Common Ground Health

01/19/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His reminder that “injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman” continues to guide our work toward a more equitable health system for every person across Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

01/16/2026

🪴The Urban Agriculture Working Group, in collaboration with the ROC Food Policy Council, invite you to save the date for their annual spring conference! Taking place this year on Saturday, March 21 at East High School, it promises to be a day full of hands-on workshops, guest experts, gardening tables, and more!

01/15/2026

01/15/2026

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that Monroe County will participate in a new state pilot program aimed at expanding access to childcare as part of a broader $4.5 billion statewide initiative to move toward universal childcare for children under age 5.

Under the pilot, Monroe County is expected to receive $20 million in state funding, with the county contributing an additional $2 million, to help create roughly 1,000 new childcare slots by 2027, with a focus on serving children ages 0–3.

The program is designed to help participating counties expand childcare options regardless of family income and reduce administrative barriers to accessing care.

We will continue to monitor the rollout of this initiative and share updates about how it may impact families and childcare providers across the region.

Read more: https://ow.ly/X5zu50XXsp9

As part of her $4.5 billion investment to deliver statewide universal child care, Governor Hochul announced the State will partner with Dutchess County, Monroe County and Broome County in a new State pilot program to help counties offer additional child care options in their communities.

01/12/2026

Community Health Educators--and family--at work! Many thanks to all of our CHEs, who do so much to keep their neighbors healthy. Here, Cassandra McRae Howard, one of our Get it Done CHEs, enlists the help of her grandson, for her weekly outreach in Northeast Rochester, where they restock a food pantry, including with Narcan. You're the heart of our work and we love seeing you in action.

01/08/2026

Join us to honor Dr. King’s legacy—together.

Common Ground Health is proud to share that University of Rochester will host the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Strong Auditorium. This year’s keynote speaker is Civil Rights Activist Reverend William Barber.

Following Rev. Barber’s remarks, there will be a fireside chat and Q&A moderated by Common Ground Health Co‑CEO Wade Norwood, inviting a community conversation on civil rights, social justice, and the work ahead. A meet‑and‑greet reception will follow in the Feldman Ballroom.

This annual event, co‑hosted by the President’s Office and University Engagement, honors Dr. King’s vision and calls us to continue building equity and belonging in our region.
The event is free, but registration is required.

👉 Register here: https://ow.ly/cKee50XTCjA

Presented annually since 2001, this public keynote honoring Dr. King’s legacy challenges our community to reflect, engage, and act in the pursuit of a better world. Over the last 25 years, the address has featured many of the nation’s highest profile leaders and scholars in the areas of civil ri...

01/06/2026

It's a new year and we're starting off strong! Common Ground Health's Community Health and Engagement team has open spots in two upcoming opportunities to help you meet your goals and strengthen your community.

1. If you're a clinician, your effectiveness depends on both what you notice and the meanings you give to what you notice. In this in-person session, Dr. Henry Gregory and Maisha Gregory Davis, LCSW-C, will help attendees sharpen their skills in working with Black families in clinical settings, helping participants more clearly see and name racial trauma as well as to recognize and support resiliency. The workshop, taking place on January 27, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

2. The Healers' Village is a home for culturally responsive healing and wellness approaches and practices for people of the African Diaspora. Its mission is to create an ecosystem of wellness for Black people where they can find, achieve, and maintain their ultimate wellness as they define it. It is in that spirit that it is hosting a gathering of Black healers to share updates on what is happening in the community, discuss supports needed within the Black healer community, and learn about opportunities to engage with The Healers' Village. This gathering takes place on February 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

All of these opportunities are free and meals will be provided. All you need to do is register and show up!

Learn more about our course for clinicians working with Black families: https://ow.ly/Xokz50XQmzR

Learn more and register for the Black Healers gathering: https://ow.ly/VxG350XQmzV

12/31/2025

As we say goodbye to 2025, we’re grateful for the partnerships and progress that made our community healthier and stronger. Here’s to continuing the work together in 2026!

✨ Wishing you a safe, healthy, & joyful New Year from all of us at Common Ground Health.

12/29/2025

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection—but it’s preventable. The best protection? Get vaccinated.
➡ Often no symptoms
➡ Can lead to serious liver disease
➡ Vaccination is safe and effective
Know your status. Protect your health. Help stop the spread.

12/26/2025

Welcome to the 38 new US citizens! We know that have unique health needs, that's why we have established a New American Health Advisory Group. We are

The last Western New York naturalization ceremony of the year welcomed 38 people from 18 countries to a courtroom in downtown Rochester.

12/24/2025

Our hearts are full this holiday season knowing so many nursing home seniors are getting gift bags full of necessities, and love. Learn more in this great piece from WXXI News' Raquel Stephen: https://ow.ly/Oo2a50XNNJp