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.  

People Inc. to Host 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

Bidding for Good online pre-auction now open On Monday, August 18, 2014, People Inc. will host its 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament to benefit the People Inc. Foundation. The event will take place at East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Road, East Aurora.   Tee off times for the tournament are 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages will regularly be offered throughout the course. An evening reception and auction will take place at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentation at 7 p.m.   Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, People Inc. Foundation board member and longtime supporter of People Inc., is serving as chairperson of the event.   Teams are encouraged to reserve spaces online at www.people-inc.org. Click on the “Event Registration and Online Orders” button to be directed to People Inc.’s secure e-commerce site.   Several sponsorship opportunities are also available.   In addition to day-of festivities, the Drive Fore Disabilities Auction is offering an online pre-auction hosted by charitable e-commerce company, Bidding for Good. Log on to biddingforgood.com/peopleinc to discover amazing auction items such as Disney Hopper tickets, sports memorabilia, jewelry, gift cards and more. The auction is now open and will continue through August 17, until 10 p.m.   For more information about sponsorships, or if you would like to donate an auction item, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at 716-817-7269, or by email at ssnyder@people-inc.org .   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. The People Inc. Foundation supports people with developmental disabilities, families and seniors when needed services are not available from public or private resources.  

People Inc. Announces Retirement of James Boles, EdD, as President/CEO; Appoints Current COO Rhonda Frederick as Successor Effective Oct. 1

Board Follows Long-Term Succession Plan for Smooth Leadership Transition The Board of Directors of People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, announced today that James M. Boles, EdD, will retire as president and chief executive officer effective October 1, 2014, and will be succeeded by Rhonda Frederick, currently chief operating officer for People Inc.   “We truly want to thank Dr. Boles for his more than three decades of service in building People Inc. into one of the flagship human services agencies not only in Western New York but throughout the country,” said Mary Ann Kedron, PhD, board chairperson, in making the dual announcement.   “As the human services field continues to evolve and change, we are well poised with Rhonda’s experience and demonstrated capabilities to continue our person-centered service as a leader and innovator,” she said.   Dr. Boles assumed the leadership position at People Inc. in 1981 and in 33 years oversaw the growth of the agency from 200 staff members and a $2 million annual budget to one with more than 3,200 staff serving 12,000+ individuals and a budget of $144 million.   He is the founder of the Museum of disABILITY History in Buffalo and was honored for his work there with the Hervey B. Wilbur Preservation Award from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).  Dr. Boles was also appointed in 2006 by President George W. Bush to serve as an advisory committee member on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID).   Frederick first began working at People Inc. in 1980 as a direct care staff member after receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work from Rochester Institute of Technology. She later earned her master’s degree in public administration from Canisius College and rose through the ranks to become the agency’s chief operating officer in 2002.   Because of the commitment by the board and senior leadership to succession planning, Frederick was able to assume increasing responsibilities as COO to facilitate her eventual transition to the top agency leadership role.  She oversaw 93 percent of the annual budget and almost the entire workforce in that capacity.   Frederick was also responsible for overseeing all residential and day services, service coordination, in-home supports, senior services and health-related services; and administrative oversight of the quality improvement, government relations, program development and legal functions.   She is People Inc.’s lead liaison with regulatory and government funding agencies and serves as president of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY).   As part of the agency’s succession plan the board looked at various options, as well as the environment, future challenges and the agency’s culture, when choosing a successor to Dr. Boles.   “Because of Dr. Boles’ strategic direction, we anticipate a very seamless transition in our CEO position,” Kedron said. “We will continue in that direction as we strengthen and enhance our services as the largest human services agency in the region with a special focus on quality improvement, staff support and continued expansion into healthcare services.”   After the leadership change becomes effective October 1, Dr. Boles will continue to serve in an advisory capacity and assist in the transition until the end of 2014 before continuing in his education, advocacy and research role supporting the work of the Museum of disABILITY History and producing publications through People Ink Press.   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.  

U.S. Paralympic Athlete Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on athlete's personal experiences, road to Paralympic success The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome U.S. Paralympic athlete, Adam Page, as the latest speaker in its Person First Forum Series. The event, entitled, "Living an Independent Life, Making Dreams a Reality," will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The presentation will focus on Page's personal experiences, highlighting his introduction to sled hockey and road to Paralympic success. A resident of Lancaster, NY, Page is a Paralympic athlete who has inspired many with his abilities on and off the ice. Born on March 10, 1992, with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Page found sled hockey at the age of 6 and has been playing for sixteen years. At 14, he was chosen for the USA Development Team and, not long after, joined the USA men's national team at the age of 15. Page has participated in the 2010 and 2014 Paralympics in Vancouver, British Colombia and Sochi, Russia, respectively. Additionally, he has taken part in four world championships, winning two gold medals, a silver and a bronze. Alongside his role as an athlete, Page currently volunteers with his father, Norman, starting new sled hockey programs across the country. The programs give youth, adults and veterans the chance to play the sport that has given Page, himself, so many opportunities. In his spare time, Page enjoys downhill skiing, golf and bowling. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Page’s childhood hockey sled, crafted by his father, is presently on display at the Museum of disABILITY History as part of the Sports and Disability exhibit. The Person First Forum with Adam Page is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, call 716-629-3626.   The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.  

Lockport Artist Cindy Few Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Artist's struggles, successes and whimsical illustrations to be the focus of presentation The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome its latest addition to the ongoing Person First Forum series: local artist Cindy Few. Few’s discussion, entitled, “Art, My Gift and My Companion,” will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   The presentation will focus on the artist’s personal experiences and will highlight numerous aspects of her growing career, from the people who have supported her to her plans for the future. Few will also discuss the evolution of her work over time.   A resident of Lockport, Cindy Few is a local artist whose whimsical illustrations have helped her overcome life’s hurdles and have inspired many in the process. Few was born with a congenital heart defect and, at 14, underwent open heart surgery to help correct oxygen insufficiency and the possibility of stroke. Alongside this complication, learning disabilities made schoolwork a challenge. However, Few discovered a talent that was more powerful: her artistic abilities.   Throughout her student career, Few found numerous outlets for her talent, even discovering that her illustrations could be used to better understand her studies. However, Few would later find she had another challenge facing her besides her learning disability. She developed schizophrenia, which adversely affected her concentration, as well as the motivation she had once had for her illustrations. However, with the help of a naturopathic doctor, medication and alterations to her diet, Few has since reconnected with her artwork. She now has greeting cards professionally printed and would like to write and illustrate a book in the future.   The Person First Forum is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, call 716-629-3626.   The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.  

People Inc. Holly Senior Living in Angola Hosts Flag Dedication and Open House

Tours Available of Affordable Senior Living Apartments People Inc. Holly Senior Living Apartments will host a Flag Dedication and Open House on Thursday, June 12, 2014, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 174 North Main Street in Angola. Seniors in need of affordable housing and family members accompanying their loved ones are encouraged to attend to receive a tour and learn about income eligibility.   The event will begin with a flag dedication ceremony, shortly followed by refreshments and apartment tours. Attendees are encouraged to bring any tattered, torn and faded flags for proper disposal. The collection will support “Stars for our Troops,” an organization that repurposes old flags and sends flags’ embroidered stars to serving members of the military as a reminder that they are not forgotten. Judge Dennis P. Glascott will provide remarks during the ceremony.   For independent seniors age 62 or older, People Inc. Holly Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances and accessible bathroom. Monthly rent is based on income and some utilities are included. Potential tenants need to meet both the federally mandated income and age requirements at the time of application. The exceptionally maintained apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24-hour on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Service coordinators are available to provide connections to services as needed to tenants at no extra charge. For individuals who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year.   Conveniently located in close proximity to Derby, Hamburg, and Silver Creek, People Inc. Holly Senior Living provides a quiet, small-town setting but with all essential amenities. The apartment building is within walking distance of a post office, library, bus stop (76-O) and movie theatre, and is just minutes from a number of beach parks, restaurants, banks and shopping.   For more information, call 716-549-1606. People Inc. manages 18 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing affordable and safe housing for independent seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716-817-9090.   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.

People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History Holds Ceremony to Mark the Restoration of the Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery

Recitation of Names Laid to Rest, Volunteer Recognition and Unveiling of Merritt-Spencer Monument Included The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., and Niagara County officials held a ceremony June 5, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery, 5526 Niagara Street Extension, Lockport, to mark the restoration of the neglected cemetery and honor the lives of the more than 1,400 Niagara County Almshouse residents who died and were buried there, most with unmarked graves, between 1830-1916.   Staff from People Inc. and the Museum, along with volunteers, have been working for two years to clear 96 years of overgrown brush and beautify the space. Today, the ceremony included the unveiling of a special memorial plaque and refurbished Merritt monument, the only inscribed gravestone at the location. Approximately 40 names of individuals laid to rest in the cemetery were read during the program. William Ross, chairman, Niagara County Legislature, presented a proclamation for the cemetery restoration event.   Seven years ago, People Inc. and the Museum of disABILITY History aligned with the nationwide Operation Dignity movement to restore institutional cemeteries. This is the fourth cemetery staff and volunteers have helped to restore. Other projects included Jolls Cemetery in Perrysburg, Gowanda Psychiatric Center Memorial Cemetery and Wheater Road Cemetery in Collins. The fifth cemetery restoration is underway at Craig Colony Crematory in Sonyea. In total, approximately 5,000 graves have been touched by the work.   As news of the restoration projects has spread, area families have come forth to identify their ancestors. Through this effort, people like Chris McDonough, a Texas resident with ties to Western New York, have been able to take heartfelt glimpses into their family histories.   “You have given us our grandfather,” said McDonough in an email to Dave Mack-Hardiman, a People Inc. associate vice president who has spearheaded the project. “We never met him as the family kept his life a secret to all of us children. Thank you so much for giving us a small part of his life. Growing up we were told he had passed away in the 40s. Modern technology and your help has changed that narrative.”   “It has been a unique opportunity to help family members identify their ancestors through the restoration project,” said Mack-Hardiman. “Though our efforts, we have helped at least 50 people learn more about their family members.”   It is estimated that more than one million Americans are buried in institutional cemeteries. Many of these lonely resting places have fallen into disrepair or neglect. Row upon row of numbered gravestones or cast iron markers are the eternal symbols of institutional depersonalization. Some families have searched for decades for names or any shred of information about their ancestors who are buried under weeds and tangled vines. As such, New York State agencies like People Inc., who serve people with developmental disabilities, have been involved in renovating these final resting places and have pushed for support for S.2514, legislation that would amend the Mental Hygiene law in order to permit Department of Mental Hygiene agencies to make available the names, dates of birth and dates of death of patients buried in state mental health hospital cemeteries in order to permit headstones and other memorializations. The bill is currently in the State Senate and the hope is it will be approved in the Senate and Assembly in the 2014-2015 session.   Those who have been instrumental to the Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery restoration work include New York State Senator George Maziarz, Chairman William Ross and the Niagara County Legislature, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara County Division of Buildings and Grounds, Niagara County Historian’s Office, Niagara County Clerk’s Office and Buffalo State College. Orleans Monuments and Calamar Construction also contributed.   The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.   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. People Inc. currently employs 3,500 and assists individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity since 1971.  

Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery Restoration Ceremony Honors People who are Laid to Rest and Recognizes Volunteers

What:  Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery Restoration Ceremony, hosted by the Museum of disABILITY History, People Inc. and Niagara County officials When: Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 10 a.m. Where:  5526 Niagara Street Extension, Lockport. The cemetery is located across the street from the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, between Townline Road and Sunset Drive. Parking available in the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office parking lot. Who:  Staff members from the Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc.; Catherine Emerson, Niagara County Historian; William Ross, Chairman, Niagara County Legislature and cemetery restoration volunteers. Why:  Event will mark the restoration of the neglected cemetery and honor the lives of the more than 1,400 Niagara County Almshouse residents who died and were buried there, most with unmarked graves, between 1830-1916. People Inc. and Museum staff and volunteers have been working for two years to clear brush and beautify the space. The ceremony will include the unveiling of a special memorial plaque and monument. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness. 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. Contact: Nicole Forgione, People Inc. Public Affairs Manager Direct Line: 716-817-7490, nforgione@people-inc.org

People Inc.'s Elmwood Health Center Earns National Recognition for Patient-Centered Care

Receives Highest Level Possible from National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)   People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, announced today that its Elmwood Health Center in Buffalo has been certified at the highest level possible by the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home program.   Elmwood Health Center was recognized by the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program for “using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long-term participative relationships.” It was certified at Level 3, PCMH by NCQA.   “We are very pleased and honored to receive national recognition for what we do at Elmwood Health Center in coordinating care and communication into a transformational primary care model of what patients want care to be,” said Rhonda Frederick, chief operating officer for People Inc. “It’s a credit to our entire Elmwood Health Center team.” Located at 2128 Elmwood Ave., the Elmwood Health Center provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for individuals of all ages as well as specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Among these services are adult and pediatric primary health care, audiology, podiatry, mental health counseling services gynecology, neurology, occupational, physical and speech therapies, and support groups.   “The patient-centered medical home raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and partnerships between clinicians and patients,’ said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “PSMH recognition shows Elmwood Health Center has the tools, systems and resources to provide their patients with the right care at the right time.”   To receive recognition, which is valid for three years, Elmwood Health Center demonstrated the ability to meet the PCMH program’s key elements embodying characteristics of the medical home. The standards are aligned with the joint principles of the PCMH established with the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association. Elmwood Health Center met key PCMH program components in these specific areas: Written standards for patient access and contnuity of care. Use of patient feedback materials Appropriate use of charting tools to track patients and organize clinical information Responsive care management techniques with an emphasis on preventative care for individual patients and for the entire patient population Adaptation to patient's cultural and linguistic needs Use of information technology for prescriptions, test and referral tracking and coordination with other health care providers Use of evidence-based guidelines to treat chronic conditions Measurement and reporting of clinical and service performance According to NCQA, research shows that medical homes can lead to higher quality and lower costs, and improve patients’ and providers’ reported experiences of care.   The PCMH identifies practices that promote partnerships between individual patients and their personal clinicians, instead of treating patient care as the sum of several episodic office visits. Each patient’s care is tended to by clinician-led care teams, who provide for all the patient’s health care needs and coordinate treatments across the health care system.   NCQA says medical home clinicians demonstrate the benchmarks of patient-centered care, including open scheduling, expanded hours and appropriate use of proven health information systems.   About NCQA   NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.   About People Inc.   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.