November 2020

Volunteers needed for new COVID testing sites

Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Community Fighting COVID partners are offering free COVID tests for asymptomatic residents at sites in Rochester, Irondequoit, Brighton and Gates starting Dec. 2. Sites and times are still being finalized, and volunteers are needed to help.

"Through these testing sites, the county and city are providing critical new tools for reducing the asymptomatic spread of COVID and ensuring that testing is easier to access," said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health.

Learn more.

Coalitions call for COVID support

In response to a rising tide of COVID-19 cases in the community, the African American Health Coalition and Latino Health Coalition called for continued work to prevent disease transmission, counter misinformation about the virus, increase access to testing and offer paid sick leave to employees.

“As health leaders, we feel we have a responsibility to be engaged in this space and to be communicating with our communities," the joint statement read.

“African American and Latino families also need to be given accurate, culturally relevant, and linguistically appropriate information about preventing the further spread of COVID-19,” the coalitions wrote.

Read the full statement here.

Study seeks caregivers and loved ones with dementia or other cognitive impairment

African American caregivers and their loved ones with any type of dementia or cognitive impairment are needed for a new six-month online art study. Participants will use a provided iPad to view and discuss artwork. Then they will complete an art project together and share it online with other participants. Join Dr. Afeez Hazzan of SUNY Brockport, Lifespan and Common Ground Health’s Senior Adult Community Engagement group for the study. Participants will receive gift cards and help with art and technology issues. To sign up, contact Phyllis Jackson at 585-957-1205 or Phyllis.Jackson@commongroundhealth.org or Jean at 585-749-5201 or Jeany@rochester.rr.com.

Survey asks about workforce needs for health care organizations

Common Ground Health, in partnership with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS), and the Central and Western NY Area Health Education Centers, is assessing the skills and training needs of the health care workforce in a survey of health care organizations.

We are seeking input from a broad range of health care organizations across 27 counties for the Health Care Workforce Survey. Responses to this survey are confidential, and the survey will close during December. To complete the survey on behalf of an organization, click here.