Access to high-quality healthcare is a cornerstone of an equitable, inclusive community. In Western New York, improving our health outcomes (many of which continue to fall below national standards) can lead to lower costs, longer lifespans, and a wealth of social, economic, and human benefits—especially for those in underserved neighborhoods and groups.
The John R. Oishei Foundation promotes health and improves systems of care by supporting primary care, promoting improvements in behavioral/mental health, and addressing developmental/intellectual disabilities (DD/ID), with a priority on serving at-risk and underserved populations. In addition, we provide education and assistance to community partners regarding changing healthcare delivery systems and reimbursement infrastructures.
The Foundation played a critical, early role in supporting the development of the strategic plan to create the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and has funded both capital and research initiatives at the major campus institutions including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hauptman Woodward Institute, University at Buffalo, and Kaleida Health.
We also support community and neighborhood health by providing funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) such as the Neighborhood Health Center, Jericho Road, and Buffalo Community Health—and for the Community Health Worker Network, which works directly with residents to identify health issues and connect them to care.
Strategic Objectives
- Improve healthcare clinics and outreach efforts to broaden the scope and raise the quality of healthcare for individuals and families in community settings.
- Enhance the employment pipeline to place more community health workers, home health aides, nurses, and doctors in neighborhood settings.
- Strengthen family supports to protect children and assist parents with solving complex problems that can lead to violence, abuse, and neglect.
- Promote opportunities for independent living to control healthcare costs and ensure that the elderly age in place with comfort, safety, and dignity.
- Develop and expand existing education and training opportunities for providers to improve healthcare delivery and reimbursement.
- Strengthen systems of care by convening diverse stakeholders to shape public policy.
