Doctor’s Note: February 2026 reminders from Evergreen

Early closure on February 11

Evergreen Health’s Buffalo locations and Community Access Services will be closed at 2:00pm on Wednesday, February 11, for an internal event. Evergreen’s Jamestown location will be closed at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 11. We will resume regular hours on Thursday, February 12.

If you have a medical emergency during this time, please call 911. If you have a mental or behavioral health emergency during this time, please call 988.

Our inclement weather policy

Winter weather is here! We send alerts for inclement weather closures through the Patient Portal—if you aren’t signed up for our Patient Portal yet or need help regaining access to your account, please call us at 716.847.2441 (option 5).

If we’re having inclement weather, you can also tune into our social media or call us at 716.847.2441 to make sure we’re open for your appointment.

Important information for patients enrolled in a health plan through NYS Department of Health marketplace

If you’re enrolled in New York’s Essential Plan, you need to find alternative plans through the health insurance marketplace by July 1, 2026.

Due to a federal funding cut, individuals enrolled in an Essential Plan will lose their current $0 premium coverage on July 1, 2026, and will need to find an alternative plan through the health insurance marketplace.

What does this mean for you?

• You will be notified by the state about the need to switch coverage. Typical notifications come by mail, email, text and WhatsApp Messaging, based on the alert that was specified when you applied for your plan.
• Evergreen’s Financial Counseling Center is here to help you find a plan that works for you through the NYS of Health marketplace.
• Alternatives to the Essential Plan will likely mean higher monthly premiums and may have different benefit structures. Our Financial Counseling Center is here to help you assess your options.
• To avoid a gap in coverage, you need to enroll in a new plan before July 1, 2026.

Need more information?

• Further changes due to government interventions are possible, and understanding the impacts of these changes can be difficult: contact our Financial Counseling Center to get up-to-date information and guidance in real time. Our Financial Counseling team is available from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday, and Tuesday until 7pm. Contact us at 716.847.2441 (press option 7), or walk in to our 206 South Elmwood Avenue location.
• Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov/findassistor to find help with enrollment near you, available in all languages.

Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of diseases

Washing your hands can keep you and your community healthy and prevent the spread of germs. It’s important to wash your hands often, especially when:

• Preparing and eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick or injured
• After using the bathroom or helping someone use the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling animals, pet food, or animal waste
• After touching garbage

There are five steps to washing your hands well, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent germs from spreading.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails!
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well with clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.

In most circumstances, washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing guidance from the CDC, “About Handwashing,” 16 Feb. 2024.

February is Black History Month

In the United States, every February is Black History Month, an event celebrating and honoring the ongoing contributions of Black Americans to American history. The theme for 2026’s Black History Month is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marking 100 years since the initiation of Black History observances—first as a week, and later as a month.

We’re proud to celebrate our Black patients, staff and community, this Black History Month and always. Read more about how our team continues the legacy of Black history.

February is American Heart Month

Is aspirin right for you?

Aspirin can help lower the risk of heart attack or stroke for some people, but it’s not safe or necessary for everyone. During American Heart Month, take a moment to talk with your primary care provider about whether aspirin is right for you. Your provider will consider your personal health history, heart disease risk, age, medications, and other factors before making a recommendation.

Aspirin is only one part of heart health. Daily habits make a big difference, like:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Staying physically active (aim for 150 minutes/week)
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress through mindfulness, sleep, and relaxation

Making informed choices with your care team can help protect your heart for years to come. Talk to your provider about:

• Aspirin use (if appropriate for your age and risk)
• Blood pressure checks
• Cholesterol screening
• Diabetes/A1C testing

One small change at a time can make a big difference for your heart! Reach out to your provider through the Patient Portal or call us at 716.847.2441 (press option 5) to discuss aspirin usage and your heart health.

CAS Day is February 7—celebrate with us on February 6

Please join us for a CAS Day community celebration! CAS Day, designated by former Mayor Byron Brown, is recognized each year on February 7 in the City of Buffalo to celebrate the work Community Access Services does for the community. CAS Day coincides with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and we will be honoring the day on Friday, February 6, with entertainment, community, and free sexual health resources!

• Music
• Food
• Games
• Free rapid HIV testing
• Tours and info about CAS

February 6, 10am – 3pm at Community Access Services, 3297 Bailey Avenue. Questions? Call us at 716.852.5969.

THRIVE events in February

If you’re a Primary or Specialty Care patient at Evergreen, and you’re ready to make some lifestyle changes, THRIVE might be right for you!

THRIVE Wellness Center offers a variety of activities to help you reduce stress and live your healthiest life. THRIVE helps people with chronic health conditions address their emotional, nutritional, physical and social needs.

If you’re interested in THRIVE services, contact your Evergreen provider to request a referral through the Patient Portal or by calling us at 716.847.2441 (press option 5).

February’s THRIVE group sessions:

• 2/3: High Cholesterol
• 2/4: Health Family Feud
• 2/10: Effects of Smoking
• 2/11: Top 10 Foods to Lower Cholesterol
• 2/17: Overview of Heart Conditions
• 2/18: Heart Health Jeopardy
• 2/24: High Blood Pressure
• 2/25: Heart Bingo