Neighborhood Health Center Renovations Serves Riverside and Black Rock Communities

Neighborhood Health Center renovations to their existing space "creates an unprecedented level of access to health care for local residents.”

The Neighborhood Health Center officially unveiled renovations at its existing facility at 155 Lawn Street, Buffalo that provides health care to thousands of patients in the Black Rock and Riverside communities in the city of Buffalo at an official grand opening event today. The approximate $2 million in renovations included the construction of 18 new patient rooms, a new waiting room and entrance area, expanded space for oral health services as well as $400,000 in technology and related equipment, including electronic health and dental record systems.

The expansion and renovations to the existing space was funded through a $500,000 from the Health Related Services Administration (HRSA) under of the auspices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and through a $325,000 grant from the Oishei Foundation and a $25,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation. The remaining funding was provided by the Neighborhood Health Center.

“This is a great day for the local community because our new facility creates an unprecedented level of access to patients who otherwise would have to travel great distances to get their health care or who would not even bother to see a health care professional,” said Joanne E. Haefner, executive director, Neighborhood Health Center. “This project would not have been successful without the strong support of Congressman Higgins and Senator Schumer as well as the generous philanthropy of the Oishei and Cummings foundations. I also need to acknowledge the commitment, perseverance and vision of our board of directors who guided our organization throughout this process.”

A federally qualified health center, the Neighborhood Health Center has approximately 44,000 patient visits annually and provides medical, dental and behavioral health services. The Center serves a population that speaks 41 different languages and provides these services regardless of one’s ability to pay. The renovations to the existing facility expand the Center from 9,900 square feet to 14,500 square feet, 3,500 square feet of which is for dental services and approximately 7,000 square feet for health care services. The remaining space is for administration and staff. The expansion of the Neighborhood Health Center also will create 10-12 new jobs.

“The health care professionals at the Neighborhood Health Center have a long history of providing quality comprehensive care to Western New York families,” said Congressman Higgins. “With this significant investment in improving the patient experience and upgraded technology to include electronic health records, the Riverside and Black Rock communities maintain easy access health care and benefit from the preventative services and holistic health approach that Neighborhood Health Center is well known for delivering.”

“This is a proud day for the City of Buffalo as we celebrate the unveiling of the expanded and renovated Neighborhood Health Center,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “I’m proud and encouraged by the dedication of all those involved in transforming Neighborhood Health Center into what we see today. We’re experiencing great success in improving the delivery of health care with our new medical facilities throughout the city, which are also creating new jobs for our residents. This center will continue to serve the Black Rock and Riverside communities, improving the quality of life for city residents.”

“When we took over the Mattina Health Center from Kaleida on Buffalo’s West Side there were some who questioned our commitment about maintaining services at the Neighborhood Health Center,” Haefner continued. “This project sends an extremely positive message to the people we serve that we are not only here to stay but that we are committed to enhancing the care being provided to thousands of city residents who otherwise would have severely limited options for their health care needs.”

Among the other elected officials celebrating the grand opening included Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Betty Jean Grant, Erie County Legislator Lynn Marinelli and Buffalo Common Council member Joseph Golombek.