Buffalo Common Council Supports Keeping Open Waterfront Health Care Center

Members of the Buffalo Common Council held a press conference on the steps of City Hall on February 3 to discuss the importance of keeping Waterfront Health Care Center operating on the West Side of Buffalo.

Council Member David Rivera, sponsor of a Council resolution to do so, said the “Common Council values the Waterfront Health Care Facility and is vehemently opposed to its closing, and applauds the efforts of The United Healthcare Workers East (1199 SEIU) and the Leadership of the Waterfront Health Care Facility for their continuing efforts to find a creative solution to this critically important issue to the West Side community.”

Nancy Conner, a Waterfront LPN, thanked the Common Council for passing the resolution. “The workers and the patients are encouraged that the entire community has come together to try and save quality patient care,” says Conner.

Nancy Conner, Waterfront LPN

Unfortunately without quick intervention from State legislators, many more long-term care centers in Buffalo will face the same issues as Waterfront. Low Medicaid reimbursement rates have left most urban nursing homes in financial ruin. Medicaid pays for the care for the vast majority of residents in city nursing homes. Already low Medicaid reimbursement rates have been cut significantly by New York State over the last several years. The result is that the cost of caring for a Medicaid resident in a skilled nursing facility in Buffalo is now greater than the reimbursement.

Union members and supporters can help save Waterfront Health Care Center. Please call Franchelle Hart at 982-0540 ext 240 to ask how you can help.

Members are also urged to sign a postcard to Gov. David Paterson asking him to save Waterfront. Please see your union delegate or organizer for a card. If you don’t have cards at your facility, please call 982-0540 ext 240.