May 2023 Common Ground Newsletter

May 2023 Newsletter

Link between hair and overall health focus of free symposium

The fourth Hair and Health Symposium will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Rochester Prep High School, 14 Mark Street in Rochester. Hosted by a group of barbers and stylists trained as community health educators, the event is sponsored by Common Ground Health, Rochester Regional Health and the Get it Done Initiative.

“From diet and nutrition to the effects of stress on the scalp and skin, there is a direct link between people’s hair and their health,” said Jackie Dozier, director of community health and well-being at Common Ground Health. “During this symposium, attendees will learn how health affects their hair and hear from barbers and stylists about how they promote health.” 

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Common Ground partners with other community health organizations to respond to termination of national COVID public health emergency

On May 11, Common Ground Health, Jordan Health, and other organizations highlighted the ongoing threat of COVID-19 to the local community despite the termination of the national public health emergency.

The end of the emergency means that local health departments may no longer offer free COVID-19 services like testing and vaccines, impacting Medicaid recipients as well.

In response, various organizations including Common Ground Health and Jordan Health have partnered with the Health Resources and and Services Administration (HRSA) to relaunch the "You Deserve Answers" initiative. This initiative aims to provide information, answers, and interventions through community discussions, telethons, and educational materials.

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Healthi Kids Coalition members, Common Ground Health staff co-author book chapter on resident-driven play efforts during COVID pandemic

When the collection Play in a COVID Frame: Everyday Pandemic Creativity in a Time of Isolation (edited by Anna Beresin and Julia Bishop) is released later this year, it will feature some familiar names: Healthi Kids Coalition members Beatriz LeBron, Shanielia Lewis, Emma Morrison, and Lydia Rivera and Common Ground Health staff members Holly Sienkiewicz, Jenn Beideman, and Dina Faticone contributed a chapter to the volume.

Their chapter, "Up, Down, Stop, Go, and Everything In Between," focuses on the combined efforts of resident leaders and Common Ground Health staff to distribute 6500 play kits tailored for outdoor play at thirty-two different locations within Rochester. They explain how this resident-driven project highlighted how play can serve as a mechanism to facilitate healing and promote resilience in children during a time of chronic uncertainty.

Learn more about the book »

Health Coalitions honor community equity champions at Speak Life! conference

The African-American and Latino Health Coalitions honored local community equity champions at their annual Speak Life! Health Equity Conference.

Dr. Gina Cuyler was honored with the Rev. Dr. Weldon Thomas Faith and Medicine Award for improving the health of marginalized groups. Lucia Colindres received the Dr. Constantino Fernandez Community Leadership Award for exemplary leadership in positively impacting marginalized communities. Carlos Santana was honored with the inaugural Edgar Santa Cruz Outstanding Coalition Member Award.

Learn more »

Photo courtesy of Monroe County

Partner Spotlight: Monroe County to install "Life-Saving Stations" across community

Source: Rochester Business Journal

Monroe County in New York is set to install 60 Life Saving Station boxes across high-traffic areas. These boxes will contain essential emergency equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), opioid overdose medication (Naloxone), bleeding control trauma kits, and hand sanitizer.

The kits will have clear instructions, and 9-1-1 dispatchers will direct callers to the nearest box and provide guidance on equipment use. The boxes will be placed in various public buildings and facilities in the county.

Learn more »

A Call to Women of Color returns September 16

A Call to Women of Color returns from 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 16. The gathering is a free annual event that focuses on empowering women of color to engage in conversation and to promote healthy living among women.

The organizers of ACTWOC are currently seeking both vendors and live performers. For more information or to participate, please contact Jackie Dozier, event coordinator, at jackie.dozier@commongroundhealth.org.

Common Ground seeks data analyst

Common Ground Health is presently seeking qualified candidates for a Data Analyst with the Research and Analytics team at our organization.

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

Learn more on our website »

In the headlines

University of Rochester Medical Center David Satcher Returns to Recognize Local Community Health Contributions (May 4)

Rochester Business Journal Rochester Community Equity Champions announced at Health Equity Conference (April 28)

13 WHAM Memorial award given in honor of Park Avenue hit-and-run victim (April 27)

WXXI Doulas can help people give birth. Advocates want to include them in New York's Medicaid budget (April 14)

Genesee Sun Counties unite efforts to address mounting mental health crisis and other issues in Finger Lakes region (April 12)

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