July 2026 Newsletter

Rural health dashboard updated to strengthen community health planning across New York

The New York State Association for Rural Health and the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health–Finger Lakes Performing Provider System–Rochester Regional Health Information Organization have released an updated NYSARH Diversity Dashboard, an interactive tool designed to support community health assessment, planning, grant writing, and policy development across New York State.

The updated dashboard brings together demographic, social, economic, and health data in one accessible platform, with information available at the county, ZIP code, and census tract levels where possible. Users can explore different types of rural communities, including smaller rural areas, rural towns that serve as local centers, and rural areas that are closer to suburban or more developed communities.

The dashboard is intended for researchers, local health departments, community-based organizations, health care providers, educators, planners, grant writers, and others seeking reliable, community-specific data in one place.

Read more in our joint press release with NYSARH.

Explore the dashboard.

Christmas in July: A growing effort reminds nursing home residents they are valued, and seen

For older adults living in under-resourced nursing homes, a gift bag can mean so much more than the socks, toiletries or a warm blanket inside—it can be a reminder that someone sees them.

“You can see that when they take the gifts, they are so excited because somebody remembered them,” said Senior Adult Community Engagement (SACE) Ambassador Jeannette Anderson (pictured above, center). “I see you. You’re a person. You’re valuable.”

This Christmas in July, SACE is collecting comfort and care items for the Not Forgotten Project to help support residents now and prepare for the holiday season ahead.

Read more and learn how to contribute.

Latino Health Coalition hosts community event bringing essential resources directly to residents

Health is about more than health care. That's the idea behind Unidos Por La Salud: Wellness and Health Engagement on Every Local Street (WHEELS), a free community event hosted by the Latino Health Coalition. Attendees can access health checks and information, along with resources related to housing, employment, legal services, financial literacy, and more.

"When people think about health, they often think only about physical health," said Coalition Chair Julio Hernández. "But access to safe housing, food, employment opportunities, legal services and financial resources all have a tremendous impact on a person's health and quality of life."

The event will also feature free food, live music, children's activities and community resource vendors.

Read the press release.

Ongoing support makes the difference when managing chronic diseases

Chronic diseases affect millions of people across the country, including many individuals and families here in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region where trends mirror those at national and state levels. The most common chronic conditions—obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer—often last a year or longer and may require ongoing medical attention, daily self-management, or adjustments to everyday activities.

Read more about chronic diseases and tips on managing them.

Partner Spotlight: HealthConnect One and Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield

Health equity is at the heart of our maternal health work, and we're proud to partner with HealthConnect One and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to help address Black maternal health inequities in our community. Through the RISE Doula Workforce Pilot, they trained a new cohort of doulas to provide culturally responsive support for mothers and families throughout pregnancy and postpartum. We were honored to support this effort by hosting the training in our conference space. 

“Improving maternal health outcomes requires community-driven solutions and strong partnerships. HealthConnect One's and Excellus BCBS's commitment to advancing birth equity aligns closely with our mission to create healthier, more equitable communities for all families.” —Dina Faticone, Chief Program Officer & Operating Officer

We are proud to support initiatives like this—and applaud another recent doula training by longtime partner Healthy Baby Network—​​​​​that expand access to doula care and help ensure mothers and families have the support they need to thrive.

Stepping it up for 20 years of sisterhood

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this very special series of events. Don’t wait to get your tickets—registration is open now!

Learn more!

In the headlines

Juneteenth festival honors Rochester leaders and organizations, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Health Care Rodeo coming to Rochester this summer, WDKX

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