African American Health Coalition

The African American Health Coalition seeks to improve health equity for Black residents in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. The long-standing advocacy and advisory group brings together community members, organizational leaders  and the healthcare workers of our region to coordinate efforts to improve health for Black people.

The coalition began as a task force in 2002 and was officially established in 2007. It has a proud history of providing community data on health outcomes for African Americans. In 2003, members issued a study of health disparities experienced by Black residents in Rochester's highest poverty neighborhoods. In 2014, the ‘What’s Goin’ On’ report documented higher rates of illness and premature mortality among Black residents. And in 2021, Common Ground Health published ‘The Color of Health’ to examine the devastating toll of racism on Black lives.

Today, the coalition continues to identify health inequities for African Americans and works to improve the collection of data on race and ethnicity. The coalition also advocates with health systems and other organizations to improve outcomes for people of color.

Common Ground Health convenes monthly meetings with the African American Health Coalition. Part of the meeting is open to the public.

To attend the next meeting, visit our calendar below, or email us at healthcoalitions@commongroundhealth.org.

African American Health Coalition Members

In addition to concerned residents of the nine-county region, members include representatives from government, health care systems, health insurers, community nonprofits, higher education, community health centers, the faith community and other organizations.