October 2026 Newsletter

Community health ambassadors extend care beyond the doctor’s office

For our community health ambassadors, helping others is more than a role. It’s who they are. Through trusted relationships, training, and community outreach, ambassadors help residents understand health information, navigate resources, and take charge of their well-being long before they get to the exam room.

Learn more about the people, the program, and the impact.

New data available in the County Health Statistics Dashboard

We are pleased to share that the County Health Statistics Dashboard has been updated with 2025 population estimates for the 14-county Finger Lakes region. Users can also select previous years to explore population trends and find the latest available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PLACES data, 2024 American Community Survey data, and health-related social needs measures.

Launched last year, the dashboard was designed with clarity and usability in mind, allowing users to view rates, trends, and geographic patterns across a wide range of population statistics and health related measures. Whatever your needs, use the dashboard to find, compare, and download county-level data for planning, reporting, and decision-making.

Explore the updated dashboard.

Indigenous People's Day offers glimpse into health equity efforts

When people feel valued, seen, and heard by their healthcare providers, they are more likely to keep their appointments, ask questions, and be proactive about their health. That's one idea behind health equity, and one reason why we sponsor Indigenous People's Day and convene the Indigenous Health Coalition. These forums honor the wisdom of our Indigenous elders and spread awareness of Indigenous knowledge, contributions, and challenges, helping our Indigenous neighbors feel valued, seen, and heard. 

Check out our photos from Indigenous People's Day and learn more about the Indigenous People's Coalition. 

Partner Spotlight: Pivital Public Health Partnership 

Pivital Public Health Partnership brings together seven county public health departments to improve health outcomes and advance health equity in rural communities across the Finger Lakes. Its work includes strengthening maternal and child health, early childhood services, access to care, food security, and other factors that help children and families thrive.

“Pivital Public Health Partnership understands that improving children’s health requires listening to families and addressing the barriers they experience. Its new childhood lead testing initiative in Yates and Seneca counties is a strong example of using community voices and cross-sector partnerships to create practical solutions that give every child the opportunity for a healthy start.” -Dina Faticone, Chief Program Officer and Operating Officer

Through a new 18-month initiative supported by a $100,000 New York State investment, Pivital will work with county health departments, health care providers, the Women, Infants and Children program, and Early Intervention services to increase childhood lead testing in Yates and Seneca counties. The project will engage parents and caregivers to better understand barriers to testing and develop outreach strategies shaped by the needs of rural families.

In the headlines

New 19th Ward playground aims to break barriers, WXXI

The City of Rochester, Healthi Kids, and KABOOM! continue partnership to transform playscapes with community build at West High Field, City of Rochester

University of Rochester launching a dedicated dental school, WXXI News

City launches plan to combat food insecurity, warns about rise in hunger since the pandemic, News 10 NBC

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