RETAIL
Bergen New Bridge Partners with Inse
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Inserra ShopRites are redefining what it means to be a “ supermarket ” with the opening of primary care offices in its Wallington and New Milford stores , plus plans to expand the service to other stores soon .
The new CareRite Now centers were created in a unique partnership between the family-owned Inserra Supermarkets and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center , the state ’ s largest hospital located in Paramus .
Larry Inserra , Jr ., CEO and chairman of the board of Inserra Supermarkets , said the new medical care facilities will ensure that the community has convenient access to quality healthcare in his stores . “ Plans are underway for our dieticians and nutritionists to collaborate with Bergen New Bridge and CareRite Now providers to create programs , offer education , and more to improve the quality of life for the members of our community .”
“ We took two different , but like-minded organizations and we got together to develop something that is going to be unique in our industry ,” said Ron Onorato , President & COO , Inserra Supermarkets . “ Bergen New Bridge has given us an opportunity to give back in a big way to the community we serve and to those who come here weekly to shop .”
The partnership developed in the early stages of the pandemic when Deborah Visconi , president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge , reached out to Inserra to offer the latest information and updates on the deadly Covid-19 virus and the vaccines being used to combat it . Both Visconi and Inserra are also members of the board of directors of Commerce and Industry Association ( CIANJ ), a business advocacy organization based in Rochelle Park .
Their conversation led to exploring ways in which they could collaborate . Ultimately , Inserra offered Bergen New Bridge space that was vacated by pharmacies no longer operating in their stores .
Inserra renovated the spaces for New Bridge Medical Center ’ s needs , creating waiting areas and private care offices . “ Everyone loves ShopRite . Now you have a beloved healthcare provider in your beloved supermarkets ,” Visconi said .
The CareRites will be staffed with nurse practitioners , physicians . and other employees from New Bridge Medical Center . They will provide sick and wellness visits , point of care testing , vaccinations , lab testing and blood draw services .
Beth Schachtele , the practice manager , who has been overseeing the Wallington office , said the services were already expanded to include school physicals on the request of a
mother , who could not find an appointment anywhere else .
She said the Wallington CareRite completed the physical quickly for the teenager . “ It worked out beautifully . This is exactly what we ’ re here for ,” Schachtele said .
Visconi said the CareRites further “ our commitment to the community needs assessment
Deborah Visconi , CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center , ( middle ) cuts the ceremonial ribbon with La CareRite in New Milford .
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