April 2025 Common Ground Newsletter

April/May 2025 Newsletter

An aerial view of the village of Sodus in Wayne County.

New data analysis tool better reflects diversity and nuance of rural communities

To better reflect how residents perceive their communities, Common Ground has developed a Geoclassification Index. This index redefines how rurality is measured by combining national datasets with on-the-ground insight.

Traditional methods often overlook the diversity and nuance in rural areas. Our new Geoclassification Index uses census tracts as the foundation and comprises six geographic categories: Urban, Suburban, Rural – Transitional, Rural – Population Center, Rural, and Correctional Facilities.

“This index prioritizes community self-perception and promotes data equity, to ensure that geographic categorizations truly reflect the lived experiences of those we serve,” said Dr. Holly Sienkiewicz, Dr.PH, director of research for Common Ground Health.

Learn more.

From left, Sheila Rogers, RN, Patricia Rector-Holloman, RN, and Celia McIntosh, DNP, RN, celebrate the Rev. Rector-Hollomon's award at the 2025 Speak Life! Health Equity Conference.

Speak Life! conference award winners announced

Three community Health Equity champions were honored for their work during the annual Speak Life! Health Equity Conference April 24 at Monroe Community Hospital.

The Rev. Patricia Rector-Hollomon of New Bethel CME Church and Jewish Home won the Rev. Dr. Weldon Thomas Faith and Medicine Award (shown above). Joyce Rodriguez of Ibero-American Action League won the Dr. Constantino Fernandez Community Leadership and Advocacy Award, and Kendall Scott of Rochester Institute of Technology won the Edgar Santa Cruz Outstanding Coalition Member Award.

The full slate of accomplished nominees included Hanif Abdul-Wahid of the Greater Rochester Black Agenda Group, Dina Johnson of the Monroe County Family Coalition, Candice Lucas of Urban League of Rochester, Ronnie Pollack of Monroe Community College and Dr. Silvia Sorenson of the University of Rochester.  

A full conference wrap-up and photos will appear in the late May newsletter.

Dozier to be honored by Teen Empowerment

Mark your calendars for Teen Empowerment's annual community luncheon Wednesday, May 7, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Jackie Dozier, Common Ground Health's director of Community Health and Wellbeing, will be honored with a Peacemaker in Action award. Learn more.

In the headlines

Minority Reporter: Common Ground Health Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis in Rochester

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