Back-to-School Supplies, Free Health Screenings, and More at Good for the Neighborhood Events Starting July 16

BUFFALO, N.Y. (July 15, 2026) – Independent Health Foundation is helping Western New Yorkers take steps toward better health this summer with the return of its signature program, Good for the Neighborhood. This free, community-based wellness program provides health education, resources and practical tools to communities across the region, empowering attendees to build and sustain healthy habits.

Good for the Neighborhood’s summer session, presented by Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, kicks off on Thursday, July 16 at Henry J. Kalfas Elementary School in Niagara Falls – the program’s newest location – and wraps up Saturday, August 15, at the Rural Outreach Center in East Aurora.

At every event, the Foundation will help families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing free backpacks and school supplies for children in attendance, plus other giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Sierra White, also known as The Fruit Lady, returns this session with fresh, healthy smoothie samples at select locations throughout the summer. 

Health screenings are a cornerstone of this session, with University at Buffalo Sight Savers offering free eye pressure testing and vision health screenings, and ECMC Population Health providing free blood pressure checks. Together, these screenings reflect the heart of Good for the Neighborhood’s mission: meeting people where they are and giving them practical, no-cost tools to take charge of their health.

“Good for the Neighborhood gives us a chance to connect with community members who need us the most, giving them access to important health screenings, resources, and tools to support their overall health and well-being,” said Carrie Meyer, Executive Director, Independent Health Foundation. “This summer, we’re proud to support our community in two important ways—helping residents prioritize their health while also easing some of the financial stress families may have by providing free back-to-school supplies. These events are rooted in community and are made possible through the generous support of our partners and our sponsor, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.”

Henry J Kalfas Elementary School (1730 Beech Ave Niagara Falls, NY 14305)

West Side Community Services (161 Vermont St., Buffalo, NY 14213)

Westminster Community Charter School (24 Westminster Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215)

Rural Outreach Center (730 Olean Rd. East Aurora, NY 14052)