A Healthy Hispanic Community

By Dan Gabbay


The history of WNY’s Hispanic community began in the late 1900s when migrants first came here from Central and South America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean in pursuit of the American dream. Like many before them, it meant dedication, heart, and hard work at farms, foundries, factories, rail yards, and the waterfront.

Today, WNY’s Hispanics are represented throughout public and private sectors in medicine, law, education, marketing, business, and the arts. As WKBW reports, “We see an enormous surge in the Latino population. A New American Economy study confirms that non-native Buffalo residents have helped carry our economy, fostered entrepreneurial growth, and kept our healthcare sector booming.” 

An example of this boom is unfolding just minutes from that same waterfront where many Hispanic immigrants first found employment. In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has created the only dedicated Hispanic Care Community in our region. Focusing on cultura, comunidad, y cuidado (culture, community, and care), the Ellicott Center developed a holistic approach to the health and lifestyle of our thriving Hispanic community. 

The program features Spanish-speaking staff, a menu influenced by Hispanic neighborhood restaurants, television stations such as Telemundo, and Hispanic-inspired events and celebrations. Ellicott Center is a member of the Centers Health Care Family (Centers), the largest post-acute healthcare network in the Northeast, and a recognized leader in short-term rehab and long-term care. Centers’ Regional Admissions Director, Jennine Sauriol, says, “This is one more example of our outreach and dedication to the diverse communities we serve.”

Ellicott Center is located at 200 7th Street, Buffalo 14201. Learn more at https://ellicott-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org or call 716-847-2500.