Dr. Maureen F. Finney, dean of the School of Health Professions at D'Youville College in Buffalo, has been made a member of the 2017-2018 Senior Leadership Academy, cosponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and the American Academic Leadership Institute, both based in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC - As the U.S. House of Representatives appears poised to vote on the American Health Care Act (HB 1628), Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, stressed that remaining flaws in the bill will harm poor and vulnerable people and called on members to insist upon changes.

Mercy Hospital's Sleep Lab has been awarded a five-year accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The Mercy Sleep Lab is a state-of-the-art facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services for all types of sleep disorders.

WASHINGTON, DC - After the U.S. House of Representatives withdrew the American Health Care Act (AHCA) on March 24 2017, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida urged members of Congress to "seize this moment to create a new spirit of bipartisanship" and make necessary reforms on access, affordability, life and conscience.

LAKE VIEW — How do most people see addicts? Do they see them as lazy, unkept, dirty, homeless or jobless? Perhaps some addicts are these things, but that is not the truth of the matter. The truth is that they are all someone's sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, siblings, spouses, grandparents, friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors. Addiction affects people of all walks of life.

Catholic Medical Partners is pleased to announce that David R. Dougherty, DO, and Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel have been named to its board of directors.

WASHINGTON, DC - In a letter sent to the U.S. House of Representatives, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida notes that, while the recently introduced American Health Care Act (AHCA) commendably contains key provisions in defense of life, the proposed legislation also creates "grave challenges for poor and vulnerable people that must be addressed" by Congress before passage.

St. Leo the Great Parish will welcome Timothy Logsdon for the educational presentation "Alcohol and Drug Use: What Everyone Needs to Know!" at 1 p.m. March 18.

Within all of the debate of what to do with the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") - and how to replace, revise or remove it - almost all of the emphasis is on the cost and the coverages. Of course, these are the practical issues of prudential judgment that need to be made regarding any public policy. But, as in all prudential judgments, the decisions that should be made must come from some set of principles, not solely based on what works best.

Given the heightened news focus on immigration, on this week's podcast we revisit 2 interviews on the topic of refugees.

At 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 12, the Diocese of Buffalo will continue the tradition of holding the White Mass, an annual event to recognize health care professionals in Western New York, at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo. In the diocese, the Buffalo guild of the Catholic Medical Association supports and brings together Catholic doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who have committed themselves to caring for all patients to the best of their ability, while also following rules of Catholic doctrine.

WASHINGTON, DC - As Congress discusses a repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, the Chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, is urging members of the House and Senate to provide a replacement plan concurrently so that millions of Americans will continue to have access to vital health care.

KENMORE — The Leapfrog Group announced that Kenmore Mercy Hospital has become the only facility in New York state to be named a Top Hospital. Widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions a hospital can receive in the U.S., the recognition showcases Kenmore Mercy's commitment to patient safety and quality. Kenmore Mercy was one of 115 Top Hospitals to have been recognized across the country.

During the Christmas season, a tradition has developed in which Bishop Richard J. Malone and Father Ryszard Biernat join Meals on Wheels to visit numerous clients during meal delivery. For the fourth year, the pair were eagerly received by clients who wanted to share a prayer and receive Holy Communion. Each client also received a hand-made card and ornament created by children through a local religious education program.

A young woman from Peru traveled nearly four thousand miles to profess her perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. The Eucharistic liturgy took place in the St. Mary of the Angels convent chapel in Williamsville on Saturday, December 10.

TONAWANDA ­­— Caitlin Persico, a senior at Cardinal O'Hara High School, has been selected to present her research project that she completed over the summer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society national convention on Nov. 10, in Minneapolis.

Throughout her years of serving as a Sister of Mercy in the Diocese of Buffalo, Sister Mary Ann Schimscheiner, RSM, has made many contributions to the field of health care in the Western New York area, including serving as the chief executive officer of Kenmore Mercy Hospital for 18 years. Last month, she spoke with the Western New York Catholic about the history of the hospital, as well as the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Last year at this time, it was a picnic area. Now the expanded rehabilitation center of Catholic Health's McAuley Residence provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to injured and ailing Western New Yorkers. It shows that wonderful things can happen with patience and hard work.

The Washington, DC, City Council and the voters of Colorado both recently acted to legalize doctor-prescribed suicide. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called for increased efforts to fight against assisted suicide, saying it must be "opposed with renewed vigor."

LANCASTER — Gabrielle Burkard, a junior at St. Mary's High School, had the opportunity to participate in the Junior Robotic Surgery Challenge over the summer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The challenge introduced participants to various career opportunities within health care using hands-on, practical exercises and classroom instruction as well as guest lectures from accomplished professionals.

Ten people a week die of a drug overdose in Erie County. This statistic drove a crowd of 120 on November 15th to St. Leo the Great Church as they held a special evening of prayer, reflection and education for those family and friends struggling with the disease of addiction and for those who try to rescue them through support and treatment.

KENMORE — Kenmore Mercy Hospital has been named among the top 10 percent of hospitals in America for orthopedic surgery, joint replacement and spine surgery by Healthgrades, the nation's leading source of hospital data.

Last month, Niagara University and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center affirmed that they will be working together in commitment to promoting revitalization and economic growth in not only the city of Niagara Falls, but also all of Niagara County and Western New York, while encouraging international tourism. On Sept. 9, the men in charge of the organizations signed a memorandum of understanding at NU's Niagara Global Tourism Institute in downtown Niagara Falls, signaling a new era of collaboration.

This week we talk about Healthy Baby Festivals sponsored by the Catholic Charities WIC program.

This is the 12th consecutive year Fidelis Care has supported the Catholic Charities of Buffalo In-School Social Work Program, recently awarding Catholic Charities a $403,850 grant to continue its commitment to make a difference in the lives of youth, their families and educators.

Physicians, nurses and staff of Mercy Hospital in Buffalo recently gathered for a special award ceremony for being named one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery.

"To be Catholic and to be American should not mean having to choose one over the other," said Father Robert Zilliox in a Mass that began the two week period known as the Fortnight for Freedom.

Catholic institutions and organizations will hold blood drives in the next few weeks. Help the Red Cross by visiting one of the following locations to donate blood. Dates and times are subject to change.

Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora held a pastoral conference in May on the growing problem of opioid, prescription and other drug overdoses in the region. The event had a range of speakers who addressed this serious issue and suggested ways to respond.

Those who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, and those who smoke are at increased risk for Carotid Artery Disease, or CAD. A leading cause of stroke, CAD is marked by plaque build-up in the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the brain.

With its mission to "reveal the healing love of Jesus to those in need," Catholic Health responds to the spiritual needs of people of all faiths. As a ministry of the Catholic Church, the health system also serves the sacramental needs of its patients, bringing the healing presence of Jesus to the sick and injured in its hospitals and nursing homes.

When the idea of creating a senior apartment complex was first introduced several years ago on the Brothers of Mercy Campus in Clarence, planners quickly recognized that Western New Yorkers were looking for something different. Rather than just a place to live, they wanted a feeling of community. That led to the building of the Montabaur Heights Apartments.

The heart is the hardest working muscle in your body, but when it is not working as it should, it's important to seek medical help. Catholic Health's Heart Center at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo continues to set the standard for advanced, patient-centered cardiac care, with its newest addition - a comprehensive heart Valve Center.

LEWISTON — When Mount St. Mary's Hospital became a part of Catholic Health last July, it marked the culmination of years of planning, numerous cooperative efforts and months of detail work. Now, in just 10 months, the merger is reaping benefits for the hospital and the local community.

Park Creek Assisted Living Community is in the heart of Williamsville at 410 Mill St. It has room for 94 residents in need of traditional assisted living or memory care.

Every year, thousands of patients struggle to overcome severe weight issues and the serious medical conditions that accompany them, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. For some, bariatric surgery, more commonly called weight loss surgery, may be a lifesaver.

WASHINGTON, DC (CNA) - In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court sent the Little Sisters of the Poor HHS mandate case back to the lower courts on Monday, in light of new developments in the case.

To meet the growing need, Sisters Hospital has received approval from the New York State Department of Health for a major renovation and expansion project to increase the size of its NICU from 20 to 40 bassinettes.

Fatal addictions to drugs, particularly heroin and opiates, have impacted Western New York in a big way this year, as about 11 people are dying each week from overdoses. Just as Erie County officials have stepped up their efforts to curb the rapid increase in substance abuse, faith leaders are organizing a pastoral conference in response to the epidemic at Christ the King Seminary on May 14.

St. Francis of Assisi Church in Athol Springs is hosting a free seminar on recognizing and treating opioid abuse on Tuesday, May 10. The seminar, sponsored by the Buffalo Police Department, will teach participants on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, how to properly administer narcan for reversal and what to do next.