Collective strength shines at Health Coalitions’ fall gathering

On Oct. 21, nearly 60 coalition members from the African American, Indigenous, and Latino Health Coalitions and the New American Health Advisory Group came together for an all-coalition gathering. Planned for a meaningful midpoint between their annual Speak Life! event, and during a time of organizational transition, they reconnected, shared updates, and celebrated the collective work being done to advance health equity in our region. The core message: we are stronger together. 

Along with plates of delicious multicultural food, displays of multicultural artifacts, and some participants wearing clothing representing their cultures, the evening was kicked off by Health Coalitions Program Manager Jeffrey Freeman and Hannah Shippee, who manages the Indigenous Health Coalition. Freeman reminded those gathered that they are not alone in their work, but together they are building stronger connections, imagining new possibilities and helping our communities thrive. Sharing insights from a recent health equity conference she attended, Shippee encouraged members to ground themselves in the knowledge that no matter what challenges may lie ahead, we will continue doing the work that we’ve always done—the work needed to move our communities toward greater health equity. 

The day before the gathering,  Co-CEOs Marlene Bessette and Wade Norwood announced plans to retire to Common Ground Health-Rochester RHIO (CGH/RRHIO) staff. They spoke to the coalition members about what lies ahead and how their work of identifying health inequities and leveraging deep community know-how to address them will continue to be vital the organization’s success. They also emphasized the importance of building bridges—especially between rural and urban communities—and ensuring coalition voices are heard at every table where decisions are made.

With that backdrop, each coalition updated the larger group on progress and priorities. This summer, both the African American Health Coalition and Latino Health Coalition went through a “reimagining” process, rebuilding membership and focusing on what matters most to their communities. The chairs of those coalitions—Mary Bisbee-Burrows and Julio Jordan—shared their new goals, which include minimizing the impact of budget cuts on consumers and reducing inequities in chronic disease outcomes. To meet those goals, they are conducting more outreach, building stronger partnerships, and offering more opportunities for health awareness, education and screenings.

Born out of pandemic response work, the Indigenous Health Coalition has grown into a powerful voice for holistic wellness and cultural healing. Todd Michel Waite shared how their work focuses on three “baskets” of health: advocacy and awareness, holistic wellness, and data equity. Recent highlights include a health care provider forum, a community class on Eating for Wellness and coalition members being invited to inform a variety of other local efforts. Their long-term vision: building an urban Indigenous health center in the Rochester area.

The newest of the groups—the New American Health Advisory Group—grew from concerns that some immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities were falling through the cracks. Members Marlene Cortés and Stergios Skatharoudis shared that the group’s goal is to support mental health and connection by creating after-hour wellness circles that help reduce stigma and promote healing. They are looking for safe, trusted spaces to host these gatherings.

After these important updates, Indigenous Health Coalition member Pete Hill led a creative and heartfelt relationship-building activity that paired people up with someone new to share things they wish others understood about their culture and ask questions they’ve always wanted to ask about others. Laughter, curiosity, and connection filled the room.

To cap off the evening, Health Coalitions Program Coordinator Anika Griffiths discussed the annual Speak Life! event, a core activity for the coalitions. 2026 promises to bring exciting refinements, shifting from a traditional conference to a two-day forum that encourages open conversation, cultural expression and community connection.  The event will be shorter and more interactive, with a single planning committee made up of coalition members guiding content and support from Common Ground staff. 

The group left the gathering feeling inspired, supported, and reminded when we come together, share our wisdom, and lift one another’s voices, we move closer to the health equity we all envision.