LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Center at Bergen Medical Center
Dr. Chris Awwad talks about the LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Center at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus.
Anne-Marie Caruso, NorthJersey.com
PARAMUS – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is asking artists to submit designs for murals for its group therapy rooms and staff lounge in the newly renovated areas of the behavioral health department.
The hospital wants to make the spaces more personal and comfortable for patients and brighten the lounge area for staff, says Darian Eletto, senior clinical fellow for mental health at Bergen New Bridge.
“This is something so meaningful and therapeutic for everyone we serve who is facing mental health issues,” she said.
How to submit a design
Artists must be at least 16 years old and should submit their mural designs to [email protected] by September 30.
If artists would like to collaborate on a design, they are welcome to submit it as a collaborative project. The Behavioral Health Authority will select the winning murals for the six areas of the medical center.
If artists under the age of 18 are selected to create a mural, they will need the consent of a parent or guardian. All selected artists will also be required to sign a photo release, as their finished artwork will be showcased at a grand opening and shared on social media. Artists are encouraged to work on their murals on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., but other times can be arranged.
“We welcome the opportunity for the community to come to the medical center and share their extraordinary talents with our patients and residents,” said Deborah Visconi, president and CEO. “My leadership team and I are excited about the recent improvements in our mental health areas, and these murals will take these areas to the next level for years to come.”
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers, is a 1,070-bed hospital located at 230 E. Ridgewood Ave. in Paramus. It is the largest hospital and licensed nursing home in New Jersey and the fourth-largest public hospital in the country.
What are the guidelines?
The Behavioral Health team has created guidelines for those who wish to submit a mural design.
- Preferred colors: calming tones (avoid beige).
- Things to avoid: religion, politics, word/text.
- Preferred design elements: landscapes, abstract or positive images.
- Size: Accent wall in a group therapy room/staff room; size varies.
- Number required: six, including staff room.
