September 2023 Common Ground Newsletter

September 2023 Newsletter

Sage II Commission Report highlights growing needs of older adults, calls for renewed collaboration to address them

Across the Finger Lakes region, the area’s fast-growing older adult population is facing concerning health challenges that are leading to glaring health inequities and reduced life expectancy.

The Sage II Commission Report: Planning for the older adult population in the Finger Lakes region, 2023 projects that the 65+ population in the region will grow by 44 percent by 2040 and projects a decrease in the population of all other age groups.

To meet the needs of this growing population, the Sage II Commission, which is convened by Common Ground Health, analyzed regional trends and discussed the numerous challenges facing adults 65 years and older in the Finger Lakes region. 

“Whenever we lose one of the elders of the community, it’s the equivalent of a library burning down,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health, “Our data shows that we are losing our older adults unnecessarily early and we are being robbed of their wisdom and experience. This is simply because of access to resources.”

The report also notes that the COVID-19 pandemic put tremendous social and economic strain on the systems and resources available to support the region’s older adult population. This is especially true of older adults ineligible for Medicaid and unable to afford services. The report puts forward 10 new recommendations, and local leaders believe they are achievable.

“It takes political will, cost savings and private/public partnerships to move a plan into action. We have all three,” said Ann Marie Cook, president/CEO of Lifespan and Co-chair of the Sage II Commission.

Read the Commission's recommendations »

Common Ground Health and partners to host summit focused on youth recovery and healing

Join providers, educators, parents and young people at the Community Wellness Summit Oct. 19 at Asbury First United Methodist Church. 

The featured speaker is Kevin M. Simon, MD, MPH, chief behavioral health officer for the City of Boston. Dr. Simon is a pediatric addiction psychiatrist for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for Boston Children's Hospital and instructor of psychiatry for Harvard Medical School.

The event will offer youth and their caregivers the opportunity to co-create solutions across four specialized tracks:
  •  System-level change
  •  Culturally and linguistically responsive practices
  •  School-based socio-emotional health
  •  Youth voice and choice

The Summit is sponsored by Common Ground Health, Coordinated Care Services, Inc., the Wilson Foundation, and the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.

Learn more and reserve your tickets »

Urban League honors Phyllis Jackson for legacy of interrupting racism

As part of the Urban League of Rochester's 2023 INTERRUPT RACISM Summit on September 19, Rev. Phyllis Jackson, Community Wellness Project Manager at Common Ground Health, was recognized as an inaugural Legacy Honoree for her work on health equity in our community.

A true interrupter of racism in the health system, Phyllis was celebrated for her mutual practices as a faith leader, community health manager, activist, and nurse. Her nominator for the award states "Rev. Jackson helps me receive the mantle of equipping everyone to be health ministers and servant leaders in their faith communities, networks, and families."

Congratulations, Phyllis, on this well-deserved honor!

Learn more »

Partner Spotlight: Community to celebrate second annual Indigenous Peoples Day

Thanks to advocacy efforts led by local Indigenous leaders, the City of Rochester celebrated its first official Indigenous Peoples Day in 2022, permanently replacing the City's Columbus Day holiday. This year, the celebration will take place on Monday, October 9, beginning at Cobbs Hill Reservoir at 7 AM.

A variety of activities are planned that encourage understanding and appreciation of the traditions and cultures of the Haudenosaunee and Seneca peoples.

In the weeks prior to Indigenous Peoples Day, other events will focus on the tragic impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, including a showing of the documentary "Home From School: The Children of Carlisle" at 7 PM September 27 at the Little Theatre and Orange Shirt Day on September 30.

Learn more »

In the headlines

News 8 WROC Common Ground Health updates senior citizen Sage Plan (September 21)

News10NBC Report: Finger Lakes lacking in meeting seniors’ health needs (September 21)

Livingston County News Suicide prevention month puts focus on mental health services (September 20)

13WHAM Promoting health and unity: 'A Call to Women of Color' event highlights community resources (September 16)

Rochester Business Journal Women of color invited to gather to promote healthy living (September 15)

WXXI Gillibrand pushes for nearly $180 million to address maternal health issues (September 9)

Rochester Business Journal Technology helps bring health equity to underserved communities (September 6)

Democrat and Chronicle Thousands more Monroe County children will get free school lunch this year (August 28)

Rochester Business Journal Profile: Wade Norwood (August 25)

13WHAM Empowering children through play: Rochester's 'Healthi Kids' summit highlights benefits of playful learning (August 21)

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