Community Access Services and Victory Sports Partner to Give Away Sports Equipment and PPE to 14215 Zip Code

Free jump ropes, roller skates, other sports gear, cloth face masks and hand sanitizer to promote safe summer sports and recreation at home

BUFFALO, NY—Today Community Access Services (CAS), and Victory Sports announced a collaborative Sports Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Giveaway event, which will take place on Tuesday, July 14, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at 3297 Bailey Avenue. CAS is the affiliate of healthcare organization Evergreen Health focused on providing resources and services to communities of color in Buffalo. CAS is co-located at 3297 Bailey Avenue with Evergreen Health, where a COVID-19 testing site opened in May to expand access to COVID-19 testing for the 14215 zip code.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Victory Sports to distribute sports equipment to encourage physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kim Brown, executive director of Community Access Services. “Community Access Services along with Evergreen Health has been committed to addressing health disparities resulting from COVID-19 in communities of color and this is one more way to give back.”

The Sports Equipment and PPE Giveaway is geared towards the 14215 zip code and open to all. CAS and Victory Sports partnered for this event in order to provide access to equipment for play, sports and recreation at a time when youth sports and playground activity may be limited as a result of COVID-19.

“Victory Sports are delighted to launch this partnership with Community Access Services as the synergy between sport & physical activity and overall health & wellness is so strong. We feel CAS are doing great work in keeping COVID-19 testing rates high and anything we can do to support that while we get more equipment into kids’ hands to help them have a better summer; that’s a success in our eyes,” said Edmond Wood, development and marketing director of Victory Sports.

Victory Sports’ mission is to prove that students who participate in sports achieve better grades, increased attendance rates and higher test scores. Besides the education and fitness benefits, sports also help kids learn numerous life and leadership skills while encouraging them to make smarter and healthier life choices.

3297 Bailey Avenue is also a drive-through testing site for COVID-19 viral screenings. Appointments are preferred but walk-ups will also be accommodated, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The cost of the test is covered by Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care Plans, with no out-of-pocket costs or co-pays. While prescriptions and doctors referrals are not required, patients will need proof of health insurance in order to schedule an appointment. Individuals interested in scheduling a test may call (716) 847-2441 and select option 7. For the most updated information about services, locations, hours, procedures and Coronavirus, please visit Evergreen Health’s COVID-19 webpage.

CAS is a non-profit organization that helps communities of color in Buffalo and Erie County access healthcare, with programs focused on HIV, HIV treatment and safer sex practices. CAS also facilitates primary medical care, mental health counseling, substance use counseling and more, through its affiliation with Evergreen Health.

Community Access Services (CAS) is committed to addressing the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the welfare of urban communities in Buffalo and Erie County by assuring the availability of comprehensive care services, including prevention education and treatment.

Evergreen Health fosters healthy communities by providing medical, supportive and behavioral services to individuals and families in Western New York – especially those who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system.

Victory Sports is a non-profit based in Buffalo that provides kids access to sports equipment, which is either donated or purchased as a result of fundraising efforts. It’s well-documented that sports participation greatly benefits kids—helping to guide them toward a brighter, healthier future. Unfortunately, all too often, the costs involved with playing sports leave under-privileged children sidelined. Victory Sports exists to help equip those who are unable to equip themselves—giving everyone a chance to get in the game and play.