The mission of the Health and Human Services facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources.
Buffalo and Erie County (NY) Chapters of The Links, Incorporated Health and Human Service Facets collaborate with State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo and New York State Office of Victims Services as change-makers addressing victims/survivors of violence.
Three-year Healthy Teeth are Happy Teeth Dental Program for inner-city school age children and their parents/guardians. In partnership with Complete Health Dentistry of WNY, Strong Community Schools, Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, ADM Management Group, Inc., and LEWAC Associates of WNY the Community School site program addresses oral health in children and adults teaching proper oral care at four schools on designated Fridays and/or Saturdays through 2020.
Utilizing Buffalo Public Schools 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data, The Links, Incorporated – Erie County (NY) Chapter Health and Human Services Facet as Lead Facet, developed strong community partnerships necessary to carry out its first three-year (2017 -2020) initiative providing opportunities for youth (PreK through 6 grades) and adults to have access to oral health education, screenings, referral services, and a dentist/dental home. To date, through 2019, over 6,000 youth and adults have been screened receiving a “dental goodie bag” containing, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, and dental education materials.
The Links, Incorporated – Erie County (NY) Chapter three-year (2017 – 2023) award-winning Healthy Teeth are Happy Teeth Dental Program for inner-city school age children (PreK – 6) and their parents/guardians moves into its 2nd three-year period adding a 5th school. The dental screening program is expected to have a positive oral health impact when Buffalo Public Schools conduct and release its 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
Click for Calendar Program Objectives