May 2026 Newsletter

It's award season at Common Ground Health 

We’re proud to celebrate a remarkable season of recognition for our team and partners! From being named Women of Distinction by Assemblymember Harry Bronson to receiving regional honors for community impact, mental health leadership, and advancing health equity, these awards highlight the passion and dedication behind our mission.

Join us in congratulating Dina Faticone, Patricia Cathey, Linda Harrell-Davis, Jackie Dozier, Melanie Funchess, and Wade Norwood for their outstanding contributions to our community.

Read more about their achievements and the impact they’re making every day.

This summer, the African American Health Coalition (AAHC) is “rounding up” health care partners for a FREE Health Care Rodeo series across Rochester—because accessing trusted information and services should be easier, not harder. These events are designed to increase education and awareness, and support efforts to reduce the disproportionately high rates of chronic disease in Black and brown communities. Everyone is welcome.

Community members can stop by to connect with health care partners and explore information tables focused on topics like children’s health, mental health, dental care, health insurance, youth programs, older adult health, substance use support (including Narcan), social services, brain health, and more. On-site screening/testing will include blood pressure screening and HIV/STD testing. And because having fun is an essential part of health and well-being, music will be provided by DJ Shawn Estrich.

Save the dates:

• June 6, 11AM–2PM — Edgerton Park (41 Backus St, Rochester 14608)
• July 11, 11AM–2PM — Aberdeen Square Park (373 Aberdeen St, Rochester 14619)
• Aug 8, 12PM–4PM — Jordan Health & Baden Park (82 Holland St, Rochester 14605), in partnership with Jordan Health’s Front Porch Festival

No RSVP needed—just come as you are. Mark your calendar and bring a neighbor.

Partner Spotlight: Eastman Institute for Oral Health

The Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center is helping open doors to meaningful, family-sustaining careers through its Dental Assistant “Earn While You Learn” Training Program. This one-year, paid training opportunity is designed to remove barriers into healthcare by welcoming individuals with no prior dental or healthcare experience. Participants receive full-time pay, health insurance, and vacation benefits while gaining hands-on clinical experience paired with classroom instruction—without the burden of homework or tests. Starting at $17 per hour with benefits and advancing to a Dental Assistant role at nearly $20 per hour within six months, the program offers a clear pathway to economic mobility while preparing the next generation of oral health professionals across a range of fields, from general and specialty dentistry to research, laboratory technology, and healthcare operations.

“Programs like this are exactly what our region needs to strengthen both our workforce and our community’s health,” said Melissa Wendland, director of special initiatives at Common Ground Health. “By removing traditional barriers to training and offering paid, hands-on learning, URMC’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health is creating real opportunity for individuals to build stable careers while also ensuring we have a strong pipeline of skilled professionals. Oral health is fundamental to overall health and well-being and investing in this workforce benefits all of us.”

With its next training cohort beginning June 1—and additional sessions planned later in the summer and fall—this program is a powerful example of how education and employment can work hand-in-hand. By equipping individuals with practical skills, career exposure, and financial stability from day one, the initiative supports individual advancement as it improves access to quality dental care.

Learn more or apply today at www.dentalassistant.urmc.edu

In the headlines

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News 10 NBC, Paint instead of speed bumps: Rochester testing new way to make busy intersection safer

WXXI News, Push to expand New York's food regulations ramps up in Albany

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