September 2026 Newsletter

Two decades of health, joy, and sisterhood

What began as a modest gathering of family and friends has since grown into one of Rochester's most beloved traditions: A Call to Women of Color. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the event was transformed into a three-day experience, bringing together generations of women and girls for reflection, learning, healing, celebration, and sisterhood.

Across a film screening, a community gathering in Genesee Valley Park, and a Little Black Dress event, one message echoed loudly: Women of color have spaces where they can be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Read more.

Building New York's rural health workforce, together.

How can New York strengthen and sustain the healthcare workforce that rural communities depend on? That question was at the center of a panel discussion moderated by Director of Strategic Initiatives Melissa Wendland at the New York State Association for Rural Health Annual Conference. Bringing together leaders from healthcare, government, education, and workforce development, the conversation highlighted proven strategies for recruitment and retention, the need for timely workforce data, and the power of partnerships in addressing healthcare workforce challenges statewide.

Read more about the discussion.

Rochester Celebrates BIPOC Senior Adults

Pictured above from left to right: Common Ground-FLPPS-RRHIO Community Wellness Project Manager Phyllis Jackson, Rochester City Councilmember LaShay Harris, and Arneska Harvey.

Community members gathered at Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church for the Senior Adult Community Engagement initiative's annual BIPOC Senior Adult Recognition Month celebration, honoring the leadership, advocacy, service, and lasting contributions of BIPOC older adults.

Rochester City Council Vice President LaShay Harris received the Martha L. Hope Award for her work as an ally and supporter of older adults, Wilma Pugh, and Sonia Rodriguez received Faith and Community Service Awards, as did Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, whose 55th anniversary was also celebrated.

The program featured a keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Melany Silas-Chandler and remarks by City Council Member At-Large, Mitch Gruber. A panel of student scholars from RCSD's Restorative HUB shared their dreams for their legacies beyond money and engaged the adults in inter-generational conversation and listening. 

Partner Spotlight: NY State Dental Foundation

The New York State Dental Foundation works to improve oral health across New York by expanding access to dental care, supporting community outreach programs, and strengthening the dental workforce. Through partnerships and advocacy, the foundation helps connect underserved communities with the care they need to live healthier lives. On October 3 and 4, the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, Livingston County Department of Health, New York State Dental Association, Rotary District 7120, Sunlife | DentaQuest, and the Masonic Service Bureau will bring free dental, medical, and vision care to community members through the RAM Mt. Morris Community Health Clinic.

"We are grateful to the NY State Dental Foundation, Rotary, Remote Area Medical, and the many volunteers who make clinics like this possible. These events provide critical short-term support for individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to access care, particularly as service closures have created significant gaps in access in Livingston County. They help us respond to immediate needs while underscoring the importance of continued investment in sustainable local primary, preventive, and dental care."  – Melissa Wendland, Director of Strategic Initiatives

The two-day clinic is expected to serve approximately 200 people, offering care at no cost and without insurance requirements. Supported by healthcare professionals and community volunteers from across the region, the clinic reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to essential health services and improving health outcomes for local families.

Documentary sparks health equity conversation

Chief Advancement and Government Relations Officer Wade Norwood recently joined a community panel discussion following a screening of Every Body's Work: Healing What Hurts Us All, a documentary exploring the impact of systemic and institutional racism in healthcare. Presented in partnership with the Rochester Association of Black Journalists and Black Cinema Series, the event brought together community members and healthcare professionals to discuss how health inequities affect patient care, nursing education, and workplace experiences. The conversation also highlighted local efforts to advance health equity, including plans by Beta Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. to establish a Community Health Hub in underserved Rochester neighborhoods.

In the headlines

RBJ's Power List for Healthcare, Rochester Business Journal

A Call to Women of Color celebrates 20 years of sisterhood, Rochester First

Poder 97.1 interview with Jackie Dozier, PODER 97.1 FM

Common Ground Health hosts 20th Annual 'A Call to Women of Color' gathering at Genesee Valley Park, GSL News

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