Celebrating 5 years of health, wellness and community in Buffalo's Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood

Community partners cut ribbon on newly renamed Independent Health Gym and Wellness Center at Jericho Road

Independent Health and Jericho Road Community Health Center announce the renaming of their state-of-the art fitness facility, The Independent Health Gym and Wellness Center at Jericho Road, reaffirming a “commitment to promoting health and well-being in east Buffalo.”

A press release stated, “As one of only two fitness centers on Buffalo's east side, today’s ribbon cutting and rededication event marked a milestone in promoting well-being and accessibility to fitness resources for patients of Jericho Road and the entire Buffalo community.

“The Independent Health Gym and Wellness Center at Jericho Road has been a cornerstone in promoting a healthy lifestyle, providing cutting-edge fitness equipment, personalized training programs, and a range of wellness services for patients of Jericho Road and families in east Buffalo since it opened in 2019. The gym, at 1021 Broadway, focuses on providing physical therapy and exercise programming for people of all ages, genders, cultures and abilities, and especially individuals with chronic diseases and higher risk medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

Many members are patients at Jericho Road who are refugees, immigrants, and living in poverty. 

Jericho Road Interim CEO Magdalena Nichols said, “This fitness center is one of few places where people on the east side of Buffalo can get exercise indoors, and we want to make sure as many people as possible know we’re here and welcoming to families of all financial means and cultural beliefs and backgrounds. We often prescribe exercise programs as part of our patients’ overall health and wellness plans, and for many it has been critical to their health outcomes. It’s important that the community knows we’re here and prepared to support them on their wellness journeys in 2024 and beyond.”

Fatuma Musa (Photo © Ginny Rose Stewart // provided by Jericho Road Community Health Center)

From left, Janet Lawton, Michael Roberson and Sondra Dawes. (Photo © Ginny Rose Stewart // provided by Jericho Road Community Health Center)

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Jericho Road received major funding from Independent Health in 2019 to help open the gym.

The press release noted, “Nearly five years later, the rededication marks a significant milestone in the center's journey, highlighting its continued dedication to fostering a healthier and happier Western New York.”

Independent Health President and CEO Michael W. Cropp, M.D., said, “At Independent Health, our commitment to the well-being of our community goes beyond traditional health care coverage. We believe that overall wellness extends beyond traditional medical treatments, and we are aligned with Jericho Road in their mission with this gym – to empower people to take charge of their health through fitness and preventive care. A healthy community is a thriving community, and we recognize the profound impact that equitable access to fitness resources can have on overall well-being. This initiative aligns with our vision of fostering healthier lives, promoting preventive care, and creating a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve."

Memberships are $15 per month, but most members qualify for a reduced rate of $5 per month based on various financial and hereditary health considerations. The gym accepts wellness benefits from insurance plans. All memberships include access to classes, quarterly fitness evaluations, and custom exercise program design.

For more information on The Independent Health Gym and Wellness Center at Jericho Road, call 716-431-5141 or visit https://jrchc.org/medical/gym. 

Jericho Road Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center with five clinic locations in Buffalo. Visit www.jrchc.org to learn more. 

Independent Health is an independent, not-for-profit health plan, headquartered in Buffalo, providing health care products and benefits designed to engage consumers in their health and well-being. To learn more, go to www.independenthealth.com.