Doctor’s Note: June 2026 reminders from Evergreen Health
June 8, 2026
Happy Pride, WNY!
Since we first opened our doors in 1983, Evergreen has been committed to the health and wellness of Western New York’s LGBTQ+ community. Today, as the LGBTQ+ community faces new and ongoing challenges, our commitment to both serve and celebrate the community is stronger than ever.
We were proud to sponsor the Buffalo Pride Parade Sunday, June 7! Were you there?
Find more Pride events throughout June and beyond at https://buffalopride.org/
All offices will be closed Friday, June 19: Happy Juneteenth, WNY!
All Evergreen Health locations and Community Access Services will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, June 22.
We’re proud to celebrate Juneteenth in honor of our Black employees, staff, friends, and family, and we’re wishing WNY’s Black community a healthy, happy Juneteenth!
We’re also proud to sponsor Buffalo’s Juneteenth Parade! Don’t miss it – we look forward to marching together on Saturday, June 13. The Parade steps off from 1522 Genessee St, continues onto Best St, and turns right onto Fillmore Ave, concluding near Fillmore Ave and French St.
Join us for a Juneteenth Celebration
The team at Community Access Services is excited to announce our annual Juneteenth celebration is back! Join us at Community Access Services at 3297 Bailey Ave. on Friday, June 12 from 11am to 4pm for a family-friendly celebration of health and resources for the Black community.
We’ll have music, food, free haircuts, connections to local services, free testing, and fun for the whole family!
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 info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/findassistor to find help with enrollment near you, available in all languages.
Free workshop: Understanding Service & Therapy Animals
Join us for an educational and engaging workshop designed to help patients, families, caregivers, and staff members better understand:
- The difference between service animals, therapy animals, and emotional support animals
- Legal rights and protections under the ADA
- Where service animals are permitted
- Common misconceptions and myths
- How therapy animals support wellness and healing
- Appropriate interactions and etiquette
- Questions businesses and healthcare organizations can legally ask
- How to navigate accommodations and access needs
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th at 3:30 PM
WHERE: Evergreen Commons, 67 Prospect Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201
REGISTER HERE: https://form.jotform.com/230474393133049
National HIV Testing Day is June 27
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, and a great day to get tested! Knowing your HIV status gives you the power to take control of your health and protect the health of your community. Celebrate National HIV Testing Day with us by making an appointment to get tested.
To schedule an HIV test, call 716.847.2441 (press option 5). HIV testing at any Evergreen location and Community Access Services is fast, confidential, and financially accessible for everyone.
Welcome, Brandon Battaglia, NP
We’re excited to introduce Brandon Battaglia, NP, who has joined our 206 S. Elmwood Primary & Specialty Care Team! Brandon is from the Buffalo area and has lived here his whole life. He went to the University at Buffalo to become a Registered Nurse and then went on to D’Youville where he obtained his degree as a Nurse Practitioner. In his free time, Brandon loves gardening and taking care of his plants.
He is passionate about providing high-quality care and is now accepting new Adult Primary Care patients at our 206 S. Elmwood Ave. Location.
Now’s a great time for your child’s checkup!
Summer is the perfect time to schedule your child’s annual visit. Well‑child visits help make sure your child is:
- up to date on immunizations
- growing and developing on track
- ready for school, sports, and activity forms
- supported with mental, emotional, and physical health check‑ins
Scheduling early helps you avoid delays and ensures your child is set for a smooth start to the school year! Give us a call at 716.847.2441 (press option 5) to schedule an appointment.
Looking for a new pediatric provider with comprehensive pediatric services under the same roof as all of our services for adults? Our pediatric offices at 800 Hertel Ave. are accepting new patients!
Fill out our Pediatric Office Tour request form to come get a guided tour of 800 Hertel from one of our friendly providers.