August 2022

Black female nurse smiles at older black female patient

Ability to attract and retain staff threatens
the health care delivery system

The single biggest threat to the health care delivery system in New York state is the ability to attract and retain staff, according to a new report by Common Ground Health.

“New York state’s health care system is in critical condition due to workforce shortages,” said Wade Norwood, CEO, Common Ground Health. “While the health care system continues to evolve – such as the shift to electronic health records, telehealth and team-based care – investments and staff training methods must evolve as well to build the workforce needed for the 21st century.”

Read the full report to learn more.

Report released documenting healthier alternatives to suspension and expulsion in early childhood education

This past spring the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health released a report documenting healthier alternatives to suspension and expulsion in early childhood education (ECE) settings. Earlier this month, the New York State Association for Infant Mental Health (NYSAIMH) endorsed and shared the Alliance's recommendations.

The report was written and researched by a number of experts in the field of infant mental health, including Healthi Kids' own Stephanie David. It differs from similar research because it focuses on professional development for ECE staff that is informed by infant mental health best practices. It is the culmination of several years of research before and during the COVID era.

The complete report is available from the NYSAIMH website.

A red coffee cup is pictured next to a silver pen and a napkin that reads "Make a living doing what you love"

Common Ground Health seeks contract manager

Common Ground Health seeks a Contract Manager to join our team. Are you the right fit?

The Contract Manager is responsible for managing the contracting process across the agency. They are responsible for coordinating every aspect of the contracting from preparing, reviewing and approving contract terms to coordinating deadlines. The Contract Manager will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, department heads and operations team to develop and manage a consistent process for contracting that meets the needs of the organization and each department.

Read the full job posting to learn more and apply.

Three Black women seniors wearing matching purple and red outfits with red hats

County Executive presents Salute to Seniors at newly wheelchair-accessible Ontario Beach

County Executive Adam J. Bello and the Monroe County Office for the Aging partnered with senior centers from across the Greater Rochester for the 18th Annual Salute to Seniors on Friday, August 26.

Partnering centers transported their senior residents to Ontario Beach for live music, active fun, lunch and information and services from area vendors and organizations. Common Ground Health ambassadors were on hand to assist seniors in completing the My Health Story 2022 survey to ensure equitable representation of the aging population in the data set.

The Salute to Seniors occurred mere weeks after County Executive Bello announced the installation of a 305-foot, ADA-compliant access mat, ensuring access to the Ontario beachfront for individuals who use wheelchairs or who have mobility issues.

See more photos of the event in our gallery.

An indigenous woman is smiling and wears a wide brimmed hat and hugs an infant who faces away from the camera

Partner Spotlight: Rochester permanently designates Indigenous Peoples Day

Source: Minority Reporter

The Rochester City Council unanimously voted to permanently recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Rochester on each second Monday in October.

The designation celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their often overlooked culture and historic contributions. In 2022, Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be officially celebrated on October 10^th in Rochester.

Mayor Malik D. Evans joined City Council in full support:

I am so pleased to stand with City Council in my strong support of Indigenous Peoples’ Day here in Rochester. Standing up for and standing with our neighbors is what we do best in our City and I know this recognition will begin a process of healing and recognition that is well-deserved and long overdue.

Norwood encourages leaders to "learn a different value of time"

Common Ground Health's CEO Wade Norwood appeared on the podcast Timeout with Leaders, hosted by Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici to share insights into leadership and how we may prepare to "give this community to our children."

In the interview, Norwood stated that leaders today need to find more joy and peace in their lives in order to better lead their teams in the COVID era.

Check out a video clip from the interview above or listen to the full episode on the show's website.

Mark your calendars!

A Call to Women of Color Sept. 17 at the Roundhouse Pavilion in Genesee Valley Park, Rochester. "A Call to Women of Color" is a free, annual event that focuses on empowering women of color to engage in conversation and to promote healthy living among women.