News
Bridging the gap: community health ambassadors extend care beyond the doctor’s office
Through trusted relationships, training, and community outreach, ambassadors help residents understand health information, navigate resources, and take charge of their well-being long before they get to the exam room.
Rochester Celebrates BIPOC Senior Adults
The Senior Adult Community Engagement (SACE) initiative celebrated BIPOC Senior Adult Recognition Month with an event honoring the leadership, service, and contributions of older adults of color. Community leaders, faith partners, and student scholars came together for awards, reflections, and intergenerational conversations focused on legacy, community, and the importance of elevating older adults' voices.
Partner Spotlight: New York Dental Foundation
The New York State Dental Foundation works to improve oral health across New York by expanding access to dental care, supporting community outreach programs, and strengthening the dental workforce.
Two decades of health, joy, and sisterhood
What began as a modest gathering of family and friends has since grown into one of Rochester's most beloved traditions: A Call to Women of Color. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the event was transformed into a three-day experience, bringing together generations of women and girls for reflection, learning, healing, celebration, and sisterhood. Across a film screening, a community gathering in Genesee Valley Park, and a Little Black Dress event, one message echoed loudly: Women of color have spaces where they can be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Advancing rural health through partnership and data
How can New York strengthen and sustain the healthcare workforce that rural communities depend on? That question was at the center of a panel discussion moderated by Common Ground-FLPPS-RRHIO Director of Strategic Initiatives Melissa Wendland at the New York State Association for Rural Health Annual Conference. Bringing together leaders from healthcare, government, education, and workforce development, the conversation highlighted proven strategies for recruitment and retention, the need for timely workforce data, and the power of partnerships in addressing healthcare workforce challenges statewide.
Updated Diversity Dashboard Released to Strengthen Community Health Planning Across New York
Interactive tool brings demographic, social, economic, and health data into one accessible platform for rural and statewide use
In The Headlines
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New 19th Ward playground aims to break barriers
WXXIOctober 14, 2026 - “Play is such a powerful resource for children because it creates spaces for healing, and I think it creates places for negotiation and for learning life,” said Wade Norwood, chief advancement and government relations officer for Common Ground Health–FLPPS–Rochester RHIO.
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City launches plan to combat food insecurity, warns about rise in hunger since the pandemic
News 10 NBCOctober 1, 2026 - Candice Williams, Common Ground Health-FLPPS-Rochester RHIO’s Food Policy Coordinator, said the food policy council’s priorities support a more equitable and accessible food system for Rochester.
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Rochester announces new kid-designed playground
13 WHAMOctober 9, 2026 - A new playground was built with support from local organizations, including Common Ground Health’s Healthi Kids initiative and KABOOM!, creating a safe, engaging space for kids to play and spend time together.
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Rochester 19th Ward: Kid-designed playground at West High Field set to open Oct. 24
News 10 NBCOctober 9, 2026 - The Common Ground Health–FLPPS–Rochester RHIO initiative Healthi Kids, together with KABOOM! and community partners, announced a citywide commitment to build and renovate play spaces.