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
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, 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, 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, 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 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 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, 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
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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.
