January 2023 Common Ground Newsletter

January 2023

Counties unite efforts to address mounting mental health crisis, other issues in our region

Nine counties in the Finger Lakes region will spend the next three years focusing on residents’ struggles with mental health, substance use disorders, chronic diseases, food security and other issues, according to a new report.

The new Comprehensive Regional Community Health Assessment, produced by Common Ground Health and the Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates county public health departments and partners, identifies these issues as key drivers of health outcomes.

The 300-page report outlines many other regional trends in physical and mental health outcomes and takes a detailed look at an array of topics driving public health in each county in the region.

Read more about the report »

Homelessness is a significant issue in both rural and urban areas of the Finger Lakes region

Despite being viewed as an urban problem, homelessness is increasing in rural communities of the Finger Lakes region as well, according to a new Common Ground Health issue spotlight.

Homelessness increased by 215% collectively in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties and by 46% collectively in Allegany, Chemung, Livingston, Schuyler and Steuben counties between 2007 and 2021, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development statistics show.

“Just as poverty was revealed to be a region-wide issue in our 2019 Overloaded report, our spotlight shows that homelessness also is a significant issue across the entire Finger Lakes region,” said Wade Norwood, CEO, Common Ground Health. “Homelessness in our region affects people of every race, gender, age and ethnicity in cities and in rural towns.”

Read on about the issue spotlight »

Governor Hochul appoints Wade Norwood to statewide aging committee

New York Governor Kathy Hochul selected Common Ground Health CEO Wade Norwood to serve on a committee to advise on the state’s first-ever master plan on aging.

Norwood was appointed to the 28-member Stakeholder Advisory Committee for New York State's Master Plan For Aging Council, which is creating a master plan to ensure older New Yorkers can live healthy, fulfilling lives while aging with dignity and independence. 

Two other local representatives, Thomas Caprio, M.D., director of the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, and Lifespan President and CEO Ann Marie Cook, join Norwood on the committee.  

"All New Yorkers deserve to age in their community with dignity and independence," Governor Hochul said. "The input provided by these stakeholders will provide the framework for the Master Plan for Aging and guide our efforts to ensure aging New Yorkers have access to quality long term care in healthy, livable communities where they can thrive."  

Learn more »

Nominations open for 2023 Speak Life! health equity awards

The Latino and African American Health Coalitions, convened by Common Ground Health, are set to host their annual Speak Life! Health Equity Conference from 8:30 am to 2 pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Strathallan Hotel and online.

During the event, three individuals who have improved health outcomes in the 9-county Finger Lakes region will be honored for the impact of their work in healthcare. Nominations are being accepted now through February 10 for these awards.

Learn more and nominate a leader »

Common Ground seeks data administrator and health planning research analyst

Common Ground Health is presently seeking qualified candidates for a Data Administrator and a Health Planning Research Administrator with our organization.

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

Learn more on our website »

Common Ground Health is now on Instagram

Common Ground Health is now on Instagram! Follow us @CommonGroundH for the latest updates directly in your feed.

Learn more »

In the headlines

Finger Lakes 1 Do Upstate communities have a homeless housing crisis? Emergency housing providers say solutions are needed (January 24)

Minority Reporter Homelessness is a significant issue in both rural and urban areas of the Finger Lakes region (January 23)

News 10 NBC Homelessness is increasing in rural areas of the Finger Lakes, shows new report (January 18)

Rochester Business Journal Rochester area reps named to statewide committee on aging (January 10)