February 2026 Common Ground Newsletter

February 2026 Newsletter

Bringing the Finger Lakes community together for mental health

Common Ground Health joined Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, the office of Senator Samra G. Brouk, and area health leaders on Thursday, February 12, to turn our recently published Behavioral Health Needs Assessment (BHNA) into coordinated next steps for our region. The convening brought together top representatives from community organizations, health systems, and government to align near-term priorities named in the assessment and to build shared ownership for implementation. 

Learn more.

Where community grows: Wheatland’s age‑friendly future

Wheatland’s senior center was alive with laughter as preschoolers from a local daycare teamed up with older adults for an afternoon of crafts and play. From construction‑paper crowns to graham‑cracker valentines, each activity station was stocked with supplied and had an older adult to guide the children, creating simple but meaningful moments of connection. But the impact goes deeper than an afternoon of fun. These interactions help reduce social isolation, build friendships, and reinforce the value of community care.

Learn more about Wheatland's example-setting efforts.

HIV/AIDS prayer campaign kicks off March 1

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is an annual HIV awareness campaign. Now in its 38th year, the campaign has called on people of faith to pray, dismantle stigma, and model unconditional love and compassion to all people living with and affected by HIV. With a week of in-person events around Rochester, and online activities, there are many ways to honor lives and restore hope. The launch event, Healing, Hope and Wholeness: A Faith-Filled Response to HIV/AIDS, takes place at the Genesee Baptist Church on Sunday, Mar. 1, from 2-4:00 p.m. and features Dr. Natalie LeBLanc, PhD, Kandis Backus, Pharm D, Dr. Deborah Stamps, EdD, Aaron Brown, and the Victory Alliance. With a week of in-person events around Rochester and online sessions, there are many ways to honor lives and restore hope.

Find the events you want to attend.

Governor Hochul wants to hear from you on improving how government works

In October, NY Governor Kathy Hochul directed state agencies to identify outdated or obsolete regulations and policies, with nearly 100 potential regulations and practices identified to be in need of reform, modernization or elimination. Now, Governor Hochul wants to hear from New Yorkers directly to seek their ideas on cutting red tape and making government work better. 

Learn more about the EXPRESS NY initiative and submit your ideas.

Annual ag conference happening March 21

The Urban Agriculture Working Group, in collaboration with the ROC Food Policy Council, invite you to their annual spring conference! Taking place this year on Saturday, March 21 at East High School, you'll enjoy a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, gardening tables and displays, and more!

Register now!

In the headlines

Finger Lakes Daily News, Tegas Named CEO of Newly Merged Regional Health Organizations

Rochester Business Journal, FLPPS, Common Ground Health–Rochester RHIO to combine operations; new CEO named 

WXXI, Latest consolidation among healthcare nonprofits involves FLPPS Related: Finger Lakes 1, Rochester Beacon. Spectrum News.

Spectrum, Report reviews youth behavioral health needs in Monroe County

News 10NBC, Local leaders discuss how 988 line aids people in Monroe County in mental health crises

WHAM 13, RCSD read-aloud and play day helps boost literacy while keeping students active

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