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.

Nominations Now Accepted for DSP of the Year

People Inc. is accepting nominations for its annual Direct Support Professionals (DSP) of the Year Awards! Award recipients are staff members of People Inc. who provide direct support for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and demonstrate superior care and consistent dedication. At least 15 winners will be selected and announced during DSP Week, September 6-12, 2020. Each winner will receive a $1,000 monetary award. DSP Recognition Week is observed nationally and honors these wonderful professionals for the valuable contributions they provide.  We are seeking nominations from people we support, parents, guardians, family members, community members and staff. Winners will be chosen through an impartial committee review. Submit a nomination through  printable PDF  or  online . Nominations must be received by August 9, 2020.

June 15, 2020 Parent and Caregiver Group Virtual Meeting on June 19

Parent Network of Western New York is hosting virtual meetings for parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. These meetings will take place on Fridays, June 19 and 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This online event provides a welcoming environment for parents, family members and other caregivers to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support. More information can be found on the  Parent Network website . Please share this information and  flyer  with anyone who may be interested.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement from People Inc.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire agency, People Inc. and its affiliates are committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for everyone—the people that we support, our employees and our communities.  Recently, there has been civil unrest locally and across the nation regarding social injustices and systemic oppression for people of color. We express our sincere condolences to the families of people that have lost loved ones and who have been harmed due to horrific, racially-based acts. We strongly denounce racism and violence in society, and support the need for equality for all people of color.  We will continue to work together with the help of our DEI Committee to unite our communities and create a better future for all.

May 31, 2020 People Inc. is an Essential Employer

People Inc. is an essential business. Therefore, we are reminding all staff of People Inc., as essential employees, to keep this  letter  available at all times. Please carry your issued ID, as well.

$2.25 Million Grant to Assist WNY Dental Patients with Special Needs

Higgins Announces $2.25 Million for Erie County Medical Center to Assist WNY Dental Patients with Special Needs Expanded Services Made Possible Through Collaborative Effort with People Inc. Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the award of a 5-year federal grant totaling $2.25 million through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for expansion of their Special Needs Dentistry program. The Special Needs Dentistry program at Erie County Medical Center plans to use this federal funding to create a state-of-the-art dental center dedicated to the unique needs of adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Collaborating with People Inc., ECMC plans to outfit the center with specialized dental equipment, as well as support faculty and staff dedicated to treating this underserved population. The funding will also be used to train dental providers so that they may pursue careers in the community with the necessary skills to treat adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Part of this award will be devoted to improving the training of dental residents, students and assistants both chairside and in the operating room. “For residents of Western New York, ECMC and People Inc. are trusted providers of quality services and care and this initiative takes the incredible work they do one step further,” said Congressman Higgins. “This federal grant supports an exciting partnership that will strengthen and grow opportunities to better serve and improve the health of people with special needs.” Elizabeth B. Kapral MS, DDS, Attending Dentist, Oral Oncology & Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Erie County Medical Center said, "Alongside my incredible colleagues at ECMC, I have worked diligently over the past 5 years to improve dental care for adults with special healthcare needs, and to train the next generation of dentists to feel confident in doing the same throughout their careers. When I began my tenure at ECMC, our department identified this great need in the community, and worked tirelessly to address that need. We were thrilled that People Inc. approached us with this opportunity, but quickly realized the need for grant funding to make this dream possible. I am immensely grateful to my colleagues and administrators at ECMC who afforded us this opportunity to work with People Inc. and the population they serve. We could not be more thrilled." Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO of People Inc said, “To tackle big issues, it’s all about collaboration. People Inc. and our Elmwood Health Center are very happy to work with ECMC on establishing a Dental Clinic as part of overall plan for the new Health Center under construction now. Dr. Kapral’s passion and expertise are incredible assets to this team effort. Best of all, the dental needs of our special population are going to be met in a quality manner in a convenient and familiar setting!” This federal funding was awarded under the HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants for General, Pediatric, and Public Health Dentistry, the purpose of which is to improve access to dentistry services, particularly to low income, underserved, uninsured, underrepresented minority, health disparity, and rural populations.

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.

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

People Inc., an Essential Employer, is Hiring in Greater Rochester Region

During this challenging time, many people locally have been displaced from their places of employment. In response, People Inc. encourages people in the Greater Rochester region to consider a career in human services. As an essential employer, People Inc. provides supports 24/7 for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs and their families throughout the area.  Currently, People Inc. is hiring behavior technicians for its community-based residential locations. These employees play an integral part assisting people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible by supporting them through the implementation of behavior plans. This position requires a high school diploma/GED and a valid driver’s license that meets agency policy. People Inc. is currently hiring throughout the region, with immediate opportunities in Greece, NY. Full time and part time positions are available. People Inc. provides comprehensive paid training and extensive benefits. Job seekers who are patient and enjoy a new experience every day, while assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, may apply online at people-inc.org/careers. Recruiters will work with candidates in a timely manner through the hiring process. Through at least the end of May, the orientation process has been condensed. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout the Greater Rochester region and Western New York. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers.