July 2019 Common Ground Newsletter

July 2019

Elmira study links housing to poor health

More than 90 percent of housing in Elmira was built before 1950, and some of these aging dwellings present a high risk of exposure to lead, mold and other environmental toxins linked to asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). That’s according to a new study of health and housing in low-income neighborhoods in Elmira’s 14901 ZIP code.

Prepared by Common Ground Health, the Rapid Health Impact Assessment supports the work of the Central Southern Tier Health Alliance. It includes a series of recommendations, several of which are already moving forward. Learn more and download the report.

Program shows patients questions to ask

Faced with a mysterious illness and medical lingo she didn’t understand, Debbie Wise stopped showing up for appointments and quit taking her medicine. Then the hair stylist learned to bring her questions to her doctors through a new health literacy course developed by Common Ground with support from MVP Health Care. 

After the training, said Wise, “I didn’t feel like [my doctors] were talking in circles anymore. I knew exactly what to ask, and I understood what was being said.” 

Now Wise is helping her clients advocate for their health by preparing for appointments. Read more and view sample questions. 

NPR highlights colorful street work

National Public Radio ran a segment on how Rochester’s colorful crosswalks are calming traffic and building a sense of community. Listeners heard Healthy Communities Project Coordinator Mike Bulger discuss how street art nudges residents toward healthier options and safer behaviors. 

Bulger describes how Parsells Avenue is so straight and wide that drivers "can lay on the gas," but the colorful intersection is a reminder that the straightaway is a residential street. Research shows that efforts to slow traffic can reduce crime and encourage walking and biking. Listen to the NPR story here and read about Healthi Kids’ Complete Streets Makeover here. 

Partner spotlight:
New York State

We are grateful to the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo for raising the minimum age for the purchase of cigarettes and e-cigarette products from 18 to 21. Most lifelong smokers become daily users before age 21 and as our data show, local high school students frequently experiment with smoking and vaping.  

“With this legislation, New York’s leaders have provided a powerful tool for protecting new generations of adolescents from become addicted to nicotine,” said Wade Norwood, Common Ground CEO.

Also see support for the measure from the Greater Rochester Chamber’s Bob Duffy.

Kids and families advocated for safe and accessible places to be physically active at Play ROCS Your Neighborhood 2019. The event took place at more than 40 sites around Rochester. View a gallery of images from the day.

In the headlines

FOX Rochester 4th annual PlayROCs Your Neighborhood Related: 13 WHAM, Minority Reporter, Spectrum News

Minority Reporter The Summer Meals food truck is a way to reverse decrease in participation Related: WXXI News

City Newspaper North Clinton block will get a redesign Related: WXXI News

WXXI's Need to Know The Awesome Project