted suicide or experience a suicidal crisis.

Suicide prevention training will be provided through the program to community and clinical service providers, as well as systems that serve at-risk adults.

The grant will also fund increased services for victims of domestic violence, a group experts say have been further exposed to violence during the pandemic.

"Research shows that domestic violence victims are prone to suicidal behaviors and the pandemic has created an even more volatile environment for this vulnerable population, which increases their risk of self-harm," said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

Essential workers are also a group that the program will attempt to provide greater aid to.

"Reports of depression and anxiety are on the rise among our essential workers," said Visconi. "This type of trauma can lead to chronic mental health challenges including suicidal ideation, if not properly identified and addressed."