New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) and the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-Finger Lakes Performing Provider System- Rochester Regional Health Information Organization (Common Ground Health-FLPPS-RRHIO) have published the updated NYSARH Diversity Dashboard, an interactive online tool designed to make community-level data easier to access and use for health assessment, planning, grant writing, and policy development across New York State.
Developed by NYSARH in partnership with Common Ground Health-FLPPS-RRHIO, the dashboard provides accessible, place-based demographic, social, economic, and health information for communities across New York State. The tool offers data at the county, ZIP code, and census tract levels, where available, helping users better understand local conditions, identify patterns and disparities, and inform community action.
The refreshed dashboard is designed for a wide range of users, including researchers, local health departments, community-based organizations, health care providers, educators, planners, and grant writers seeking timely, community-specific information in one place. Rather than requiring users to search across multiple public systems, the dashboard brings together information from sources such as the American Community Survey, CDC PLACES, CMS National Plan and Provider Enumeration System data, the New York State Prevention Agenda Dashboard, and the New York State Opioid Data Dashboard.
“This dashboard helps put meaningful community data directly into the hands of the people who need it most—from local health leaders and researchers to nonprofits and planners,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-FLPPS-RRHIO. “By making reliable information easier to access and easier to use, we can help communities make more informed decisions and target efforts to improve health and well-being.”
Recent improvements expand both the content and usability of the dashboard, which was launched in 2023. The updated version streamlines what had previously been a set of separate dashboards into a more consistent experience centered on two core views—Current Statistics & Maps and Trends—with more standardized filters and navigation. The refresh also adds new content, including a community health and well-being section, in response to evolving partner needs and ongoing efforts to strengthen the resource over time.
“No two rural communities face the same realities, each has its own strengths, gaps, and story. This dashboard moves us past broad assumptions, giving advocates, local leaders, and decision-makers the exact data they need to drive targeted planning, smarter policy, and community-led action,” said Jennifer Muthig, Executive Director of NY State Association of Rural Health.
A key feature of the dashboard is its use of Common Ground Health-FLPPS-RRHIO’s geoclassification framework, which allows users to explore data by different types of communities, including Rural, Rural – Population Center, and Rural – Transitional areas by default. This approach helps users look more closely at the variety of experiences within rural New York while still allowing broader statewide exploration.
The NYSARH Diversity Dashboard is available at https://nysarh.org/explore-the-diversity-in-your-region/
About NYSARH:
The mission of the New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) is to improve the health and well-being of rural New Yorkers and their communities. The statewide nonprofit organization does this by promoting rural health equity; fostering collaboration; connecting rural communities, networks and proven programs; and advocating at the state and national levels on behalf of its members. NYSARH membership is open to any organization whose mission, goals, or interests align with NYSARH’s, and includes public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit, small and large organizations, individual professionals and students.
About the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health, Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, and Rochester Regional Health Information Organization:
Formed in 2026, the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-Finger Lakes Performing Provider System-Rochester RHIO works to improve health outcomes by collaborating with the community to co-design and implement data-informed, sustainable solutions that enhance health and well-being for all. Headquartered in Rochester, NY, the combined entity serves 14 counties in the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
Media Contacts:
Amy Kotlarz-Knapp
Director of Communications,
The Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-FLPPS-Rochester RHIO
amy.knapp@commongroundhealth.org
Cell phone: 585-281-3518
Direct line: 585-224-3121
Janiya Donson
Communication Specialist
NYS Association for Rural Health
janiya@nysarh.org