WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – May 5, 2006 – In what is being called a collaborative commitment toward improving the region’s well being, leaders of the Independent Health Foundation were joined yesterday by Bergal Mitchell, a member of the Seneca Diabetes Foundation Board of Directors, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, and Niagara Falls Mayor Vincenzo V. Anello in launching an aggressive, new regional initiative to improve the health and wellness of thousands of people throughout Western New York’s most challenged communities.

The “Good for the Neighborhoodsm” initiative will provide healthy living training and learning tools to assist people in managing their own health care more effectively and improving their overall health. The recently announced partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians will fall under the Good for the Neighborhood umbrella to assist in the prevention, control and care of diabetes for the entire Seneca Nation.

In January, the Independent Health Foundation pledged $500,000 in programs and services over three years to the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Seneca Diabetes Foundation to address the prevalence of diabetes which affecting one in two adults in the Seneca Nation.

The Good for the Neighborhood program will also be offered in select neighborhoods in the East and West sides of the City of Buffalo and the City of Niagara Falls.

“On behalf of the entire Seneca Nation of Indians, I want to thank Independent Health for joining us in the fight against diabetes and their continuing efforts to help improve the health of our members,” said President Barry E. Snyder. “We are confident that by working in a true spirit of cooperation and collaboration with Seneca leadership, the Seneca Diabetes Foundation and the Seneca Nation Health Department, the Independent Health Foundation will tailor programs and provide services that benefit our entire community, young and old alike.”

As part of the innovative program announced earlier this year, Independent Health is also working to develop internships and employment opportunities that will help provide the Seneca Nation with the tools needed to accomplish the goals of this unique partnership – a partnership that continues with the newly-launched Good for the Neighborhood initiative.

“The Independent Health Foundation is committing $2 million over three years to develop these programs and take them directly to people in medically at-risk communities,” said Michael Cropp, M.D., president and CEO, Independent Health. “This commitment to the community demonstrates that we are engaging in a long-term, measurable plan to change people’s lifestyle habits and that we are serious about investing the money and time needed to make a difference.”

The primary goals of the Good for the Neighborhood initiative are:

• to encourage residents to develop and maintain an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor
• to encourage healthier eating habits
• to emphasize the importance of keeping a regular physical fitness routine
• to encourage smokers to quit and non-smokers not to start

The Independent Health Foundation will locate its Good for the Neighborhood programs at schools and community centers in medically at-risk neighborhoods and offer comprehensive health and wellness programs to area residents of all ages on a regular basis utilizing a “one-stop shopping” approach.

“No other organization in the Western New York area is providing comprehensive health education and wellness services in such a collaborative manner,” said Gretchen Fierle, vice president of community relations and communications. “We believe that this “community-model” approach is proven and sustainable and shifts us in a new direction for providing health services throughout a community. It can serve as a model to other communities struggling to address the health care needs of the medically underserved and residents at risk.”

Following yesterday’s main kick-off event, held at Independent Health’s corporate headquarters, localized events will be held in each of the medically at-risk neighborhoods that Good for the Neighborhood is targeting.

According to Dr. Cropp, any successful community-based program requires the involvement of the broadest set of stakeholders, which is why the Foundation will work closely with faith-based organizations, schools and leaders within each community and partner organizations.  Weight Watchers® has agreed to become involved in this community initiative, offering workshops and classes to a limited number of people free of charge.

“A challenge of this magnitude could not be executed by the Independent Health Foundation alone. It is the innovative collaboration with so many partners who all share the common goal of helping people get healthy that will enable this program to flourish,” added Dr. Cropp.

According to a 2004-05 study commissioned by the University at Buffalo’s Population Health Observatory, there is a significant incidence of health risks and severe health problems in the targeted communities including obesity, heart disease and smoking.

In addition, research provided by the Seneca Diabetes Foundation indicates one in two adults in the Seneca Nation has diabetes, compared to only seven percent of the U.S. population, and that the disease is affecting its people at earlier ages.

“These statistics alone demonstrate the need for a long-term investment of time and finances and to monitor change in areas where health problems and risks are most severe,” said Dr. Cropp.

The University at Buffalo Family Medicine Research Institute will track information collected at Good for the Neighborhood sites and analyze data. University at Buffalo medical students will assist in the screening of community residents, creating an educational opportunity for students and a chance for medical students to engage in direct healthcare assistance within the community.

The funding for this program comes from the Independent Health Foundation and is made possible through grant money and acquired sponsorships. The programs are open to residents in all communities and not limited to Independent Health members.

Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well being of Western New York residents through health awareness, prevention, wellness education and other programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Frank J. Sava
Independent Health
635-3885
Dick Shaner, Jr.
Travers Collins & Company
842-2222, ext. 326