"The nurse practitioner program is a great way for us to identify and treat people in our residential facilities who need health care, and we can deliver it directly onsite," said Anne McCaffrey. "It allows people to receive care where they are most comfortable while helping us respond quickly to their medical needs."

Spearheaded by People Inc. Chief Program Officer Marilyn Militello, the program was developed to bring medical care directly into residential settings, allowing people to receive timely evaluations and treatment without the stress and disruption of traveling to an emergency department for non-urgent health concerns.

“Instead, a nurse practitioner can assess, diagnose and treat many medical issues onsite, providing care in a familiar environment where people served are most comfortable,” said Militello.

For non-urgent medical needs, the nurse practitioner provides a thorough medical examination, orders medications and diagnostic studies, draws lab work and communicates with primary care providers, all at the group home.

The impact extends beyond the people receiving services. Every avoided emergency room visit means residential staff spend less time transporting people served and waiting in hospitals, allowing them to remain in the homes providing consistent support.

“The program has become an important tool in addressing staffing challenges by helping direct support professionals stay focused on delivering quality care rather than spending hours away from their residences,” said Militello.

The program is funded through a portion of the $5 million commitment announced in 2024 by B. Thomas Golisano and the Golisano Foundation. The funding supports the nurse practitioner program and other People Inc. initiatives aimed at expanding services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Western New York.