Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center installs state-of-the-art SteriSpace air sterilization system at Schoellkopf Health Center

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced the installation of the SteriSpace air sterilization system as part of its innovative air sterilization project at the Schoellkopf Health Center.

A press release stated, “Developed by You First Services, in collaboration with the State University of New York at Buffalo and the U.S. Department of Defense, SteriSpace effectively eliminates pathogens, to create a healthier space for residents to engage in recreational activities.”

Schoellkopf Health Center, a prominent 120-bed nursing home situated in downtown Niagara Falls, will be the beneficiary of the air sterilization technology following a $39,000 grant proposed by City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino as part of the Niagara Falls Community Development COVID Fund. The grant will focus on installing SteriSpace in the resident recreation room, a high-traffic, 1,504-square-foot, ground-level space where residents gather for social interactions, including movie screenings, reading and other activities.

 This funding supplements a contribution of $190,000 by You First Services, facilitating the purchase of the air sterilization equipment for the project.

"We are grateful for the support of Mayor Restaino and the generous donation from You First Services," said Joseph A. Ruffolo, CEO and president of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. "The installation of this air sterilization project reflects our commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety and care for the residents of Schoellkopf Health Center. This cutting-edge technology will significantly reduce the risk of airborne diseases and enhance the overall well-being of our residents."

The press release added, “The completion of SteriSpace's first installation at Schoellkopf Health Center serves as a critical milestone in enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in line with the Biden-Harris administration's "Clean Air in Buildings Challenge." More than just an effective solution, SteriSpace is also environmentally responsible, delivering lower energy costs, a smaller ecological footprint, and eliminating the need for replacement parts, unlike traditional HEPA filters.”

You First Services Chairman and CEO Dr. Satish Sharma said, "SteriSpace, an innovation born in Buffalo (and) is the only patented technology capable of sterilizing air. Unlike other air systems that merely purify or treat air, SteriSpace sterilizes it, eliminating 99.9999% of pathogens and 100% of viruses. This is crucial for environments like schools, military and government buildings, and health care facilities, where 'healthy buildings' are a growing priority."

The air sterilization project has been developed and advanced by Rethink WNY, an organization that is comprised of health care professionals from the State University of New York at Buffalo, other organizations and regional businesses.

The installation of SteriSpace at Schoellkopf Health Center is expected to be completed this summer.