Common Ground Newsletter

March 2025 Newsletter

Gun violence has far-reaching effects beyond physical injuries

A new Common Ground Health data spotlight reveals how violence can have long-lasting effects on mental health, employment, economic well-being and housing. “The Community Impact of Gun Violence in Rochester” also brings attention to how gun violence can traumatize individuals and families, resulting in emotional and mental health issues.

“Gun violence not only causes senseless deaths and physical injuries, but it also has far-reaching impacts on individuals, families and neighborhoods,” said Wade Norwood, co-CEO, Common Ground Health. “The U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis in 2024; now is the time to address this crisis.”

Learn more.

More than 230 people attend Urban Agriculture Conference

The Rochester Urban Ag Working Group held its 2025 Urban Agriculture Conference and Seed Swap on March 22. More than 230 people attended the event at East High School. Attendees learned from guest experts and shared information about urban agriculture.

The Rochester Food Policy Council, which is supported by Common Ground Health, Foodlink and the City of Rochester, provided backbone support for the event and was one of 15 tabling partners. The event also featured more than 10 hands-on workshops. These ranged from how to troubleshoot new green space and how to use a garden to build communities, to practical sessions on identifying weeds, making gardens grow and the role of gardens in urban planning and place-making.

View more photos here.

From left, State Sen. Samra Brouk, NY Governor Kathy Hochul and Melanie Funchess, Common Ground Health's director of Mental Health and Wellness celebrate Women's History Month at the state capitol in Albany March 19.

Melanie Funchess honored as part of Women’s History Month

The New York State Legislative Women's Caucus is a bi-partisan, bi-cameral organization of women elected to the State Legislature. Each year, Legislative Women's Caucus members honor women across the state in celebration of Women's History Month. This March, Caucus member Senator Samra Brouk recognized Melanie Funchess, Common Ground’s director of Mental Health and Wellness, for being “a fixture of our Rochester community” and thanking her for “uplifting others with her advocacy and leadership.”

Partner Spotlight: Wilmot Cancer Institute

The University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute earned the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, becoming the nation’s 73rd designated cancer center. The distinction places Wilmot in the top 4 percent of all cancer centers in the U.S. Wilmot will receive $10 million in funding over five years to expand patient access to clinical trials and develop new research initiatives.

“This designation is well-deserved," said Wade Norwood, co-CEO of Common Ground Health. “By prioritizing community engagement, cutting-edge research, education, training and top-notch care, the Wilmot Cancer Institute has helped community members live longer.”

Learn more.

In the headlines

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Trust in science, medicine plummeted because of COVID. See inside the fight to rebuild it

WDKX: WUC with Common Ground Health (an interview on the Love from the Start campaign)

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