In the News

More mobile medical units to hit the streets of WNY

Dr. Raul Vazquez is redefining community medicine with the addition of three new mobile clinics that will help provide equitable healthcare to those in need.

 Liz Lewin (WGRZ) | 10:23 PM EST December 8, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Equitable health care is something doctors and medical experts alike have been pushing for here in Western New York, especially Dr. Raul Vazquez, a longtime family medicine doctor and president of Urban Family Medicine on Buffalo’s West Side.

Erie County Department of Health reminds patients about ER alternatives

By I’Jaz Ja’ciel Erie County | Oct. 08, 2021

As hospitals remain inundated with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are having trouble receiving the medical care they need. Instead of heading to the ER for a medical emergency, considering alternative facilities and health care services may help patients get concerns addressed in a timely manner.

Doctor reacts to vaccine mandate

By: Hannah Buehler | Sep 28, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Western New York doctor who mandated the vaccine in January for his employees was one of the first in the area to do so.

Dr. Raul Vazquez of Urban Family Practice in Buffalo says it was the best decision for his staff.

Who would be eligible to get a 3rd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

By: Olivia Proia | Aug 12, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Doctors said there are new concerns that certain vaccinated immunocompromised individuals have failed to achieve adequate antibodies to COVID-19.

“There’s an increasing amount of data that exists that their response to the vaccination is sub-optimal. There’s also an increasing amount of data that shows that vaccinated people who land in the hospital and get more severely ill these are the individuals that’s occurring with. Lastly, there’s an increasing body that shows if they receive a third shot, it enhances their antibody response,” Dr. Thomas Russo, professor and Chief of Infectious Disease at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo, said.

Stories from the business trail: Leaders in Buffalo share insight on working with Kathy Hochul

By Dan Miner – Reporter, Buffalo Business First | Aug 12, 2021

Kathy Hochul has long been an active presence in Western New York, from her days as Erie County clerk to becoming a U.S. representative to a stint at M&T Bank and finally as New York’s lieutenant governor. With the impending resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Hochul is set to become the state’s first female governor, a job with local, statewide and even national implications. Here’s what some local business leaders said about working with her.

The future of Health Care: Roundtable

Aug 6, 2021

Patients and caregivers alike should expect growth and lasting changes to emerge from the upheaval caused in health care by Covid-19, local industry leaders say.

What to keep and what to scuttle when it comes to caring for patients and clients postpandemic prompted some lively conversation among health-care providers who participated in the Panel of Experts session hosted by Business First of Buffalo.

Delta variant convincing some to get vaccinated

Vaccine pop-ups are happening across Erie County, as more people now chose to get the shot.

By: Hannah | Aug 05, 2021

BUFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Ryan Stang admits, after a bout with COVID on Super Bowl Sunday, he was vaccine hesitant.

“In my opinion, what would be the purpose of getting the vaccine if I already had the antibodies,” he said.

Micro-credential program teaches students to see diabetes from patient’s POV

Diabetes Mentorship Program sessions occurred in person in 2019 (top) and virtually in 2020 (bottom). The program returns to an in-person experience in fall 2021.

By CHRISTOPHER SCHOBERT | August 2, 2021

“The ability to have an honest conversation with patients about their barriers and limitations helps you as a provider, and increases your cultural competency. ”
Olivia Waldman, second-year student
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

A key experience for students at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is working one-on-one with patients to move beyond theory into hands-on engagement. The Diabetes Mentorship Program offers a unique way for students to acquire knowledge of diabetes and diabetes management and treatment by mentoring — and being mentored by — patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

JC Seneca Foundation holds Health and Healing Expo in Irving

Dr. Raul Vazquez and his Urban Family Practice team had a mobile medical unit providing both Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer COVID vaccines.

Author: WGRZ Staff | July 31, 2021

IRVING, N.Y. — A pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic was held this weekend for a community in need in Chautauqua County.

The JC Seneca Foundation held a Health and Healing Expo on Saturday at the Tallchief Outdoor Events Center and Native Pride Travel Plaza located on Southwestern Boulevard in Irving. But it wasn’t your typical health fair.

Amid COVID spike, vaccinations increase at some locations, still stagnant at others

‘It hasn’t been an avalanche of interest over the vaccine but it is definitely on the upswing and I think that is likely to even grow in the coming weeks and days.”

Author: Jackie Roberts | July 31, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — According to the Erie County Department of Health (EDOH), the county is now experiencing ‘substantial’ community transmission of COVID-19 based on guidance from the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC).

As a result, starting Saturday, July 31, anyone entering an Erie County building or facility must wear a face mask. The mandate applies to all employees, vendors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.

With a low vaccination rate in the Latino community, leaders work to combat hesitancy

Leaders in Western New York’s Latino community said the spread of misinformation on social media is leading to low vaccination rates.

By: Olivia Proia | Jul 29, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Leaders in Western New York’s Latino community said the spread of misinformation on social media is leading to low vaccination rates.

“Facebook and Instagram and TikTok, they become sort of that information to people that really have no liability,” Dr. Raul Vazquez, a physician at Urban Family Practice said, “We get some bizarre, people are going to put a chip in me. Look at the metal, people that have gotten the vaccine now have a magnet that attaches to that location. It’s just the stuff is beyond… You don’t want to laugh about it, but you don’t know where these concepts are coming from. Why are people thinking this way?”

COVID-19 vaccination clinic to be held on Seneca Nation Saturday

The JC Seneca Foundation is hosting a health & healing expo, which will also serve as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, at the Tallchief Outdoor Event Center.

Author: Nate Benson (WGRZ) | July 29, 2021

IRVING, N.Y. — The JC Seneca Foundation is hosting a health and healing expo, which will include a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, July 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“I wanted to sponsor an event that was more than the traditional health fair,” Seneca stated in a press release. “That’s why we invited a variety of care providers in the fields of healthy minds and bodies.”

 

Buffalo doctor looking for state aid to better serve communities hit hard by COVID

New York State plans to allocate $15 million to communities that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Author: Liz Lewin (WGRZ) | July 28, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — One Buffalo primary care doctor is already taking action, 24 hours after Governor Cuomo announced that he would be allocating $15 million from the state budget to help promote vaccinations and support communities across that the state that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Vaccine Mandates Enacted in Parts of the Country, No Mandate in Buffalo so Far

VA Gives Healthcare Workers 8 Weeks to get Vaccine

This announcement is in stark contrast to New York City’s policy, where all municipal workers must get vaccinated or get tested every week. California has the same policy for all state workers and health care employees. Dr. Vazquez said people should not be scared of the vaccine.

By: Natalie Fahmy | Jul 26, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Vaccine mandates are going into effect across the country, but so far, not in the city of Buffalo.

“We are not mandating vaccination in the city of buffalo, we are providing assistance to any employee and any city resident who would like to get vaccinated,” Mayor Byron Brown said.

WESTERN MEDICINE, HEALTH AND HEALING EXPO THIS SATURDAY

Published: July 26, 2021

There is an exciting event that Country 1065 WYRK invites you to join us for this weekend!

The JC Seneca Foundation is presenting it’s first ever Health & Healing Expo at the Tallchief Outdoor Events Center on July 31st from 10a – 3pm.

This is a free event that will be open to the public and starts at 10 AM this Saturday. The goal is to offer those who join us information on health and healing for your body your mind and your spirit! Representatives from traditional medicine and treatment groups as well as holistic healers and nutritionist will be presenting on stage and also offering one on one instruction.

Medical group expanding community programs on Buffalo’s West Side

Greater Buffalo United Association bought three buildings on Niagara Street across from G-Health Enterprises to help expand the medical group’s community programming

Author: WGRZ Staff | July 21, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — New construction is coming to Buffalo’s West Side.

Greater Buffalo United Association just bought three buildings on Niagara Street across from G-Health Enterprises to help expand the medical group’s community programming.

Dr. Raul Vazquez, the founder of GBUAHN and the CEO of Urban Family Practice, says this expansion is going to better prepare the community for surviving the next pandemic.

Greater Buffalo United acquires three properties, expands on West Side

The new buildings make more room to expand services from the CBO to those patients, while creating a central referral system to make connections to other organizations, said Dr. Raul Vazquez, CEO.

By Tracey Drury and James Fink – Buffalo Business First | Jul 20, 2021

A Buffalo-based medical group is expanding its community-based services on its West Side campus with the acquisition of three properties.

Excellence in Health Care: Terrance Gaiter, Urban Family Practice

By Michelle Cioci Adams – Managing Editor , Buffalo Business First | Jun 11, 2021

Congratulations to Terrance Gaiter, one of this year’s Excellence in Health Care winners.

Four Western New York Zip codes among 25 lowest for vaccination rates in the state

Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 25 zip codes with the lowest vaccination rates in the state. Of the 25 zip codes, four are in Western New York.

By: Olivia Proia| Jun 08, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 25 zip codes with the lowest vaccination rates in the state. Of the 25 zip codes, four are in Western New York:

14737: Franklinville, vaccination rate 31%
14070: Gowanda, vaccination rate 31.2%
14211: Buffalo, vaccination rate 33.4%
14042: Delevan, vaccination rate 33.8%

University At Buffalo – UB Now: WNY COVID-19 Research Collaborative Receives Funding To Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy

The Western New York COVID-19 Research Collaborative has received a $55,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to promote vaccine …

MARCENE ROBINSON | May 20, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES • 5/11/2021

The Western New York COVID-19 Research Collaborative has received a $55,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to promote vaccine acceptance in the region.

WNY COVID-19 Research Collaborative receives funding to reduce vaccine hesitancy

By Marcene Robinson | May 19, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Western New York COVID-19 Research Collaborative has received a $55,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to promote vaccine acceptance in the region.

Through the project, the collaborative will interview community leaders to discuss concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination among medically underserved populations, distribute educational materials on vaccine development, and host informative events that allow community members to ask researchers and clinicians questions about vaccination.

Mayor Brown Announces Important Updates To Buffalo’s Response To The Coronavirus Emergency

Press release from the City of Buffalo: | May 17, 2021

Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown today reminded Lovejoy residents that bulk trash collection will take place through Saturday, May 22. Residents are asked to follow all posted parking restrictions and alternate side parking rules to allow bulk trash crews to make pickups.

NFTA to host pop-up vaccination sites, medical leaders say this can help underserved communities

by: Marlee Tuskes | May 12, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced five new vaccination pop-up sites at NFTA stations across Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Open from May 14 to May 15 and then again from May 17 to May 19, people can make appointments or walk-in for a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the University Metro Rail Station, Utica Metro Rail Station, Buffalo Metropolitan Transportation Center, Portage Road Transportation Center and AppleTree Mall/Business Park Locations.

Governor Cuomo Announces Five New Pop-up Vaccination Sites at NFTA Stations in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Areas

COVID-19 VACCINE

Albany | May 12, 2021

Governor Cuomo Announces Five New Pop-up Vaccination Sites at NFTA Stations in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Areas

University Metro Rail Station, Utica Metro Rail Station, Buffalo Metropolitan Transportation Center, Portage Road Transportation Center and AppleTree Mall/Business Park Locations Open from May 14 to May 15 and from May 17 to May 19

NFTA to Provide A Free Seven-Day Pass to Individuals Who Get Vaccinated at One of the Sites

All Sites Open for Walk-in Vaccinations on a First Come, First Served Basis

New Vaccination Site at Sahlen Field in Buffalo Beginning June 1; People Who Take Vaccine At Site Receive Voucher for Free Ticket to Buffalo Bisons Game; Blue Jays to Host Vaccine Raffle

Vaccinations in Erie County stall at the halfway point

by: George Richert | May 7, 2021

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) — There is now far more vaccine supply than demand in Western New York, and efforts to get even half of the Erie County population vaccinated have slowed down considerably.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown just got his first vaccine Friday afternoon, saying he wanted to make sure there was enough availability for those who may have needed it more. “I wanted to get vaccinated at this time to show it’s painless, it’s easy, it’s quick, and for us to get back to normal as a community, as a society, we need to get as many people vaccinated as possible.”

In the past three weeks, the number of Erie County residents receiving their first vaccine has dropped in half from what it was three weeks before, and half of Erie County is still not vaccinated.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to be Held at Love Elementary Thursday

MAY 5, 2021 BY WRFA

The Chautauqua County Health Department is holding a community vaccination clinic at Love Elementary School this Thursday. The clinic is for anyone 18 years of age and older and will be able to accommodate walk-in’s. It takes place Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said there will be Spanish translators on hand at the clinic. JPS, the County, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, G-Health Enterprises and local Hispanic pastors had all collaborated to create videos to reach the Spanish-speaking population in Chautauqua County.

Increase in younger people hospitalized due to COVID-19

By: Jeff Slawson | Apr 22, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Current hospitalizations rates in Erie County, the highest since February, with younger people becoming a concern.

Local doctors argue case against COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

By Liz Lewin (WGRZ) | April 13, 2021

The CDC and FDA released a joint statement on Tuesday recommending the pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccines due to six rare cases of blood clotting.

What local medical expert is saying about J&J vaccine

“Remember it’s one in a million people to have this issue”
By Eileen Buckley | Apr 13, 2021

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — New federal recommendations call for an immediate pause of the Johnson & Johnson single use vaccine.

Buffalo Clinic Helps Native American Community get COVID-19 Vaccine

By WGRZ Staff | April 10, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Members of Western New York’s Native American community had another chance to get vaccinated in Buffalo on Saturday.

400 Attend Pop-Up Vaccination Site In Irving

By Anthony Dolce | April 9, 2021

IRVING — With COVID-19 vaccinations rolling out all over the country, accessibility to the vaccine can still be an issue, especially in rural areas. Thanks to the combined efforts of Dr. Raul Vazquez, president of Buffalo’s G-Health Enterprises, and J.C. Seneca, owner of Native Pride Travel Plaza, vaccinations were made more accessible.

Cuomo Announces 18 New Community-Based Pop-Up COVID Vaccination Sites

Will Reporting Vaccinations Help Employers get People Back to the Office?

By Tracey Drury – Reporter, Buffalo Business First | Apr 1, 2021, 6:00am EDT

Despite advances in technology during the pandemic, methods for tracking the virus and validating a vaccination have been surprisingly low-tech. New York’s new Excelsior Pass should help change that.

Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Held in Downtown Buffalo

By WGRZ Staff | March 27, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The effort to get Western New Yorkers vaccinated continued Saturday with a state-run, one-day, pop-up site at the Durham Memorial Outreach Center in downtown Buffalo.

New York State Announces 1-day COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Buffalo

By WGRZ Staff | March 25, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Editors Note: The above image is a stock/file photo of vaccines. The image does not necessarily indicate which brand of vaccine will be distributed at this clinic.

Houses of Worship Apply to be Vaccine Sites

By: Hannah Buehler, WKBW | Mar 23, 2021

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — Houses of Worship can now apply to become vaccine hubs, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Some Primary Care Doctors Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine Allocations from State

By: Gilat Melamed | Mar 23, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Some doctors will be able to vaccinate their patients, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. He said this is the first time the state will give COVID-19 allocations directly to doctors.

New York State Expands Vaccine Eligibility

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Some doctors will be able to vaccinate their patients, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. He said this is the first time the state will give COVID-19 allocations directly to doctors.

Doctor Says Buffalo Vaccine Pop-up Clinic Promotes Equitable Healthcare

by: News 4 Staff | Mar 19, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — 500 COVID-19 vaccines were brought in for the clinic at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center.

Pop-up Vaccination Clinic at Northwest Buffalo Community Center Promotes Health Equity

By NICK LIPPA |  MAR 19, 2021

Another one-day pop-up vaccination clinic is open in Buffalo today for residents of the 14207 zip code. The Northwest Buffalo Community Center is distributing vaccines until 4 p.m. this afternoon.

COVID Vaccine Hesitancy Persists in Communities of Color:

Author: Liz Lewin (WGRZ) |  March 11, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — It’s been three months since the first COVID vaccine was first available, and since then two other vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do You #KnowYourVax?:

There’s a lot of misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. So it’s critical that you get the facts from sources you can trust — like SUNY’s medical experts and trusted community leaders from across New York State. You can make a difference by talking to your friends and loved ones about the vaccine, calling out misinformation when you see it, and sharing trusted sources of information. Start by watching and sharing these PSAs from our SUNY experts.

COVID-19 Vaccine Disparity Addressed in Buffalo’s Black Rock, Riverside Neighborhoods:

Author: Jeff Preval | March 19, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. — After 2 On Your Side reported on the COVID-19 vaccine disparity in the Black Rock and Riverside areas of Buffalo, a pop-up clinic was held there Friday.

Doctor Says Buffalo Vaccine Pop-Up Clinic Promotes Equitable Healthcare:

by: News 4 Staff | Mar 19, 2021

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — 500 COVID-19 vaccines were brought in for the clinic at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center.

Several hundred Native Americans get vaccinated at Buffalo pop-up clinic:

Mike McAndrew | Feb 20, 2021

Organizers of a pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinic expected to immunize more than 300 Native Americans from across Western New York on Saturday in Buffalo.

The event at the Native American Community Services headquarters on Grant Street was limited to Native Americans who meet the state’s vaccination eligibility guidelines or their employees.

Does New York’s Latino Community Distrust the COVID Vaccine?

By Michael Mroziak / WSKE

BUFFALO, NY (WBFO) – In recent weeks, state leaders including Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul have insisted New York will distribute its supply of COVID vaccine with community health equity in mind. Leaders in Buffalo’s Black community speak of the need to build trust in the drug, and in the healthcare system.

Greater Buffalo United Accountable Care Organization Explored Growth Options Outside WNY

By Tracey Drury – Reporter, Buffalo Business First, Feb 9, 2021

Despite challenges posed during the pandemic last year, a Buffalo health care group managed to earn $3 million in 2020 in shared savings payments that will be a welcome deposit into the wallets of local physician groups and hospitals.

Roswell Park Helps Get COVID Vaccine Doses to WNY Providers

By Jeff Preval / WGRZ

When several Western New York health care providers were in need of doses of the vaccine, a series of operational moves went into effect to get the doses out.