In the Headlines

December 3, 2025 - Holley Sienkiewicz, research director at Common Ground Health, reports that self-harm has become the leading behavioral health-related reason youth are visiting emergency departments.

December 2, 2025 - “In the light of this very frightening data, we need to make sure that children know that there are community resources and community neighbors and loving adults and friends who are here to help,” said Wade Norwood, Co-CEO at Common Ground Health/Rochester RHIO.

November 26, 2025 - Phyllis Jackson, R.N., community health and wellbeing project manager for Common Ground Health emphasizes that home healthcare disparities reflect broader racism in communities and the healthcare system.

November 17, 2025 - “Many in nursing homes do not have family members or friends who visit," said Phyllis Jackson, R.N., Common Ground’s community wellness project manager. "These donations brighten older adults’ days, which may help improve their health.”

November 11, 2025 - “We can be the antidote to the epidemic of isolation and loneliness that is harming our older adults,” said Phyllis Jackson, community wellness project manager at Common Ground Health.

November 10, 2025 - Common Ground Health’s report The Color of Health reveals that Black residents in the region suffer disproportionately high rates of early mortality across a broad spectrum of serious health conditions.

November 7, 2025 - Through its Get It Done Initiative, Common Ground Health, working in partnership with Monroe County delivers opioid education and distributes naloxone to support community health and overdose prevention.

October 24, 2025 - Leadership changes are on the horizon at Common Ground Health–RRHIO, as co-CEOs Wade Norwood and Marlene Bessette begin their retirement planning.

October 23, 2025 - Wade Norwood, co-CEO of Common Ground Health and the Rochester Regional Health Information Organization, recognized for advancing health equity throughout the Finger Lakes will present the Metcalf Keynote Address.

October 22, 2025 - Effective soon, Wade Norwood will transition into the role of Chief Advancement and Government Relations Officer. Marlene Bassette will retire in March.

October 20, 2025 - Wade Norwood and Marlene Bessette, co-CEOs of Common Ground Health and the Rochester Regional Health Information Organization, have announced their plans to step down as they transition toward retirement.

October 15, 2025 - As Keynote, Wade Norwood, co-CEO of Common Ground Health/Rochester RHIO will discuss the important role recreation and tourism can play in addressing health inequity and improving quality of life.