Celebrate CAS Day with Community Access Services

Happy CAS Day! Did you know that Community Access Services (CAS), an affiliate of Evergreen Health, is honored with its own day in the city of Buffalo? Each February 7 is CAS Day in Buffalo, a day to celebrate how CAS empowers communities of color through services and programs that are created for and by communities of color.

CAS Day also takes place on Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day, a day that’s been commemorated in the United States since 1999 to acknowledge how HIV disproportionally affects Black communities.

Stop by CAS today at 3297 Bailey Ave. from 10am to 3pm for free music, refreshments, raffles, and HIV testing, and to learn more about the many ways CAS can support you and your health.

If you’ve never visited CAS, read on to learn why the services they provide are so important that our city dedicated a whole day to them.

Why are the services CAS provides so important?

Black communities are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses like HIV. According to the U.S. Department of Health, “racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the healthcare system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care.”

CAS is located in the heart of the city of Buffalo, where Black communities have historically lacked access to equitable, culturally competent healthcare. Their mission is to provide truly accessible HIV testing, prevention and education, alongside connections to other health and wellness resources, through programs that are designed by and for communities of color.

Free and confidential HIV testing

HIV testing at CAS is always free, confidential, and nonjudgemental, whether you get a test at CAS during office hours or out and about at one of their community events. The CAS team also offers one-on-one counseling to help you understand your sexual health and to get you connected to any prevention, treatment, or supportive services you need.

You can call the CAS team at 716.852.5969 to make a testing appointment.

Resources and referrals

CAS partners with community organizations throughout Buffalo and Erie County so they can refer you to the quality health and wellness services that you need, near you.

The CAS team is dedicated to meeting the needs of communities of color, and they’re here to help you overcome any barriers you’re experiencing to find quality, culturally competent health and wellness services, like:

• making healthcare appointments and finding a primary care provider
• getting referrals for mental health care or substance use services
• getting connected to local employment resources
• finding local support groups and peer groups
• getting help with groceries and nutrition

Food pantry and SNAP assistance

CAS has an in-house food pantry that offers a three-day supply of food to eligible community members living in the 14215 zip code.

They also have an on-site Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinator who can help you determine if you’re eligible for SNAP benefits, apply for or recertify for your benefits.

Counseling

CAS’ free one-on-one counseling program is here to empower individuals of color to overcome barriers that are in the way of their goals. Their counseling program can help you with:

• resume writing and career preparation
• making and getting transportation to healthcare appointments
• getting referrals to specialist appointments, like the dentist or gynecologist
• getting connected to local housing resources
• talking through personal challenges and goals
• and more

Give the CAS team a call at 716.852.5969 or visit them at 3297 Bailey Ave. to learn more and get enrolled in their free counseling program.

If you have questions about your health, are nervous about getting into care, or just want to talk to someone who understands, CAS is here for you. Give them a call at 716.852.5969 or visit them at 3297 Bailey Ave. to learn more about the many ways the CAS team can support  you and your health.