Pay BillAt Independent Health, we are dedicated to helping improve the health of the Western New York (WNY) community. Our partnerships with various organizations across the area offer a number of opportunities that allow us to promote health and wellness and get others engaged in their health.
We are working together to provide the education, support and tools individuals need to lead healthier lives. Below are some of the valued partnerships we’ve created in the community.
Buffalo Museum of Science
Independent Health’s partnership with the Buffalo Museum of Science is helping to educate individuals and families about the importance of getting and staying healthy. One way this is achieved is through the annual Community Health Day event sponsored by Independent Health. Guests of all ages are encouraged to join us for a day of healthy and fun activities, featuring a variety of health and wellness vendors, fitness challenges, character appearances, free giveaways, an enter to win contest, and more! Admission to the museum is always free on Community Health Day. Learn more about the next event.
The Museum is also home to a Reddy Bikeshare station, located near the main entrance, making it a fun and accessible destination for riders traveling through the City of Buffalo.
Member Discounts
Independent Health members can show their ID card to save 10 percent on an annual membership to the Museum, and eligible members can use their Health ExtrasSM card to cover the cost.
Buffalo RiverWorks
Independent Health is proud to be the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Buffalo RiverWorks! We’ve teamed up to offer access to fun and healthy activities all year long. This includes kayaking and paddle boarding along the Buffalo River in the summer, and ice skating and curling on two covered, outdoor ice rinks in the winter. Plus, there’s rock wall climbing, zip lining, a ropes course, roller skating, and more. RiverWorks proudly features a Reddy Bikeshare station near the front entrance and also serves as a Fitness in the Parks location during the summer months, which are just a few more ways we’re helping to bring healthy initiatives to the community all year long.
Buffalo RiverWorks is a 60,000 square-foot, multi-purpose space that also features an indoor roller derby track, a martial arts dojo, a VR room and arcade, and more. There is a full-service restaurant and brewery onsite that features several Healthy Options® menu items thanks to the Independent Health Foundation.
Member Discounts
Independent Health members can show their ID card to receive a 20 percent discount on various Adventure Activities, and eligible members can use their Health ExtrasSM card to cover the cost.
GObike
Healthier bodies and a cleaner environment? It’s the best of both worlds! As a longtime partner of GObike, we helped a great idea blossom into a successful non-profit that focuses on bringing environmentally-friendly transportation options to the City of Buffalo. GObike has evolved throughout the years to educate Western New York in the areas of traffic safety and commuter planning, as well as championing commuter planning and becoming more deeply involved in infrastructure planning.
Bike Month
May is National Bike Month! Independent Health has proudly sponsored GObike’s Bike Month programming since 2022, which advertises 30+ events in collaboration with other community organizations throughout the month. This includes weekly bike breakfasts, mobile repairs, bike to work and school events, and so much more.
Plus, Independent Health brings greater awareness and excitement to the month-long celebration by offering a Bike Month Contest. Participants are asked to submit a short story on why they love to bike in Western New York for the chance to win a prize.
SkyRide
In 2024, SkyRide presented by Independent Health celebrated its 10th anniversary! This annual event brings more than 1,000 riders together each year to raise awareness for GObike’s work in the community while offering participants the unique opportunity to pedal across the Skyway. It’s the only time each year bicyclists can take in the view of Buffalo’s waterfront from atop the Skyway, normally only seen by vehicle. This family-friendly event begins and ends at the Outer Harbor’s Terminal B, offering a post-event “bike bash” with music, food, camaraderie, and free giveaways courtesy of Independent Health.
Member Discounts
Independent Health members can save 10 percent on bicycling events, like SkyRide, and eligible members can use their Health ExtrasSM card to cover the cost.
Jericho Road
The Independent Health Gym and Wellness Center at Jericho Road is helping the community get fit and stay active. Located inside Jericho Road’s Community Health Center at 1021 Broadway in Buffalo, this facility is different than traditional gyms and is specifically designed for every person and body with special services and amenities to help lead a healthier life.
Member Discounts
Independent Health members can save $100 off the initiation fee, and eligible members can use their Health ExtrasSM card to cover the cost.
Larkin Square
Independent Health is proud to partner with Larkin Square to sponsor the many fun-filled community events that are offered throughout the year. Larkin Square is also a Fitness in the Parks location during the summer months, which is another way we’re helping to bring healthy initiatives to the Square all year long.
Food Truck Tuesdays
Every Tuesday night from June through August, the community is invited to Food Truck Tuesdays where dozens of food trucks fill the Square accompanied by free live music. On select nights, Independent Health is onsite to distribute free giveaways (while supplies last) and offer an enter to win contest, open to all in the community. Every participating truck offers at least one Healthy Options® menu item that’s considered to be lower in fat, cholesterol and sodium – making it easier to make a healthy choice, thanks to the Independent Health Foundation.
Pickleball
Larkin Square is also home to two outdoor pickleball courts sponsored by Independent Health. The community is invited to play all summer long with courts available on a first come, first served basis. The game is played with a wooden paddle and a plastic whiffle ball, though equipment is not provided. It’s considered to be a combination of badminton, tennis, volleyball and ping-pong.
Outer Harbor Buffalo
As the Official Health and Wellness Partner of the Outer Harbor, we’re working together to offer Western New York a variety of healthy outdoor activities.
Wilkeson Pointe*
Get moving on the 3-mile Independent Health Wellness Trail, which begins at Wilkeson Pointe and extends into Lakeside Bike Park. Take in the sights and sounds of nature along the Lake Erie shoreline as you run, walk, bike and more! Join us here during the summer months for a variety of FREE outdoor fitness classes sponsored by Independent Health, including Fitness in the Parks in partnership with YMCA Buffalo Niagara.
Lakeside Bike Park
Lakeside Bike Park presented by Independent Health is open year-round for all to enjoy, offering three mountain bike tracks for riders of all skill levels and ages. The bike park also features a pump track, skills loop and tot track for little ones.
Terminal B
If you’re headed to Terminal B for a concert in the summer, skip the traffic and travel by bike – there’s a new Bike Valet service available, courtesy of Independent Health! There’s also a Reddy Bikeshare station just outside of the Terminal B event center entrance along Fuhrmann Boulevard, offering an easy and affordable way to explore the Outer Harbor.
*Wilkeson Pointe is closed for 2024 due to construction.
Police Athletic League of Buffalo
Independent Health is proud to work with the Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL) to help bring free sports programming to youth in the City of Buffalo. This includes the summer basketball and baseball leagues, as well as PlayStreets, which is offered year-round.
PLAYSTREETS
PlayStreets launched in the summer of 2020 and continues to see an increase in participants year after year. This mobile program unites PAL staff, coaches and police officers with city youth for free sports sampling clinics at different parks throughout the city. Healthy snacks and giveaways are offered to all participants, while supplies last. PlayStreets is held seasonally and focuses on promoting physical activity while supporting the mental and emotional health of children.
Tifft Nature Preserve
Every Thursday morning, the community is invited to Tifft Nature Preserve to take part in “Wellness Walks” sponsored by Independent Health. This weekly series of free guided nature walks is a great way to stay active while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Every participant receives a free item courtesy of Independent Health.
YMCA
At Independent Health, we realize physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. That’s why we’ve partnered with YMCA Buffalo Niagara on the following initiatives, to connect with the community through health and wellness activities and offer more ways in which people can engage in their health.
Independent Health Family Branch YMCA
This two-story facility features two 7,700-square-foot gymnasiums, an indoor track, a fitness center and weight room, two swimming pools, aerobic studios, and a spa and massage therapy room.
Fitness in the Parks
Independent Health and the YMCA are helping Western New Yorkers get healthy with Fitness in the Parks! This series of free outdoor fitness classes began in 2012 and continues to grow each year, with hundreds of classes offered throughout the summer at various parks across WNY. More than a dozen class styles are typically featured each year, including yoga, Zumba®, Pilates and more. All ages and abilities are encouraged to join. Registration is never required; just show up!
Member Discounts
Independent Health members receive various discounts (check the Wellness Discounts page to learn more), and eligible members can use their Health ExtrasSM card to cover the cost.