Elected Officials Discuss Minimum Wage for Direct Support Professionals and Housing Crisis, Transportation and Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities

Candidate’s Hour presented by Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) will host Candidate’s Hour, a public forum, on Friday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 181 Lincoln Street, Depew, NY (a People Inc. location). This event is a powerful opportunity where candidates present their campaign positions and speak about current issues of government policy that affect people with developmental disabilities and their families.  Candidates Hour is a format which allows candidates to speak unfiltered and uninterrupted, as each addresses issues of concern to their constituencies, including the special needs of people with developmental disabilities served by various human services agencies in Western New York.  The candidates will be asked their position on various topics, including: the minimum wage increase for direct support professionals and the “bFair2DirectCare” campaign, the critical housing need for people with developmental disabilities and the concerns of family members, as well employment opportunities and transportation challenges for people with developmental disabilities.  Elected officials scheduled to be part of the panel discussion include: Assemblymember Erik Bohen, Assemblymember David J. DiPietro, Candidate Carmina El Behairy, Michael P. Kearns, Senator Patrick Gallivan, Congressman Brian Higgins, Senator Chris Jacobs, Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, Candidate Karen McMahon, Assemblymember Angelo Morinello, Assemblymember Mike Norris, Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Senator Robert Ortt, Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Senator Sean M. Ryan, Assemblymember Robin Schimminger, Candidate Joan Elizabeth Seamans, Assemblymember Monica Wallace and Assemblymember Raymond W. Walter.  The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities. While honoring individual agency missions, it is the intent of the Alliance to assist agencies to develop relationships, promote unified strategies and share risks for the mutual gain with and for the benefit of people with developmental disabilities. 

Elmwood Health Center Diabetes Education Program Recognized for Excellence

The Elmwood Health Center (EHC) , an affiliate of People Inc., recently received recertification for its Diabetes Education Program by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). EHC’s program remains in full compliance with the stringent national standards set by the AADE. “This recertification means we continue to stand among the country’s best programs,” said People Inc. Associate Vice President Frank Azzarelli. “We are incredibly proud of this achievement.” The Elmwood Health Center established its Diabetes Education Program in 2012 as a result of our active participation in the P2 Collaborative of WNY Diabetes Care Initiative. In 2014, the program served 89 patients which resulted in 138 visits with the EHC’s Certified Diabetes Educator. The news about the EHC’s recertification comes in the same month as The American Diabetes Association’s annual Diabetes Alert Day. Observed this year on March 24, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated.

Elmwood Health Center Participates in Federally-Funded Pilot Project That May Help Reduce Hospital Readmissions

People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center has been selected to play a major role in a federally-funded study project that may eventually change how patients are treated following their discharge from the hospital.   The Center will participate with the University at Buffalo School of Nursing as the lead entity and HEALTHeLINK, the regional health information organization, in the pilot project funded through a two-year, $298,000 grant from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).   Called the Care Transition Project, its goal is to work with primary care physician offices, their patients and families to see that patients receive follow-up care very soon after leaving the hospital.   Hospital readmissions is an area of increasing healthcare financial focus. Medicare alone spends an estimated $15 billion annually on readmissions, which occur after 30 days of discharge most frequently with older patients and especially those with a chronic disease.   “Experts believe that one way to prevent a return to the hospital or emergency room is through better communication to patients and their physicians about follow-up care,” said Associate Vice President, People Inc./Director, Elmwood Health Center, Frank Azzarelli.   As part of the study, the Elmwood Health Center will serve as the project’s only community-based health center. The Center will participate in the timely exchange of electronic health information to support nurse care coordinators in primary care offices in making proactive decisions that will prevent the readmission of patients to hospitals.   An important component of the project, a Care Transition Dashboard, will be developed to incorporate an alert message about a hospital discharge from HEALTHeLINK with information from Elmwood Health Center’s electronic medical record on that specific patient.   “This will enable discharged patients to be connected with, and seen by, their primary care provider in a much more timely manner, thus reducing readmission rates and subsequently overall hospital costs,” Azzarelli said.   “Ultimately, once the dashboard and care coordination processes are developed, this approach can be replicated in many primary care locations across the country,” he said.  

Elmwood Health Center Proud Recipient of Allscripts Client Award

With the help of HEALTHeLINK and the Beacon Project, People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center is a recent recipient of the 2013 Allscripts Outcomes Excellence Award: Connectivity . Allscripts, which has developed innovative solutions to enhance quality metrics and improve patient outcomes, recognizes hospital and physician group practices that have adopted their methods. In 2010, the Elmwood Health Center implemented Allscripts as its Electronic Health Records (EHR), and within one short year, it reached Patient-Centered Medical Home Level 3 Status. The Outcomes Excellence Award is the highest honor that Allscripts grants its clients annually for outstanding outcomes using Allscripts’ solutions. The award is split into three core categories: Clinical, Financial and Connectivity. The accolade in Connectivity, which was presented to the Elmwood Health Center, is bestowed upon a group for one or more of the following accomplishments: Accountable Care implementation, Patient Center Medical Home implementation, Health Information Exchange outcomes, quality of care through care integration and coordination across the continuum of care. “We have been successful due to our collaboration and work with HEALTHeLINK, as well as the Beacon Project,” shared Frank Azzarelli, People Inc. associate vice president and director of the Elmwood Health Center. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with HEALTHeLINK.” Allscripts’ criteria for this award are based upon a client’s ability to “achieve measurable, innovative, and positive world-class outcomes through a defined, documentable, quantified, and repeatable process that can be shared with the greater connected community of health.” The accolade means a great deal for People Inc. and the Elmwood Health Center. With recognition from Allscripts, the Elmwood Health Center can continue to proudly serve others and provide the very best care for countless patients. Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., provides primary and specialty care services to a diverse patient base and is recognized locally for its care of those with special needs. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.  

Elmwood Health Center Remains Open During COVID-19 Pandemic to Meet Healthcare Needs

Are you, a family member or friend in need of routine medical care? The Elmwood Health Center , an affiliate of People Inc., has implemented options to make it easier for patients to seek care in the most convenient way. Understanding that some people may prefer not to leave their home during this uncertain time, the Elmwood Health Center Team is ready and able to provide care with three options:  In-person visits at the Elmwood Health Center, 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY (border of Kenmore) Telephonic visits (tele-visits)  Video-visits  Staff will help determine the most appropriate way to provide assistance. The safety of patients and staff is of utmost importance. The Elmwood Health Center is adhering to current guidelines from the New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control, while taking every precaution to make the office safe for patients. The Elmwood Health Center is accepting new patients. All major health insurance plans accepted. For more information, go to elmwoodhealthcenter.org or call 716.874.4500.

Elmwood Health Center to Launch Updated Website on July 15

The Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., is pleased to announce the launch of an updated  website  scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Check it out then. We do not anticipate any interruption to website access and the URL remains the same. All of the information that patients need will continue to be available on the new website. However, please let the Elmwood Health Center team know if you have any concerns, or experience any issues, once the new website has been launched. For any urgent concerns, call 716.874.4500.

Emergency Preparedness Presentation at People Inc. Pine Senior Living in Lockport

Being prepared for an unexpected emergency is important knowledge to have. A presentation called, “Are you ready for an emergency?” will be hosted by People Inc. Pine Senior Living during its open house on Wednesday, July 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport. The presentation, which will start at 2 p.m., is by Terri Mannarino, Niagara County project coordinator for Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University.  During the free presentation, Mannarino will discuss what to do during disasters and how to prepare for a personal or community wide emergency. Attendees will receive a free first aid kit. Seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the open house and presentation as apartment tours will be available. Two benefits of People Inc. Pine Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Monthly rent is based on the tenant’s and/or couple’s adjusted income. As an added cost savings, some utilities are included. The one-bedroom apartments include a kitchen with appliances. For added safety, there is a day-time manager and a live-in caretaker for building emergencies. Safety features include stove fire prevention devices, grab bars in the bathroom, emergency pull-cords and a secure entrance. The apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities and a 24-hour response system. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide tenants assistance to supports and services at no extra charge. Group transportation to grocery stores is provided. For tenants who like to socialize, there are a variety of social events and community outings held throughout the year.  Registration for the presentation is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 716.433.3381. People Inc. manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For information about other locations, call 716.817.9090. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org . Like us on Facebook at People Inc . and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews .

Environmental Modifications (E-mods)/Adaptive Technologies Available

Try the NEW Environmental Modifications online application The physical environment may be a barrier for people with disabilities. However, when modified properly, surroundings can also become one of many facilitators to help with daily routines and participating in activities. Find out about the People Inc. Environmental Modifications (E-mods)/Adaptive Technologies that are available – applying for People Inc. Environmental Modifications (E-mods) is now easier than ever. This latest version of the application can now be completed online in minutes: Open the file using Internet Explorer. If you don’t use Internet Explorer, download the application and open it with Adobe Acrobat. Complete the required sections and submit to your supervisor for approval. The application packet will link the person with a project manager and an in-home clinician consultation to review accessibility conditions. People Inc. will also coordinate with an architect when needed to safely meet program and local requirements. For more details and to learn about eligibility, contact Anthony Rushford, project director, at arushford@people-inc.org . More information is also available by contacting: Buffalo and the Southern Tier: Call 716.880.3815 Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions: Call 585.719.3417

Epilepsy Presentation Focuses on Overcoming Obstacles

April 8, 2019: As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host a free presentation called, “A Conversation about Epilepsy” on Saturday, April 27, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The presenter, Kyle Kieffer, will share his personal experiences with epilepsy. Kieffer will provide valuable insights on how people can handle and overcome the obstacles of epilepsy. He will also share advancements in treatment technologies and information about celebrities who have epilepsy and how it has shaped their careers.  The presentation is ideal for people with epilepsy and their families, teachers and educational staff, nurses, students, medical and human services agencies and child care providers.  Refreshments will available. Registration encouraged. To register or for more information, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716-629-3626. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.