April 2018 Common Ground Newsletter

April 2018

Burden of unsafe streets is heavier in places

A new data brief from the Healthi Kids team shows some neighborhoods in the city of Rochester are less safe for bicylists and pedestrians. 

Walkers, runners and bikers from some neighborhoods were more likely to go to emergency departments after cars hit them. These areas include Beechwood, Marketview Heights, 14621, Edgerton, Brown Square, JOSANA, Bulls Head and parts of the 19th Ward and other Southwest neighborhoods.

See how you can help make Rochester's streets safer by calling for lower speed limits.

This blood pressure project runs on faith

When Bishop Jeffrey Melvin doesn’t monitor what he eats, he winds up sitting on the couch watching football while snacking on a bag—the large size—of potato chips. But when the Rochester pastor pays attention, he snacks on applesauce, fruit salad or carrots.

"I’m learning to be more consistent with my lifestyle," said Melvin, a participant in the Healthy Blood Pressure through Faith and Lifestyle Project.

Since launching three years ago, the number of churches participating in the project has surged from five to 12. Participants have also logged dramatic drops in dangerous high blood pressure. Learn more.

Partner Spotlight

Steuben County Public Health

Steuben County Public Health started 100 years ago when a nurse was appointed to slow the spread of tuberculosis. Today it provides health education, clinical and preventive services and help for children with special health care needs.

“Steuben County Public Health has been a fantastic regional partner, including serving on the Central Southern Tier Health Alliance and Regional Leadership group,” said Anne Ruflin, chief planning officer for Common Ground Health. “We wish them many more years of great work.”

Join them in celebrating a century of health improvement at their June 8 event supporting local trails.

PATH Summit highlighted help for nonprofits

Upcoming events

City of Rochester families, join us at the free Spring into Summer: Summer Meals Fest! from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 19 at Frontier Field. The event features a WDKX dance party, bounce house and obstacle course, Rec on the Move, Summer Meals menu sampling and more. Details here. 

What we're reading

We're learning more about the New York State Department of Health's initial recommendations for its regulatory modernization effort.

Our region held the line on most health indicators in this year's  ACT Rochester report card. Infant mortality rates are up, but long-term trends are positive.

NPR focused on the work of our partner, Finger Lakes Community Health, in using telehealth to connect with immigrants and refugees.

In the headlines

Catholic Courier Southern Tier agency promotes awareness of opioid crisis