Neighborhood Health Center is happy to be celebrating the grand opening of the Mattina expansion project. Last year we broke ground on the south-side of our Mattina location, at 300 Niagara Street, to make way for the addition of a new, two-story, dental/administration wing. Construction wrapped up, on time, at the end of July 2023. With this expansion, Neighborhood has doubled the size of our Mattina dental suite. With eight new operatories and a dental lab, we look forward to helping address the need for high quality, affordable dental care in our community. 

“We know that when a person gets good dental care, the impact goes beyond oral health. It can lessen the risk for heart disease, diabetes, problems with pregnancy, and other conditions,” said Neighborhood Health Center President and CEO Joanne Haefner, MS, FNP. “It can also improve mental wellbeing because healthy teeth and gums are important to how people feel about themselves.” 

Neighborhood Health Center has been serving the community through our Mattina location for nearly 10 years. Mattina remained open throughout construction and continued to serve as the primary care home for 7,000 of our patients. With this addition, Neighborhood will now have the capacity to care for an additional 2,000 patients each year. This addition also makes way for approximately 15 new Neighborhood team positions at Mattina. 

“Federally Qualified Health Centers play a critical role in sustaining healthy communities,” said Congressman Brian Higgins who participated in the ribbon cutting. “Neighborhood Health Center in particular has a 36-year track record as a dedicated health service provider to the people of Buffalo and Western New York. This dental health expansion represents Neighborhood Health Center’s continued evolution to meet the needs of residents and commitment to prioritizing wellness.”

The total size of the new wing is 15,000 square feet with the second floor housing offices and spaces for administrative and support staff, including care coordinators. Care coordinators and community health workers assist patients with referrals for healthcare services outside of the health center, as well as with social support for patients who are experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, transportation barriers, or language barriers. This addition will also allow for the growth of other Neighborhood programs offered at Mattina. 

We look forward to welcoming you in!