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TERMS OF USE

BridgeToCommunity.org

Effective Date: 05/28/2026
 

Welcome to BridgeToCommunity.org. This website is operated for educational, informational, outreach, and community resource purposes in connection with the BRIDGE program and its affiliated academic, healthcare, and community partners.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use this website.

1. Purpose of This Website

BridgeToCommunity.org provides general information about community programs, health education, aging-related resources, supportive services, events, referrals, and community engagement opportunities.

The website may include information related to:

  • Healthy aging

  • Mental health and wellness

  • Memory and cognitive health

  • Social support

  • Community programs

  • Educational events

  • Local Brooklyn resources

  • Academic and healthcare partner initiatives

  • Outreach activities connected to older adults, caregivers, and community members

This website is designed to help visitors learn about available services and resources. It is not intended to replace professional medical, behavioral health, legal, financial, or emergency advice.

2. No Medical Advice

The information on BridgeToCommunity.org is provided for general educational and informational purposes only.

Nothing on this website should be considered:

  • Medical advice

  • Diagnosis

  • Treatment recommendation

  • Emergency guidance

  • A substitute for speaking with a licensed healthcare provider

  • A guarantee of eligibility for services

  • A provider-patient relationship

Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider about your personal health needs, symptoms, medications, diagnosis, or treatment options.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if there is immediate danger.

3. No Provider-Patient Relationship

Use of this website does not create a provider-patient relationship, therapist-client relationship, counselor-client relationship, attorney-client relationship, or any other professional relationship between you and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, the BRIDGE program, its partners, affiliates, contractors, staff, or contributors.

Submitting a form, sending an email, requesting information, registering for an event, or using a contact feature on this website does not guarantee that you will receive services or become a patient, client, participant, or program enrollee.

4. Emergency and Urgent Situations

BridgeToCommunity.org is not monitored for emergencies.

Do not use this website to report:

  • A medical emergency

  • A mental health emergency

  • Abuse, neglect, or immediate safety concerns

  • A crisis requiring urgent response

  • Time-sensitive healthcare needs

For emergencies, call 911.

For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.

For suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in New York State, contact the appropriate local Adult Protective Services office or call emergency services if someone is in immediate danger.

5. Eligibility and Program Information

Information about programs, services, events, or referrals may change at any time. Eligibility for any program or service may depend on factors such as age, location, health needs, funding availability, referral requirements, insurance status, program capacity, or partner organization policies.

BridgeToCommunity.org does not guarantee:

  • Program acceptance

  • Appointment availability

  • Service availability

  • Referral completion

  • Eligibility determination

  • Benefit approval

  • Continued operation of any listed program

All services are subject to review, availability, applicable law, and the policies of the relevant program or partner organization.

6. Accuracy of Information

We make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, information on this website may change, become outdated, or contain errors.

BridgeToCommunity.org makes no warranty or representation that:

  • All information is complete, current, or error-free

  • All links are active or accurate

  • All listed services are still available

  • All event details remain unchanged

  • All third-party information is accurate

Visitors should confirm important information directly with the relevant organization, healthcare provider, program, or agency before making decisions.

7. User Responsibilities

By using this website, you agree to use it only for lawful, respectful, and appropriate purposes.

You agree not to:

  • Submit false, misleading, or harmful information

  • Attempt to access restricted systems or data

  • Interfere with website security or functionality

  • Upload malicious code, viruses, spam, or harmful content

  • Use the website to harass, threaten, or harm others

  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation

  • Use website content for unauthorized commercial purposes

  • Copy, alter, or misuse program materials without permission

  • Violate any applicable federal, state, or local law

We reserve the right to restrict access, remove content, or take appropriate action if misuse is detected.

8. Information You Submit

Certain areas of the website may allow you to submit information through forms, email links, registration tools, surveys, sign-up forms, or contact requests.

Examples may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • ZIP code

  • Age range

  • Preferred language

  • Caregiver status

  • Event registration details

  • Questions or requests for information

Please do not submit sensitive medical information, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, insurance numbers, medical record numbers, or urgent health details through general website forms unless the form specifically states that it is intended and secured for that purpose.

Information submitted through this website may be reviewed by authorized personnel or program partners for outreach, referral, event registration, follow-up, reporting, or program support purposes, consistent with applicable privacy laws and policies.

9. Privacy and Confidentiality

Your use of this website is also governed by the applicable Privacy Policy posted on BridgeToCommunity.org.

SUNY Downstate and affiliated programs are committed to protecting personal information and health-related information in accordance with applicable laws and policies, which may include, depending on the context:

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPAA

  • New York State privacy laws

  • New York State Internet Security and Privacy Act

  • New York SHIELD Act

  • Personal Privacy Protection Law

  • Freedom of Information Law, where applicable

  • Applicable SUNY and SUNY Downstate privacy and information security policies

General website communications may not always be the same as protected clinical communications. If you are a patient or participant receiving healthcare services from SUNY Downstate or another covered healthcare provider, separate privacy practices may apply to your protected health information.

10. Email, Text, and Electronic Communications

If you provide your email address, phone number, or other contact information, you may be contacted for purposes related to your request, program participation, event registration, resource navigation, outreach, or follow-up.

Electronic communications may not always be fully secure. By choosing to communicate electronically, you understand that there may be privacy and security risks.

Where required by law, consent may be requested before sending non-essential text messages, marketing communications, newsletters, or recurring outreach messages.

You may request to stop receiving non-required communications by following the unsubscribe instructions provided or by contacting the program directly.

11. Event Registration and Participation

BridgeToCommunity.org may provide information about workshops, community events, trainings, webinars, screenings, support groups, educational sessions, or partner activities.

By registering for or attending an event, you understand that:

  • Event details may change

  • Space may be limited

  • Registration may be required

  • Some events may be hosted by third-party partners

  • Photography, video, or media capture may occur only when properly disclosed and authorized

  • Participation does not guarantee eligibility for services

  • Health and safety rules may apply

If an event includes photography, video recording, testimonials, or media documentation, additional consent or release forms may be required.

12. Third-Party Links and Resources

This website may link to third-party websites, agencies, service providers, community organizations, government resources, healthcare programs, transportation resources, social service providers, or educational materials.

These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only.

BridgeToCommunity.org, SUNY Downstate, and affiliated partners do not control third-party websites and are not responsible for:

  • Their content

  • Their privacy practices

  • Their accessibility

  • Their security

  • Their accuracy

  • Their services

  • Their eligibility requirements

  • Their fees or costs

  • Their availability

  • Their actions or omissions

A link to a third-party website does not mean endorsement, approval, sponsorship, or guarantee unless specifically stated.

Visitors should review the terms and privacy policies of any third-party website before using it or submitting information.

13. External Services and Technology Platforms

BridgeToCommunity.org may use third-party technology tools to support website hosting, forms, analytics, event registration, email communication, scheduling, video conferencing, maps, accessibility tools, or digital outreach.

These services may collect limited technical information such as browser type, device type, IP address, pages visited, date and time of access, and similar website usage data.

Where applicable, the use of third-party tools will be managed in accordance with relevant privacy, security, accessibility, and institutional requirements.

14. Accessibility

BridgeToCommunity.org is committed to providing a website that is accessible and usable for community members, including older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and individuals using assistive technology.

We aim to support accessibility best practices, including:

  • Clear language

  • Readable text

  • Strong color contrast

  • Keyboard navigation where possible

  • Meaningful image descriptions where appropriate

  • Mobile-friendly design

  • Compatibility with assistive technologies

  • Accessible document formats when possible

If you experience difficulty accessing any part of this website, please contact us so we can work to provide the information in an alternative format.

Accessibility Contact:
[Insert Accessibility Contact Name or Office]
[Insert Email Address]
[Insert Phone Number]

15. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, the content on BridgeToCommunity.org, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, documents, layouts, icons, educational materials, and other content, is owned by or licensed to the website operator, SUNY Downstate, the BRIDGE program, or its authorized partners.

You may view, download, or print materials for personal, educational, non-commercial use, provided that you do not alter the content or remove any copyright, trademark, attribution, or legal notices.

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, publish, display, or use website content for commercial purposes without prior written permission.

16. Trademarks and Institutional Names

Names, logos, seals, marks, program names, and institutional identifiers appearing on this website may be trademarks, service marks, or protected institutional marks of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, SUNY, the BRIDGE program, or other affiliated partners.

Use of these names or marks without written authorization is prohibited.

Nothing on this website grants permission to use any institutional name, logo, seal, or mark for endorsement, publicity, fundraising, advertising, or promotional purposes.

17. Media, Photography, Video, and Testimonials

Website content may include photography, video, interviews, testimonials, or community stories. Such content should only be used when proper permissions, releases, or authorizations have been obtained.

Visitors may not download, reuse, edit, repost, or redistribute images, videos, testimonials, or personal stories from this website without written permission.

Any testimonials or stories presented on the website are individual experiences and do not guarantee specific outcomes, benefits, services, or results.

18. Community Guidelines for Interactive Features

If this website includes comment sections, surveys, testimonials, submissions, chat features, or other interactive tools, users must communicate respectfully and lawfully.

We may remove or reject content that is:

  • Abusive

  • Threatening

  • Discriminatory

  • False or misleading

  • Spam

  • Commercial advertising

  • Invasive of privacy

  • In violation of confidentiality

  • Inappropriate for the purpose of the website

  • Unlawful or harmful

We are not responsible for user-submitted content, but we reserve the right to review, moderate, remove, or restrict content at our discretion.

19. Non-Discrimination

BridgeToCommunity.org is intended to support inclusive access to community information and resources.

Programs and services connected to this website should be offered in accordance with applicable non-discrimination laws and policies. Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected status is prohibited where applicable by law.

20. Language Access

BridgeToCommunity.org may provide information in multiple languages or offer translated materials for community accessibility. Translations are provided to support understanding and access.

If there is a difference between translated content and the official English version, the English version may control unless otherwise required by law.

For language assistance, please contact:

Language Access Contact:
[Insert Contact Name or Office]
[Insert Email Address]
[Insert Phone Number]

21. Security

We take reasonable steps to protect the website and information submitted through it. However, no website, internet transmission, email system, or electronic storage method can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Users are responsible for protecting their own devices, passwords, internet connections, and personal information.

You agree not to attempt to bypass security features, access restricted systems, scan for vulnerabilities, disrupt website operations, or use the website in any manner that could compromise security or privacy.

22. Public Records and Legal Requests

Certain information submitted to or maintained by public institutions may be subject to applicable public records laws, legal requests, subpoenas, court orders, audits, investigations, or government reporting requirements.

Where applicable, information may be disclosed as required or permitted by law.

23. Research, Evaluation, and Reporting

The BRIDGE program and its partners may use de-identified, aggregated, or summary-level information for program evaluation, reporting, quality improvement, grant reporting, outreach planning, academic purposes, or community impact measurement.

When used for these purposes, reasonable efforts will be made to avoid identifying individual users unless proper authorization, consent, or legal permission has been obtained.

Participation in formal research activities, if any, will be subject to applicable research review, consent, and institutional requirements.

24. Disclaimer of Warranties

This website and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BridgeToCommunity.org, SUNY Downstate, the BRIDGE program, affiliates, partners, contributors, contractors, and representatives disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

  • Accuracy

  • Completeness

  • Reliability

  • Availability

  • Fitness for a particular purpose

  • Non-infringement

  • Security

  • Error-free operation

We do not warrant that the website will always be available, uninterrupted, secure, or free from errors, viruses, or harmful components.

25. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BridgeToCommunity.org, SUNY Downstate, the BRIDGE program, affiliates, partners, contributors, contractors, staff, and representatives shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or other damages arising out of or related to:

  • Use of this website

  • Inability to use this website

  • Reliance on website information

  • Errors or omissions

  • Third-party links or services

  • Technical problems

  • Unauthorized access

  • Loss of data

  • Program changes or unavailability

  • Any decision made based on website content

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability. In those cases, liability will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

26. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless BridgeToCommunity.org, SUNY Downstate, the BRIDGE program, affiliates, partners, contributors, contractors, staff, and representatives from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses arising from:

  • Your use or misuse of the website

  • Your violation of these Terms

  • Your violation of any law or regulation

  • Your submission of false, harmful, or unauthorized information

  • Your infringement of any rights of another person or organization

This section applies only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

27. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Use at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

Your continued use of the website after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms.

We encourage visitors to review these Terms periodically.

28. Suspension or Termination of Access

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate access to the website or any feature of the website at any time, without notice, if we believe a user has violated these Terms, misused the website, created a security risk, or acted unlawfully.

29. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes related to this website or these Terms shall be handled in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and any applicable SUNY, SUNY Downstate, or State of New York requirements.

30. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use, please contact:

BRIDGE Program / BridgeToCommunity.org
[Insert Program Office or Department Name]
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
450 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11203

Email: [Insert Official Email]
Phone: [Insert Official Phone Number]
Website: www.BridgeToCommunity.org

For privacy-related questions, please refer to the website Privacy Policy or contact the appropriate privacy office listed there.

For accessibility-related questions, please contact the accessibility contact listed in Section 14.

31. Important Notice

This Terms of Use page is intended to support responsible, transparent, and compliant use of BridgeToCommunity.org. It should be reviewed and approved by the appropriate legal, compliance, privacy, accessibility, and communications representatives before publication.

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