July 2026 Work Force Newsletter

Health Care

Workforce Updates

July 2026

Indigenous cultural competency trainings happening this summer

One way to improve Indigenous health equity in our region is for those working in health-related professions to become more aware of the unique and complex causes of Indigenous health disparities. We're pleased to share two opportunities to join Pete Hill of Native American Community Services and a member of the Indigenous Health Coalition, at one of his upcoming in-person trainings:

• July 10^th at Partners in Restorative Initiatives in Rochester from 9-4:30. Click here to register.
• August 21^st at CNY Works in Syracuse from 9-4:30. Click here to register.

Considering Becoming a CPT Service Commitment Site? Start Here.

Still have questions about becoming a qualified service commitment site for the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program? FLPPS is hosting live virtual info sessions in July for organizations looking to better understand what’s involved—from eligibility requirements to next steps. With interest growing across the region, these sessions offer a timely opportunity to get clarity and connect directly with the CPT Partner Team.

Learn more and register for an upcoming info session by visiting our CPT Program for Partners website.

HRSA Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention - Transition to Practice Program

The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention - Transition to Practice Program (HRSA-26-086) aims to increase the nursing workforce and address the nursing shortage in rural and medically vulnerable communities, by supporting innovative educational and clinical training opportunities.

• View the funding opportunity on Grants.gov for complete eligibility information.
• Watch the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention - Transition to Practice Program Webinar. Coming soon - check this webpage for updates!
• Q & A Session Thursday, July 9 from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. ET Join on Zoom

Applications accepted through July 17.

Learn more.

Leadership communication skills course on offer from the Center for Non-profit Leadership at St. John Fisher Univ

This course gives an overview of necessary skills such as exploring communication needs, understanding your audience, decision making, creating a communications plan, management styles and resolving conflicts, and getting the message and media right.

The course will also explore crafting your elevator speech (and how and when to share it), recognizing unconscious bias in your messaging, the growing use of AI and how you can use it to your benefit, telling a relevant story (even in crisis), and being a captivating communicator.

Class meets from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3, and 12/17.

Visit the online catalog.

Workforce AI Workshops available at FLCC’s FLX AI Hub 

The FLX AI Hub at Finger Lakes Community College continues to expand regional AI workforce capacity with hands‑on, accessible training designed for healthcare, human services, and community‑based organizations.

Upcoming & Ongoing Offerings: 

• AI for Workplace Productivity: Practical tools to streamline documentation, communication, and daily workflows. 
• Mitigating AI Bias in Decision‑Making: Essential for equity‑focused organizations. 
• AI Literacy for Non‑Technical Staff: A gentle, accessible introduction to AI concepts. 
• Organizational AI Road mapping: Helps leaders plan responsible AI adoption. 
• AI Insights Webinar Series: Monthly expert‑led sessions on emerging AI trends.
• A 9‑credit, fully online micro credential designed to help staff integrate AI tools into real‑world workflows.

Learn more.

Health Care Analytics & AI Graduate Certificate offered from UR Simon Business School 

Get advanced training in AI, analytics, and health operations while earning a healthcare‑specific graduate certificate.

• Managing Health Care Operations 
• Data Visualization & Analytics 
• Evening, in‑person format for working professionals 
• Credits stack into MS Medical Management or MBA programs

Learn more.

Comprehensive, evidence-based pain management training available from Pri-Med Institute

In partnership with the National AHEC Organization’s Training Center and Pri-Med Institute, WNY R-AHEC is promoting the opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn about pain management and earn CME credit at no cost. 

✔ Recognize and classify pain

✔ Explore non-opioid and pharmacologic treatment options

✔ Learn strategies to reduce risk and individualize care

                     FREE • Online • Self-paced • 4 hours

When registering, please indicate Western New York Rural AHEC as the agency that told you about the training. Registration open for fall 2026 nonprofit management courses.

Learn more and register.

Beyond the Generations: Building a High-Quality Workplace for an Age-Diverse Workforce, PEW Charitable Trusts

How States Can Address Broadband Worker Shortages, American Society on Aging

Please share your health care workforce updates

If you have workforce updates to share, or any feedback or ideas for this newsletter, please contact Melissa Wendland at melissa.wendland@commongroundhealth.org.

Please share this newsletter with others in your organization who might benefit and encourage them to sign up to receive it. 
https://www.commongroundhealth.org/newsletter-sign-up