Healthi Kids

02/20/2026

We've got Olympic fever!

Did you know that the Special Olympics New York Winter Games are in Rochester, Feb 20–22! Athletes kick off the Games tonight at the Riverside Convention Center. On Saturday, they compete in seven winter sports at sites across our area. Many events are free—so bring the family, cheer loud, and show our athletes that everyone belongs.

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/yUfJ50YhGyy

2026 State Winter Games Overview

02/19/2026

The recent snow and cold couldn't keep our Healthi Kids parents and their families from coming out for our first ever Parents Day! Here are just a few photos from the day, which was filled with games, art, friendship, food, and of course, FUN! We are so grateful for our Healthi Kids parents for all that they do to strengthen our communities and ensure that all kids in our region thrive.

02/18/2026

Your story can help improve birth care in Rochester!

The Birth Action Collaborative is hosting listening sessions for Black mothers and birthing people who gave birth in Monroe County within the last 5 years. This is an important opportunity to share your experiences, voice what you think needs to change, and help shape solutions alongside community partners.

Your time and perspective is important. Participants receive:
🔹 $100 stipend
🔹 Transportation
🔹 Meals
🔹 Childcare

Two dates to choose from:
📅 Saturday, February 21 | 12:30–4:00 pm
📅 Saturday, February 28 | 12:30–4:00 pm

📍 21 Gorham Street, Rochester, NY

If you identify as Black and have given birth locally in the last five years, we would love to hear from you.

👉 Register here: https://ow.ly/A34I50YhxxO
📞 Questions? (773) 850-2413

Please share this opportunity with anyone whose voice needs to be counted. Community voices lead change.

02/17/2026

Excellent way to bring on the play!

02/17/2026

As we remember Rev. Jesse Jackson, and during Black History Month, we’re reflecting on his words that call us to common ground and shared purpose. These reminders guide our work today: advancing the health and well-being of all children regardless of race, zip code, economic status, sexual orientation, immigration status, social status, gender, religion, or ability have the supports they need for the healthiest start in life.

We can carry that commitment forward—together.

02/14/2026

Growing up, it only takes one caring adult to change a child’s story. Today, we’re celebrating the people who loved us from the start. Tag them or share this to say thank you! ❤️

02/12/2026

Every time a child points, babbles, smiles, or reaches, they’re “serving.” And when caring adults respond—by looking, naming, smiling back, or offering comfort—they're “returning.”

This simple back and forth builds the brain pathways needed for language, social skills, and emotional well being. It’s powerful, science-backed caregiving that can happen anywhere—during meals, walks, bedtime routines, or play.

Swipe through to see the 5 stages of

Let’s give every child 💛

02/11/2026

An exciting step forward for community health in our region!

Common Ground Health–Rochester RHIO and FLPPS are combining operations to bring together data expertise, community engagement, and system transformation under one unified organization.

We are pleased to share that Carol Tegas, current CEO of FLPPS, has been selected by the board of both organizations to lead the combined entity beginning April 1. With more than 35 years of healthcare leadership and transformative impact across our region, Carol brings the experience and insight that the new organization needs—and we’re excited to carry this work forward with her.

We also honor Marlene Bessette, who retires in March, and Wade Norwood for their visionary leadership that has expanded community impact and strengthened our exchange.

Together, we will continue to champion solutions that improve health for child and family in the Finger Lakes region.

Read the full announcement: https://ow.ly/Mstn50Ycrnb

02/06/2026

The earliest years of a child’s life matter — a lot.
In this short clip, Healthi Kids Parent Engagement Specialist Erick Stephens shares why the Love From the Start campaign focuses on supporting families from the birth of a child through age 5.

Simple, everyday moments are the building blocks of a child’s lifelong health and learning. Watch this short preview here ⬇️

Then check out Erick’s full conversation with Ida Pérez on El Poder Latino/Latin Power, where he and Healthi Kids parent Jamie Maldonado dive deeper into how families, caregivers, and communities can work together to give every child a strong start.

📺 Full interview: https://ow.ly/jpYB50Y9CVv

02/05/2026

How do we talk to kids about what’s happening in the world — while also taking care of ourselves as parents? In the newest episode of Parenting Plus, Dr. Traci C. Terrance breaks it all down with simple, age‑appropriate guidance for every stage of childhood.

💛 She shares the LOVE acronym to help guide tough conversations:

◆ Listen with care
◆ Open yourself to their questions
◆ Value their voice
◆ Expect the messiness

Under 5: Limit exposure to distressing news.
Ages 5–12: Help kids name, understand & express multiple feelings at once.
Teens: Encourage critical thinking, reflection, and civic engagement.

Parents — you matter too. Dr. Terrance also offers grounding strategies to manage stress using intention, slowing down, and staying present with your five senses.
Community and connection can carry us through challenging times.

Watch the full episode here: https://ow.ly/QAOH50Y9hAA

02/03/2026

Tomorrow, Rochester City School District students are celebrating the first-ever Level Up! Read & Play Day — a partnership between Rochester City School District and Healthi Kids that combines World Read Aloud Day and Global School Play Day.

Schools will host book-themed play zones, community read-alouds, extended recess, puppet shows, sports-themed read-alouds, and STEM stations — all designed to support social, emotional, and academic growth.

As Healthi Kids’ Mike Bulger notes, combining play with reading aloud helps kids see books as joyful, life-changing experiences. 💬

Learn more: https://ow.ly/XKtc50Y8p8o

02/02/2026

We are excited to introduce our first Healthi Kids Culture Corner, a new monthly feature. This month we're helping you celebrate Black History Month with two simple, kid friendly resources you can enjoy at home.

📘 Read: I Am Enough by Grace Byers
A beautiful story that builds confidence and reminds every child they belong.

🎥 Watch: Black History Month for Kids by Fresberg Cartoons
A fun video that teaches kids about Black leaders and role models in a way they can understand. [https://ow.ly/lbRZ50Y6AYP]

These are great tools for starting easy conversations with your child about Black history and Black joy. Let us know your favorite kid-friendly Black heritage books, stories, videos, and films in the comment section. Share this post with others and save it for future reference!

And, for things to do outside of the home, check out family-friendly Black History Month events at the Rochester Public Library and the Rochester Museum and Science Center!