2016 was a pretty eventful year for the world. From an election that captivated the entire world to record-breaking moments in this year’s Olympic games, 2016 was quite a ride. And for all of us at Centers Health Care, we had a very uplifting year. Every single one of our facilities experienced monumental advancements as we continue to grow.

We sent over 10,000 handmade greeting cards and care packages to the brave men and women fighting overseas this holiday season. All of our facilities participated in this initiative, with Buffalo Center being the center of it all. We participated with the Erie County American Legion to make it possible. News 4 Buffalo and TWC Buffalo helped spread the news of this program throughout the region.

We expanded our animal therapy program way beyond dogs and cats visiting our facilities. We now have certified therapy mini-horses visiting our facilities every month. Animal therapy has been proven to reduce stress and depression, and every staff member and resident just fell in love with these special animals. We’ve even had llama, therapy chickens and an armadillo – yes, an armadillo –visit our residents.

Another WW2 veteran from Essex Center participated in the North Country Honor Flight this year. He was flown to Washington D.C. where he joined other veterans at a ceremony in honor of their service to the country.

Triboro Center added a new sub-acute/short-term rehab unit, renovated the physical therapy suite, promoted several hard working nurses and nurse managers to well deserved positions, AND decreased re-hospitalizations by 12%!

Suffolk Center revitalized itself this year, sporting a brand new garden, rehab gym, main dining room, and more.

Richmond Center became our newest 4-Star facility and Boro Park Center became our newest 5-Star facility.

Hammonton Center, in addition to becoming a 4-Star Medicare rated facility, renovated an entire floor of patient rooms, and introduced a game room for residents young at heart.

We completed extensive interior renovations to our Waterfront and Buffalo facilites, and even more are underway. By the middle of 2017, these two facilities will boast some of the newest and finest facility upgrades in the city.

Kingston Center in Rhode Island joined the Centers Health Care family in September of 2016.

More than 2,000 employees and their families braved a cold, rainy fall day to join us at our third annual Centers Health Care Family Fun Day and Charity Run. Donations of $7,500 were made to two area hospital charities.

We celebrated the centenarian birthdays in almost every single Centers facility, and we’re looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays in 2017.

We launched our Artists in Residence program to showcase the artwork of residents from all across the Centers family and display them in public building for all to enjoy.

In December we announced a new program to recognize social workers for all they do. The Centers Health Care Patient Advocacy Award will be presented annually to a social worker who exhibits inspiring, untiring dedication to the welfare of the patients they serve.

2017 is shaping up to be a more exciting and successful year! On behalf of the entire Centers Health Care family, we wish you and yours a very happy and prosperous new year!