More than 100 guests gathered in the Canisius College Science Hall on Friday to discuss health disparities in the Western New York community.
Hosting the forum was the Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo. Executive director Jessica Bauer-Walker says while Buffalo is enjoying an economic renaissance, many residents are not seeing a growth in well-being.
"We're talking about chronic disease rates and educational disparities," Bauer-Walker said. "Some neighborhoods are less developed than others."
Community Health Workers -- those who reach out into their neighborhoods and across sectors where people live, work and play -- are looked upon by panelists as a cost-effective way of addressing health issues and helping individuals navigate the healthcare system.