December 2021

Economic Opportunity Program Health Educator Elizabeth Derr, son Cameron Daugherty and a Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine student took part in the announcement of a new Elmira health clinic.

New grant brings preventive screenings to Elmira

Soon families in Chemung and Schuyler counties will have a new place to turn for important health screenings.

Thanks to a three-year Member and Community Health Improvement grant from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, The Economic Opportunity Program, Inc., will add a new Community Health Clinic offering diabetes, lead and behavioral health screenings at its Elmira location to the community.

The need for better access to preventive care was called for in the 2019 Rapid Health Impact Assessment examining the health impacts of substandard housing conditions in the City of Elmira.

Learn more.

Rochester’s Food Policy Council selects members

The Planning Team for the Rochester Food Policy Council announced the selection of its inaugural members.

This diverse group of individuals will lead efforts to create a healthier and more equitable Rochester food system. The planning team received more than 80 applications from Rochester residents who are passionate about the local food system, and after many interviews, selected the first 10 community members to serve on the Food Policy Council. These members reflect the diversity of Rochester and bring to the table a vast array of knowledge and experience.

See the members here.

A win for kids: Child Poverty Reduction Act

Thanks to the advocacy of local partners of The Children's Agenda and the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, the Child Poverty Reduction Act passed the state legislature and reached the Governor's desk. In early December, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the act, which commits New York to reducing child poverty by 50% over 10 years.

We know that poverty is harmful to the health and well-being of kids and their families. New York has created this first of its kind law to create the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council. The council will explore tax credits, subsidizing housing, childcare, raising the minimum wage, and more.

Those who were homeless or in temporary housing reported more physical, mental health and dental care issues than the general population during 2018's My Health Story survey.

Partner Spotlight:
Health Reach and Person Centered Housing Options

Those without a home are more likely to experience poor health outcomes and to die earlier than their housed peers. To focus attention on the challenges facing those experiencing homelessness, Health Reach and Person Centered Housing Options hosted the 2021 National Homeless Persons' Memorial Service on Dec. 21.

"These organizations remind us of the importance of meeting every person's needs and upholding their intrinsic dignity," said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health.

Sign up to help these organizations count the unsheltered homeless on Jan. 27, 2022.

Family Caregiver Initiative seeks to reimagine respite care for family caregivers

A new caregiver training and grant opportunity is coming soon to Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Monroe counties. Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, Exhale - The Family Caregiver Initiative provides businesses and organizations the chance to innovate to assist caregivers.

Through a series of virtual workshops, businesses and organizations developing a project will receive free training in creative problem solving and project management, and a $500 stipend to explore this opportunity for further funding. The workshop series begins January 5, 2022. Learn more.

New vaccine infographics focus on boosters, kids

Download and share new COVID vaccine infographics on booster shots and vaccines for ages 5-11.

Congratulations are in order

Congratulations to Dr. Linda Clark, our Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Janice Harbin, chair of our Board of Directors, who were among 20 inspiring local women honored by UPrep Charter School as Women of Substance.

Thank you to the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS for recognizing Common Ground with its Community Partner award and Dr. Linda Clark with its HIV Clinical Provider Award during its recent World AIDS Day Banquet.

We're hiring

We're hiring for a Contract Manager to prepare contracts, submit reports to partners and financial supporters and look for new funding opportunities. Learn more.

Additionally, we are hiring for a Program Assistant to provide operational and administrative assistance to the Community Health & Well-Being and Healthi Kids teams and the Chief Program Officer. Learn more.

In the headlines

Democrat and Chronicle Health workers hit the streets to boost COVID vaccine rates in low-income neighborhoods Related: WROC-TV, The Batavian

Finger Lakes 1 Governor Hochul offers lifetime hunting, fishing license as grand prize in COVID-19 vaccine incentive program

WAMC Northeast Public Radio NYS Assembly committees gathering input on how COVID has affected health care delivery

Rochester YMCA YMCA of Greater Rochester shares Task Force recommendations for enhanced urban services

Amplify Good! Podcast Focus on Planting the Seeds Related: Every Kid deserves

WXXI News: Connections How to make streets safer for pedestrians

13 WHAM Operation Fire deemed a success in Rochester city schools

December 2021 Common Ground Newsletter

December 2021

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