Programmatic Development

Our primary objective is to make the BCHE’s work tangible and functional to those residing in zip codes where our research and advocacy work is developed.

BCHE plays a key role in supporting the University at Buffalo’s $3.6 million NIH grant aimed at addressing health inequities in Western New York. Through this collaboration, BCHE helps guide the establishment of the Center of Excellence in Investigator Development and Community Engagement. This center trains early-career faculty and researchers, focusing on social determinants of health such as poverty, housing, and racism. BCHE’s involvement ensures that community voices are central to the research process, fostering solutions that drive long-term change in Buffalo’s underserved communities.

BCHE’s Maternal Health Program, in collaboration with UCLA, Confident Girl Mentoring, and local doulas, works to address systemic maternal health disparities and improve access to culturally sensitive care. The program’s latest initiative advocates for Medicaid-credentialed doulas who are also Certified Lactation Consultants (CLCs) to bill for breastfeeding and lactation services—services that have traditionally been limited to licensed healthcare providers like nurses and doctors. By including CLC-certified doulas, the program diversifies the maternal and infant health workforce, which is expected to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies. This initiative also aims to reduce healthcare costs by minimizing the need for additional medical interventions.

Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this initiative provides the BCHE with access to extensive SDOH data in a monitored information repository. The data is secured by the City of Buffalo for use in the BCHE’s engagement, policy advocacy and research work. The data is derived in part through community engagement work and educational programming for youth.

The Caring Hearts Initiative is a collaboration with the American College of Cardiology, Foodsmart, Higi and the Healthy Community Store Initiative. In the wake of the tragedy at Tops Friendly Markets on May 14, 2022, in Buffalo, New York, the Buffalove Caring Hearts Initiative was launched. The program aims to provide sustainable, ongoing support and infrastructure for cardiovascular health and food access/security in the affected communities. It includes resources for food security, nutrition, meal planning, in-store health screening services, and patient risk assessments to improve heart health.

Food Pantry / food as medicine collaboration with the medical clinic at Harvest House provides individuals and families with fresh fruits and vegetables at medical appointments to ensure effective health outcomes on the Eastside of Buffalo.

Part of the BCHE's work is to ensure that everyone has access to healthier foods, especially in neighborhoods where healthy foods are already tough to come across. Often referred to as “food deserts,” these areas are hit especially hard during trying times. 

First Fruits Food Pantry
Harvest House is pleased to welcome First Fruits Pantry to our East Side location at 175 Jefferson Ave. All questions about the First Fruits Food Pantry should be directed to Harvest House.

RISE is an initiative sponsored by the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, enables the BCHE to provide 1:1 mentorship to four (4) grassroots organizations in the area of proper administration of State grant funding.

The Center was selected to work with the EPA to assist in monitoring the air quality of homes in the Humboldt Parkway neighborhood.

A single property to serve as a catalyst for community development boasting a full-service grocery store, fitness center, health services, physical therapy, mental health services, cultural arts and fun fitness.

With the assistance of the University at Buffalo, plans for improved housing (in a targeted residential area) will happen simultaneously as a neighborhood redevelopment strategy on the Eastside.