News

A message from Dr. Deborah Raiken

Dear Patients and Families,

I am writing to you with a sense of sadness, gratitude, and optimism. You may have noticed that I have been absent from the office, but present on the telephone and for video visits. Since the onset of the COVID pandemic and stay at home orders, with the support of my Allentown colleagues, I have elected to work remotely. As the oldest member of the Allentown Pediatrics team (the months away from the hair salon attested to that), my senior status puts me at increased risk and so I will continue to do just telemedicine until the end of the year, at which time I will retire.

This is a difficult decision as I have been practicing for almost four decades! I have had the wonderful opportunity to help create and build a pediatric practice that has opened its doors to the entire Buffalo community. I have had the honor of working with the amazing cadre of dedicated Allentown staff over many years; they are Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. So many times, I have looked down the ramp from the exam room area in amazement at the diverse families entering and leaving the office. Each one has partnered with us in the health and development of their child.

I have had the honor of getting to know so many families, and in many instances, three generations of Allentown families. I want to thank each one of you for allowing me to participate in your health care, in the care of your child. During these last several months, I have been welcomed into your homes. I have learned so much more about your daily lives, struggles, heroism, courage and coping skills. I am humbled by your strength and love of family. You have taught me so much.

This is a time of great uncertainty and hardship. Our country is reckoning with a pandemic and the call for racial justice. But I am hopeful. As our governor states, we are New York smart, resourceful, united, tough and love wins. My colleagues at Allentown Pediatric & Adolescence Medicine will continue to work tirelessly to keep our doors open to everyone in our community and work to keep our patients and their families safe and healthy.

Our staff will be reaching out to many of you to assist in selecting a new primary care provider in the practice. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions.

With wishes of good health,

Deborah Raiken, M.D.

Safety Alerty: Accidental Exposures to Household Cleaners and Disinfectants

The CDC reports that since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic there has been an alarming increase in accidental exposures to household cleaners and disinfectants. Calls to Poison Control hotlines have risen significantly.

Although the disinfectants and hand sanitizers play an important role in the decrease of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we must realize they are potentially very dangerous to children, especially in concentrated forms.

Please follow the American Academy of Pediatric safety recommendations to prevent possible life- threatening accidents:

Products must be stored in their original labeled containers and in places inaccessible to children.
Diluted disinfectants and sanitizers in spray bottles must be labeled and stored out of the reach of children.
Solutions should not be sprayed when children are nearby to avoid inhalation and exposing skin and eyes.
Before using any chemical, read the product label and manufacturer’s material safety data sheet.

If there is an accidental exposure or ingestion to these products please call Poison Control immediately.

Allentown Pediatrics Designated Breastfeeding Friendly Practice

Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has recently achieved designation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Practice by the New York State Department of Health. We have policies and clinical practices in place to create a breastfeeding friendly office environment, encourage breastfeeding and offer support to mothers while breastfeeding. Our practice is in the process of training a staff member as a Certified Lactation Consultant to provide additional support to our breastfeeding mothers. We have also established a referral source for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in the community.

For information on breastfeeding, click on the links below:

Allentown Peds Patient Portal

The Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Patient Portal is accessible by clicking the link above.

The Patient Portal allows secure electronic communication between the patient and Allentown Pediatrics. You will be able to request and cancel appointments, request medication refills, view your child’s immunization record and other aspects of the medical record, and request certain forms. Your doctor will be able to share lab and test results as deemed appropriate. For more information, click here.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Program. Thanks to the hard work of our entire Allentown Peds Staff and with the support of Catholic Medical Partners, we have been able to continue our PCMH status since 2011. The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication, and patient involvement. Patient-Center Medical Home recognition shows that Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has the tools, systems, and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.

Phone (716) 332-4472 | Fax (716) 332-4474

Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine is located at 560 Franklin Street, at the corner of North Street. Free parking is available.