February 2024 Common Ground Newsletter

February 2024 Newsletter

Adults are struggling with social isolation and loneliness

Some adults are struggling with social isolation and loneliness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to a new data spotlight, called Social Isolation and the Benefits of Intergenerational Connection, which was released today by Common Ground Health. The findings come from the 2022 My Health Story survey of residents.

“So many of our neighbors are struggling,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “This spotlight validates the experiences of those who have had a really difficult time and who have felt a lack of support from their communities over the past few years.”

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Groundbreaking report exposes COVID-19 pandemic’s long-lasting effects on Rochester youth’s mental health

As society adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic’s “new normal,” a hidden crisis unfolded – the toll on youth mental health. Today, Common Ground Health and Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) release Unseen: Youth Mental Health and Wellness in the Pandemic Era, a report amplifying the voices of Rochester's young people and shedding light on their ongoing struggles. 

The report features youth voices through poignant profiles derived from direct student quotations and vividly portrays how Rochester's youth confronted adversity and highlights their ongoing need for love and connection. 

“Many young individuals consistently feel unseen and unloved by their communities,” said Melanie Funchess, director of mental health and wellness at Common Ground Health, “They are seeking out that one different, caring adult.”

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2023 in Review: Common Ground Health continues its focus on health equity

Thanks to the hard work of many, Common Ground Health continues to make progress on promoting health equity. In 2023, it convened 234 organizations on 18 cross-sector tables. It hosted five major events and released reports on the health of Latino residents, older adults and residents experiencing homelessness.

“We were able to accomplish so much due to the commitment, hard work and expertise of our board of directors, our staff, our volunteers and our community partners,” said Wade Norwood, CEO. “By working together, we can find common ground on the issues facing people’s health.”

Learn more in our Year in Review »

New data dashboard provides access to health insights for New York State, Finger Lakes region

Curious how many sugary drinks people consume daily in the Finger Lakes? Looking for rates of breast cancer screening for women ages 40+ in Yates County?

Common Ground Health has added new data to its website to answer these questions and more. The dashboard for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey allows people to explore health indicators around health status, prevention and health risk behaviors.

Data can be viewed for New York State, regionally, and for individual counties. Data can also be grouped by race/ethnicity, age group, gender, income and insurance type.

Visit the BRFSS dashboard »

Partner Spotlight: Jordan Health opens wellness clinic for reentry population

Jordan Health has opened a new Transitions Clinic, a unique wellness initiative that serves community members who are 18 years and older and are involved in the criminal legal system.

The clinic provides assistance for individuals re-entering society after incarceration, offering a Community Health Worker for guidance, access to a doctor for medical needs, and support for substance use issues. Additionally, the clinic offers bus passes and help with health insurance. Its aim is to facilitate a smooth transition back into society for those seeking support.

Learn more on the Jordan Health website »

Gallery: Get It Done! Partner barbershops and salons celebrate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

For more than 20 years, the Get It Done Initiative has shared accurate, evidence-based health information in barbershops and salons in communities of color. Barbers and stylists trained as community health educators promote prevention of high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases.

Common Ground Health seeks Early Childhood Project Coordinator

Common Ground Health is presently seeking qualified candidates for an Early Childhood Project Coordinator to join our Healthi Kids team.

Applicants should submit their cover letter and résumé to employment@commongroundhealth.org.

Learn more »

In the headlines

FingerLakes1.com New report highlights social isolation challenges post-pandemic in Finger Lakes (February 23)

Finger Lakes Times Report: Adults struggling with social isolation (February 22)

Rochester Beacon Report shines a light on isolation, loneliness (February 21)

Finger Lakes Daily News Study: Adults in Region Are Struggling With Social Isolation, Loneliness (February 21)

WXXI News Reframing Aging: A local alliance wants to change people's view of older adults (February 12)

13 WHAM Rochester's 'Get It Done' health event offers free HIV testing and health education (February 10)

Finger Lakes Times The 'next evolution' in health care: URMC, Five Star Bank team to put telehealth stations in branch locations (February 8)

13 WHAM Global School Day of Play encourages healthy, unstructured playtime for kids (February 7)

Rochester City School District News Healthi Kids Brings International Play Event to the Rochester City School District (February 7)

Minority Reporter Healthi Kids brings international play event to City of Rochester on February 7 (February 6)

13 WHAM Senate hearing on social media renews local calls to address its impact on mental health (January 31)

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