BUFFALO, N.Y., (September 20,
2013) – The Independent Health Foundation has partnered with West Side
Community Services Center of Buffalo to offer the community a new van service
that will help enable better access to health care.
The van
service, which will be available by appointment to individuals who reside in
and near Buffalo’s West Side, will provide reliable transportation to and from non-emergency
medical appointments and health care services.
“Recent
reports have identified a lack of access to transportation as a significant barrier
to health care delivery,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director of the
Independent Health Foundation. “This van service will be a valuable resource
that empowers community residents to take better care of their health,
ultimately supporting our efforts to improve the health of our community.”
The van
service is an extension of the Independent Health Foundation’s longstanding
partnership with West Side Community Services. Since 2006, the West Side
Community Services Center has served as a site for the Foundation’s Good for
the Neighborhood program, which brings health and wellness programs directly to
residents.
“We’re excited to be able to expand our services to better
meet the needs of the residents of our neighborhood,” said Nick Bonifacio, president,
board of directors, West Side Community Services. “This van will allow us to
build upon the many programs we have in place to continue enhancing the health
and well-being of the West Side community. The Independent Health Foundation
has been an outstanding partner, and we’re grateful for their support in
helping us bring this vital resource to the community.”
“The
Foundation and West Side Community Services look forward to this opportunity to
continue to work together to care for the community,” said Meyer. “Providing easier
access to health care is one of the many ways we are working to help community
members become more engaged in their health. This transportation service will
help us expand our relationship with the community and Independent Health members.”
The
van will provide scheduled pickups from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. Individuals are asked to call West Side Community Services at 884-6616
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule transportation at
least 24 hours before their appointment to ensure availability. West Side
Community Services will be asking for a voluntary donation of $3 each way per
patient; a friend or family member may accompany the individual scheduled for
the appointment if needed.
More information can
also be found online at www.westsidecommunityservices.org.
Established in 1992,
the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of
Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, wellness and
education programs focused on community health priorities. For more information
on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation or call 635-4959.
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