nfmmc

Future Family Physicians: We'd Love to Meet You!

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:14:45 GMT

Thinking about where to complete your Family Medicine residency? Join the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program for a Virtual Open House and discover what makes our program unique.

Meet Program Director Dr. Jeffrey Burnett, Associate Program Director Dr. Kaung M. Ko, Program Coordinator Megan Wentland, and our current resident physicians. Learn about our unopposed Family Medicine Residency Program, where you'll gain broad clinical experience, meaningful autonomy, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and hands-on training that prepares you for every stage of your career.

This is a great opportunity to explore our curriculum, hear about resident life, ask questions about the application process, and see why so many physicians choose to train at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

We look forward to meeting the next generation of family physicians!

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../reg.../_5alcew_RR6zqWNnonWRFw...

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Appoints Emmy Award Winning Communications Leader Katie Morse as Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:16:16 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY - Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Morse as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Morse will lead the medical center's marketing, communications, media relations, and community engagement efforts, supporting Memorial's mission to provide exceptional care to the communities it serves.

Morse is an Emmy Award-winning communications professional with nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, brand development, and media relations. She has built a career crafting clear, compelling stories in fast-moving, high-pressure environments, earning the confidence of audiences and communities across Western New York.

Prior to joining Memorial, Morse served as a morning news anchor and reporter at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, where she covered major stories impacting Western New York, and became a trusted source of information during breaking news and community events. Her experience spans strategic communications, crisis communications, digital engagement, and public affairs, with a strong track record of building relationships across the region.

In addition to her broadcast career, Morse has demonstrated leadership throughout the Western New York communications community. She most recently served as Board Chair and President of the Buffalo Broadcasters Association, helping guide the organization's strategic direction and industry initiatives.

"Katie is an outstanding addition to our leadership team," said Joe Ruffolo, President and CEO of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. "Her experience as a strategic communicator, combined with her deep understanding of Western New York and her passion for community engagement, will help us continue to strengthen Memorial's connection with the patients and families we serve. We are excited to welcome her to the organization."

"It is an honor to join Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center," said Morse. "Memorial has a long-standing commitment to serving this community, and I look forward to helping tell the stories of the people, programs, and caregivers who make that mission possible while strengthening our connections throughout Western New York."

Morse earned a Master of Business Administration from Canisius University and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News from Kent State University. She is a three-time New York State Emmy Award recipient and received a New York State Excellence in Broadcasting Award for WKBW's morning show, Good Morning Buffalo.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Appoints Dan Flint as Vice President & Chief Information Officer

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:14:52 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has appointed Dan Flint as its new Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective July 20. Flint joins Memorial with more than a decade of leadership experience in healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise operations, most recently serving as CIO/CISO at Wyoming County Community Health System.

Flint is known for building high‑performance technology teams, modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening cybersecurity governance. In his previous role, he built and operationalized the organization’s first enterprise cybersecurity program, implementing governance committees, security policies, a centralized risk register, and workforce training that reached 92 percent completion. He also led recurring cyber and HIPAA risk assessments that reduced high‑risk findings by 80 percent year over year.

His work in system modernization included consolidating multiple ambulatory EHR platforms into a unified system, leading cloud migration of key services to Azure to improve uptime to 99 percent, and renegotiating legacy vendor contracts that produced significant annual savings.

President and CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo said Flint’s arrival marks an important step in Memorial’s long‑term digital strategy. “Dan brings a proven record of strengthening security, improving system performance, and aligning technology with organizational growth. His leadership will help advance Memorial’s commitment to safe, reliable, and innovative care.”

Flint holds both a BS and AS in Network Communication Management from DeVry University and has been recognized multiple times on the Dean’s List. He is also active in community service, including volunteer work with local fire departments and international conservation programs.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Partners with Niagara Pride to Expand Access to Inclusive Health and Wellness Services

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:20:48 GMT

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is proud to announce a new partnership with Niagara Pride that will expand access to compassionate, inclusive healthcare services for the LGBTQIA2S+ community throughout Western New York.

Beginning this month, Niagara Falls Memorial's Mobile Health Unit will provide monthly health and wellness services at Niagara Pride's offices, bringing preventive care, screenings, behavioral health support, sexual health services, and care coordination directly into a trusted community setting.

The partnership reflects Memorial's ongoing commitment to improving access to healthcare by meeting patients where they are and ensuring every individual receives respectful, patient-centered care.

Through the monthly clinics, patients will have access to a broad range of services, including:

Primary and preventive care, including wellness visits, chronic disease management, diabetes screening and education, blood pressure management, and women's health services.
Sexual health services, including STI and HIV screening, prevention education, and PrEP services available both in person and through telehealth.
Mental and behavioral health support.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screenings, care coordination, and referrals to community resources.
Navigation and referrals for gender-affirming hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgical services through trusted specialty providers.

The program is open to all residents of Western New York, regardless of county of residence. Individuals from Niagara, Erie, Orleans, and surrounding counties are welcome to receive services.

"This partnership reflects Memorial's mission to ensure that every member of our community has access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare," said AmyLynn Bryniarski, Vice President of Service Line Operations at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. "Healthcare works best when people feel respected, welcomed, and safe. By partnering with Niagara Pride and bringing our Mobile Health Unit directly into the community, we are removing barriers to care while building trusted relationships that support healthier lives across Western New York."

Dr. Ronald Piaseczny, LMHC, President and Founder of Niagara Pride, said the partnership represents an important step toward improving health equity in the region.

"This partnership with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center marks a pivotal step forward in breaking down the systemic barriers to healthcare faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community in our region. By bringing screenings, testing, and essential health services directly into the Niagara Pride office, we are doing more than just providing medical care; we are cultivating a space that is fundamentally safe, affirming, and free from the anxiety that often prevents our community from seeking support. For many in our rural WNY neighborhoods, having a central, trusted hub where they can access both clinical services and our comprehensive programming is life-changing. It ensures that health and wellness are not just concepts, but accessible realities for every LGBTQIA2S+ individual and their allies, regardless of their zip code."

The Mobile Health Unit will be located at Niagara Pride, 1522 Main Street, Niagara Falls , on the following dates:

Friday, July 24, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, August 21, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 12, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during a special Community Health Fair featuring expanded services.

Free on-site parking is available.

The partnership is part of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center's continued investment in community-based healthcare, making essential services more accessible while helping improve health outcomes for underserved populations throughout the region.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Partners with Eastern Niagara Neurology to Expand Neurological Care

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:59:20 GMT

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is pleased to partner with Eastern Niagara Neurology, bringing expanded access to specialized neurological care at Summit Healthplex, Suite 650, for patients throughout Niagara County.

Led by Baljinder Singh, MD, Eastern Niagara Neurology has served the region for more than 15 years and is now opening a new office at Summit Healthplex to better meet the growing needs of the local community.

Patients at the new location will be seen by Baljinder Singh, MD, Bianca Marrara, DO, Depinderpal Aujla, MBBS, PA, and Melissa Tarnowski, PA, providing greater access to timely neurological care close to home.

The practice provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Multiple sclerosis
Stroke and stroke recovery
Seizure disorders and epilepsy
Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
Neuropathy
Neuromuscular diseases
Memory and cognitive disorders
Other neurological conditions

Eastern Niagara Neurology offers advanced diagnostic and treatment services, including:

EEG testing
EMG studies
Advanced stroke monitoring
Botox therapy for neurological conditions
Nerve blocks
Carpal tunnel injections
Other specialized neurological procedures

The practice currently includes six providers and continues to grow, with an additional neurologist expected to join the team in the coming months.

Patients seeking neurological care can schedule an appointment by calling 716-566-9900.

Opening in July at Summit Healthplex, Suite 650, Eastern Niagara Neurology brings experienced specialists, advanced technology, and expanded access to neurological care close to home for Niagara County residents.

For more information, visit: https://www.nfmmc.org/neurology-clinic a nd https://doctorneurology.com

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Awarded $25,000 Grant for Behavioral Health Project

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:10:16 GMT

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Grigg Lewis Foundation, Inc. in support of its “A Safe and Secure Environment to Promote Behavioral Health Patient Recovery” project.

The funding will support improvements aimed at enhancing the care environment for behavioral health patients, helping to create a setting that promotes safety, security and recovery. The project reflects Memorial’s ongoing commitment to strengthening behavioral health services and ensuring patients receive compassionate care in an environment designed to support healing.

Behavioral health services are an important part of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s mission to meet the healthcare needs of the community. Through this project, Memorial will continue investing in spaces and services that better support patients during treatment and recovery.

Memorial is grateful to the Grigg Lewis Foundation for its support of this important initiative and its continued investment in the health and well-being of the Niagara community.

NFMMC Launches Pulsara to Improve Emergency Communication and Patient Outcomes

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:31:16 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has launched Pulsara , a real‑time emergency communication platform that streamlines how critical information is shared during time‑sensitive medical events such as strokes, heart attacks, trauma, and behavioral health emergencies.

Pulsara allows first responders and hospital teams to exchange secure messages, ECGs, photos, and vital signs before the patient arrives , giving clinicians a head start on preparing the appropriate care pathway.

“This technology enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively during the most critical moments,” said Joseph A. Ruffolo, President & CEO . “It represents another important step in our commitment to delivering faster, safer, and more coordinated care to the Niagara community.”

NFMMC physicians and emergency staff is fully integrated into emergency workflows. Since implementing Pulsara NFMMC has seen significant reductions in treatment times.

June 02, 2026

NFMMC Invests $2.23 Million in Region’s Most Advanced Cardiac Monitoring Technology

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:04:02 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has invested $2.23 million in next‑generation cardiac and patient monitoring technology from Spacelabs Healthcare, making NFMMC the only hospital in the region with this level of enterprise‑wide monitoring capability.

The project includes 112 new bedside and telemetry monitors that will enhance patient care across all medical–surgical beds, the Emergency Department, ICU, PACU, and GI. For the first time, every med/surg bed will be fully telemetry‑enabled.

A major component of the upgrade is the Rothman Index, a predictive analytics tool that synthesizes vital signs, nursing assessments, and lab results to provide an early warning score for patient deterioration.

“This technology elevates our clinical responsiveness and supports safer, more proactive care,” said Susan Brooks, Chief Nursing Officer.

The investment is being completed in two stages — an initial phase of equipment installation followed by a second phase focused on expanding monitoring coverage and replacing older devices — for a combined total of $2.23 million.

“This is a major step forward for the patients and families we serve,” said Joseph A. Ruffolo, President & CEO. “Our partnership with Spacelabs ensures that Niagara County has access to the most advanced monitoring tools available.”

Mr. Ruffolo also noted that heart disease is overwhelmingly the number one cause of death in Niagara County, placing the county in the bottom tier (58th out of 62) New York counties for overall health outcomes. “This investment will facilitate our efforts to provide early detection and treatment of heart disease,” stated Mr. Ruffolo.

“We’re proud to support NFMMC as they expand their monitoring capabilities across the entire hospital,” said Wilson Constantine, President of Spacelabs Healthcare.

The project positions NFMMC at the forefront of patient monitoring innovation in Western New York.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Aaron B. Hoffman, MD, FACS, Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgeon

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:01:37 GMT

Niagara Falls, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce that Aaron B. Hoffman, MD, FACS, a highly accomplished general and minimally invasive surgeon, has joined its surgical services team. Dr. Hoffman brings more than 20 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience, expanding access to advanced surgical care for patients throughout Niagara County.

A Buffalo native, Dr. Hoffman earned his medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, where he also completed his general surgery residency and served as Chief Resident. He later completed an accredited fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at North Shore–Long Island Jewish Hospital.

Dr. Hoffman has held major leadership roles in academic medicine, including Division Chief of General Surgery, Program Director of a Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, and Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University at Buffalo. His clinical expertise includes foregut surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, hernia repair, and advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures. He has also led original research focused on understanding barriers to healthcare delivery among underserved and minority communities and hopes to improve access to surgical services in Niagara County.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hoffman to Niagara Falls Memorial,” said Joseph A. Ruffolo, President & CEO. “His depth of experience, his commitment to surgical excellence, and his passion for patient-centered care make him an outstanding addition to our medical staff.”

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Awarded $120,000 Grant from the James H. Cummings Foundation

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:59:48 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has been awarded $120,000 from the James H. Cummings Foundation to support the hospital’s Plasma Sterilizer Modernization Initiative . The funding will allow Memorial to replace aging plasma sterilization equipment essential to the safe processing of surgical instruments and supplies.

The grant was formally accepted this week. The project will directly benefit the hospital’s Surgical Sterile Processing Department , enhancing efficiency, reliability, and patient safety across surgical services.

“We are grateful for the Cummings Foundation’s continued investment in the health of our community,” said Sheila Kee of NFMMC. “This support strengthens a critical part of our surgical operations and helps ensure our teams have the tools they need to deliver safe, high‑quality care.”

The James H. Cummings Foundation has a long history of supporting healthcare initiatives throughout Western New York. This award reflects the Foundation’s commitment to improving patient care and advancing essential hospital infrastructure.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Announces Unanimous Appointment of New Board Member, Mel Passarelli

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:58:14 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of Mel Passarelli, JD/MBA , to its Board of Directors.

Passarelli, who grew up on Grand Island , brings more than four decades of leadership experience as a board chairman, CEO, and strategic advisor across global healthcare and technology organizations. His career includes leading multiple corporate turnarounds and scaling companies to successful exits. As his résumé notes, he has “a track record of driving transformational growth, leading turnarounds, and scaling software companies to successful exits,” reflecting the depth of expertise he brings to NFMMC.

He has served in senior executive roles at international software companies, including guiding Attunity from near bankruptcy to a NASDAQ listing and its $563 million acquisition. He currently serves on several boards, including 3AM Innovations, Launch NY, HelixIntel, and EagleHawk. His experience spans global markets, where he has “built and led global teams, expanded go‑to‑market strategies, and navigated complex cross‑border operations.”

Passarelli holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and an MBA from the University at Buffalo School of Management.

“We are honored to welcome Mel to the NFMMC Board,” said CEO Joe Ruffolo. “His strategic insight, governance experience, and deep commitment to organizational growth will be invaluable as we continue advancing healthcare for our community.”

Passarelli will begin his board service immediately.

May 6, 2026

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Names Anna Pennesi as Director of Women’s Services

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:57:02 GMT

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Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Welcomes New OB/GYN Physician, Dr. Shahrzad Ghazanfar‑Torabi

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:55:21 GMT

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce that Shahrzad Ghazanfar‑Torabi, MD , will join our Women’s Health Services team as an Obstetrician‑Gynecologist beginning July 30, 2026 .

Dr. Ghazanfar‑Torabi is completing her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Michigan State University/Corewell Health Hospital in Trenton, Michigan, where she has distinguished herself through strong clinical performance, leadership, and a commitment to patient‑centered care. She has served as a Residency Champion for ACOG District V and as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador, leading educational initiatives and fostering a more inclusive environment within her department.

Her academic and research background includes work in gynecologic oncology, complex obstetric cases, and women’s health outcomes, with multiple peer‑reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ghazanfar‑Torabi to our OB/GYN team,” said CEO Joe Ruffolo. “Her dedication to compassionate care, her leadership experience, and her passion for advancing women’s health will greatly benefit the patients and families we serve.”

Dr. Ghazanfar‑Torabi will begin seeing patients on July 30, 2026.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Welcomes New OB/GYN Physician, Dr. Ahmed M. Saleh

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:54:23 GMT

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce that Ahmed M. Saleh, MD, MPH, FACOG , will join our Women’s Health Services team as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist beginning August 13, 2026 .

Dr. Saleh comes to Memorial with extensive clinical experience and a strong academic background. He currently serves as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist with Indiana University Health and as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Saleh brings expertise in comprehensive women’s health, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and evidence‑based obstetric care.

A graduate of Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, Dr. Saleh also holds a Master of Public Health with concentrations in Women’s and Reproductive Health, Maternal and Child Health, and Global Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Saleh to our growing team,” said CEO Joe Ruffolo. “His clinical skill, research background, and commitment to patient-centered care will greatly enhance the services we provide to women and families across our community.”

Dr. Saleh will begin seeing patients on August 13, 2026.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Receives Health Equity Innovation Award to Expand SNAP Access and Nutrition Education for Mental Health Clients

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:52:58 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has been awarded a $29,973 Health Equity Innovation Award from Univera Healthcare to launch Navigate and Nourish, a new initiative connecting mental health clients with SNAP benefits and evidence‑based dietary education.

The program will be delivered in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension , which will provide nutrition workshops and individualized dietary guidance to help clients build healthier habits and strengthen the connection between food, wellness, and mental health.

“This funding allows us to expand access to SNAP benefits and provide comprehensive dietary education to individuals receiving mental health services at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center,” said Caitlin Cummings, LCAT, Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health . “Access to nutritious food plays a vital role in overall well‑being, particularly for those managing mental health conditions. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen the connection between nutrition and mental health through targeted support, education, and advocacy.”

The Navigate and Nourish program will help clients apply for and maintain SNAP benefits while equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, healthy food choices. By addressing food insecurity and nutrition barriers, the initiative supports NFMMC’s broader commitment to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Univera Healthcare will publicly announce its 2026 Health Equity Innovation Award recipients on April 20. NFMMC looks forward to coordinating with Univera and Cornell Cooperative Extension on a joint news conference to highlight this partnership and its impact on the community.

March 30th, 2026

CONTACT:

Office of NFMMC Foundation

(716) 278-4605

Foundation@nfmmc.org

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to Host ConnectLife Flag Raising Ceremony Honoring Organ and Tissue Donors

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:52:47 GMT

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NFMMC Partners with Calming Nature Doula Service & Center to Provide Comprehensive Birth and Postpartum Doula Support

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:46:50 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY – Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has announced a new partnership with Calming Nature Doula Service & Center to expand access to comprehensive birth and postpartum support for patients. Through this collaboration, families will receive personalized guidance, education, and emotional care from pregnancy through recovery, ensuring a safer, more dignified, and empowered journey to parenthood.

Doulas play a vital role in maternal health, providing continuous non-medical support before, during, and after childbirth. Their presence has been shown to reduce stress, improve birth experiences, and promote healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants. By offering education, advocacy, and emotional reassurance, doulas help families feel supported, heard, and respected during one of life’s most important transitions.

“This partnership is a testament to our dedication to maternal health,” said AmyLynn Bryniarski, Vice President for Service Line Operations at NFMMC. “Together with Calming Nature Doulas, we are standing beside the women of Niagara County, not just during birth but through every step of their journey to motherhood. Through this partnership, we are offering comprehensive birth and postpartum doula support to NFMMC patients, providing personalized guidance, education, and emotional care from pregnancy through recovery. This is more than a program; it is a commitment to safety, dignity, and the deep belief that every woman deserves to feel supported, seen, and empowered. This is how we begin to transform maternal health in our community, one mother, one birth, one life at a time.”

Shannon Johns, CEO of Calming Nature Doula Service & Center, shared: “We are proud to partner with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to expand access to quality doula services for families. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving maternal and infant health outcomes, promoting dignified birth experiences, and ensuring that every parent feels supported, heard, and cared for during one of the most important times in their lives. Together, we are changing expectations, reshaping reputations, and building healthier beginnings for parents and babies right here in the community we call home.”

The partnership underscores NFMMC’s and Calming Nature’s shared mission of supporting maternal and infant health across Niagara County. By integrating doula services into hospital care, the two organizations are ensuring that every family has access to compassionate, continuous support during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

ABOUT NIAGARA FALLS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

Founded in 1895, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has a long tradition of serving the Niagara community. NFMMC’s hospital and primary stroke program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, and its primary care network is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Memorial’s inpatient services include a cardiac/stroke unit, a medical–surgical unit, an ICU, a Labor and Delivery unit, and an Adult Inpatient Psychiatry unit, the only one of its kind in Niagara County. Memorial serves as a Center for Community Health by operating five primary care centers, a large outpatient adult mental health clinic, a Health Home, and several innovative community-based services. Thanks to a partnership with Catholic Health, Kaleida Health, and Erie County Medical Center, NFMMC operates the only cardiac catheterization laboratory in Niagara County. Memorial is also home to the Golisano Medical Oncology Center, which operates in collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center.

ABOUT CALMING NATURE DOULA SERVICE & CENTER

Calming Nature Doula Service & Center serves expectant and new families across Western New York with a dedicated team of certified and community birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and childbirth educators. The organization provides physical, emotional, and evidence-based information to families from pregnancy through recovery, helping families feel prepared, supported, and empowered.

Postpartum care extends into the home or hospital and offers breastfeeding support, latching education, identifying hunger cues, light household help, and emotional support through the first year of a child’s life.

In 2017, Shannon founded the Calming Nature Doula Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering low- or no-cost doula support. Over the past decade, Calming Nature has helped families navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenting with confidence and empowerment. The organization played a key role in the New York State Doula Pilot Program, helping secure permanent Medicaid coverage for doula services statewide.

Today, Calming Nature Doula Service & Center continues its mission: to ensure that every family experiences birth and early parenting with dignity, compassion, and support.

Univera Healthcare Selects Niagara Falls Memorial for Health Equity Innovation Award 2025

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:39:47 GMT

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Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is proud to announce that it has been selected as
a recipient of the 2025 Health Equity Innovation Award from Univera Healthcare. This
annual funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations working to eliminate health
disparities and improve health outcomes across Western New York.

The award will help fund an initiative that will promptly identify pregnant women in
Memorial’s emergency department (ED) and rapidly deploy a Perinatal Crisis Coach to
the ED to provide emotional and physical support to women undergoing a pregnancy
crisis. Pregnant individuals, many of whom are low-income, will be connected to
obstetrical care, mental health services, social supports, doulas, and grief counseling.
The program was chosen for its innovative approach, strong community engagement,
and alignment with the goal of advancing health equity.

The Health Equity Innovation Awards reflect Univera Healthcare’s commitment to
improving community health by investing in programs that promote equity, expand
access to care, and support underserved populations.

“We are honored to receive this award and grateful for the opportunity to make a
meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Joseph A. Ruffolo, President
and CEO of Niagara Falls Memorial. “This funding will allow us to further enhance our
women’s health services for Niagara County women.”

For more information about Niagara Falls Memorial and the Hope for Every Mother:
Ending Inequities in Pregnancy Care initiative, please contact
Eileen.Kineke@nfmmc.org.