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COVID-19 - Novel Coronavirus

The Erie County Department of Health issues regular updates on COVID-19 status and resources in the community.

The New York State Department of Health issues regular updates on COVID-19 status and resources in New York State.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control issues regular updates on COVID-19 status and resources in the United States.

UBMD is safeguarding offices to ensure your safety.

The Affordable Care Act

Since January 2014, health insurance companies have been providing new health insurance plans for qualifying individuals and small businesses. New York State will have plans listed on their website allowing comparison (below).

This is the official "Health Plan Marketplace" for New York State. Insurance coverage can be purchased through the Health Benefit Exchange. The site includes detailed information & factsheets.

This is the official US webpage for national-level information. It has information for individuals and small businesses in all situations, and links to the various state programs. It has a "See Your Options" feature which asks a few simple questions.

This webpage asks 7 simple questions (no login or identification required) to provide basic information on how the new Health Laws will affect your situation. It also has factsheets and links to more detailed information and resources.

Advanced Care Planning (i.e. Health Care Proxy, Order Not to Resuscitate)

The New York State Health Care Proxy form can be downloaded here.

New York State information about communicating your wishes for future medical care if you become unable to speak for yourself is available here.

High Quality Health Information

If you wish to search the web for specific health information, we recommend starting with MedlinePlus.com. Using popular search engines (i.e. Google, Yahoo, Bing) often yields a mixture of misinformation and useful information that is hard to sort out.

By the National Library of Medicine. Authoritative health information on over 900 conditions and diseases via librarian-selected links to expert web resources.

General health information on a range of topics from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

This website organizes information from authoritative medical sources on a wide range of topics. Can search for terms or browse through topics. Managed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Clear, practical, regularly updated information about the flu. Includes symptoms, emergency danger signs, what to do if you or your child are sick, etc.

Diabetes Self Management

Information about meal planning, nutrition, recipes in a new interactive website developed by the American Diabetes Association.

"TAKE ACTION! Living well with diabetes" booklet and 8 WNY county guides to local Diabetes-related services. Compiled in June 2009 by the P2 Collaborative of Western New York.

A wealth of information about types of diabetes, living with diabetes, food, fitness, resources.

Basics about Diabetes, Eating Right, Prediabetes, Staying Healthy with Diabetes, Financial Coverage for Diabetes Expenses, Staying Active, Preventing Diabetes, Diabetes Health Concerns, Groups Especially Affected, and Diabetes Research and Statistics.

Diabetes Prevention

86 million Americans now have prediabetes—that’s 1 out of 3 adults! Of those 86 million, 9 out of 10 of them don’t even know they have it. Without intervention, many people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. With numbers like that, it’s important to learn about prediabetes and take action.

The YMCA of Buffalo/Niagara offers the National Diabetes Prevention Program at 5 locations.

Local Health Resources

Local health information from the Erie County Commissioner of Health. Particularly useful for infectious disease outbreaks.

Kaleida Health librarians offer information and answers to questions.

Searchable database of Western New York health and human service providers.

Searchable U.S. database of food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs

Where to get free local testing for sexually transmitted diseases

Discount Generic Medications

Several national and local pharmacies now offer discounted rates on 30- and 90-day prescriptions of generic drugs, but their lists differ. Check their latest lists below for the medications you need.

Prescription Assistance Programs

Links to discounts on brand name drugs.

A non-profit organization started by a family physician and social worker to help patients find prescription assistance programs.

Financial/Benefit Assistance

800.772.1213

Erie County Public Assistance/Medicaid/HEAP: 716.858.8000

Niagara County Public Assistance/Medicaid/HEAP: 716.278.8400

716.858.6363

800.633.4227

Food Assistance

For information regarding the Erie County fee-for-service grocery delivery program please click here.

716.822.2002

Website has a search feature to find nearest Food Pantries or Soup Kitchens.

Niagara County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)
Lockport: 716.439.7749
Niagara Falls: 716.278.8600

Erie County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)
716.858.8347 or 716.851.7239

Domestic Violence Help

Free comprehensive services for domestic violence victims & their children through collaboration with 13 agencies. Go to one secure, comfortable location to get all services you need to safely escape abuse. Buffalo: 716.558.7233
Orchard Park: 716.662.0259

New York State Domestic Violence Hotline
English: 800.942.6906
Spanish: 800.942.6908

Crisis Assistance

Buffalo and Erie County 24-hour hotline for crisis situations, including suicide prevention, rape, trauma, domestic violence, emergency shelter, mental health problems, links to community resources, and more. 716.834.3131