Erie County expands family planning services in partnership with Rural Outreach Center

This October, the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) expanded its family planning services in partnership with the Rural Outreach Center (ROC) in East Aurora. Using dedicated space at the ROC on Route 16 (Olean Road), registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants will see patients on Thursdays by appointment or walk-in if time scheduling permits.

"Reproductive health impacts a person's general health, mental health and quality of life, and ECDOH has a long tradition of providing quality family planning services from our main location at the Jesse Nash Health Center in Buffalo," said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. "We expanded to the Southtowns recognizing the need for access to preventive care, birth control options and treatment for common conditions like urinary tract infections. We look forward to building a base of patients from Aurora, Colden, Concord, Holland, Sardinia, Elma and from surrounding counties who see this as a convenient source of care when they need it."

"Rural communities face different challenges and barriers when it comes to engaging in services to improve one's overall health," explained ROC Executive Director Lynda Battaglia. "Partnering with Erie County allows us an opportunity to collaborate and integrate care for the people living in our rural areas. Integrated care is a holistic approach and that has the potential to identify and address various areas of need, such as physical health, mental health, and access to care coordinators to assist with food security and housing. We want to do what is in the best interest of the people we serve, because the ROC is the place that brings people together."

"With this expansion we can support affordable, confidential and accessible healthcare - services that are under threat from ongoing and upcoming changes to Medicaid and other social safety net services," Dr. Burstein continued. "That being said, we want Erie County residents to prioritize their health and wellness, and turn to our clinical services, especially if they do not have a regular gynecologist or primary care provider."

Services available include gynecological and well woman visits, addressing urinary complaints, pregnancy testing and counseling, referrals for mammograms and prenatal care, birth control counseling and prescriptions (including long-acting reversible contraception), sexually transmitted diseases testing and treatment, cervical cancer screening and vaccinations that are commonly recommended for adolescents and adults.

This site and the Family Planning Center at 608 William Street in Buffalo accept most health insurance plans, and all Erie County residents are seen regardless of the ability to pay. All services are confidential. ECDOH follows New York State Public Health Law regarding medical care for patients under 18 years of age. There is no minimum age limit for patients; minors of any age can access confidential care with ECDOH.

Appointments are strongly recommended; this will allow staff to make sure specific vaccines and other supplies are available. Text or call (716) 858-2779 for appointments and questions about services.

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Erie County Family Planning Center: erie.gov/familyplanning or call 716-858-2779 for an appointment.

Buffalo Location: Jesse Nash Health Center, 608 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
See web site for hours; located on NFTA Bus Route #1 William, Walkable from #2 Clinton, #4 Broadway, #18 Jefferson, and 23 Fillmore-Hertel.

East Aurora Location: The Rural Outreach Center, 730 Olean Road, East Aurora, 14052.

Thursdays only; appointments required.

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