Common Ground Newsletter

March 2023 Newsletter

Registration opens for Speak Life! 2023 Health Equity Conference

Conference to address social determinants of health, focus on Latino health in the Finger Lakes region

The African American and Latino Health Coalitions are pleased to announce the Speak Life! 2023 Health Equity Conference, which will take place both in person at the Strathallan Hotel and online from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27. The event, themed "¡Acción ahora! / Action now!" aims to unite, teach, reach, and motivate community members to take action toward healing and moving forward in hope. Registration is open now on the Speak Life! website. 

The conference will focus on Latino health as a lens to look at health equity for all people of color in the Finger Lakes. It will explore how language is a barrier to health care and other social determinants of health, and how that impacts equitable health outcomes.

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Introducing the Speak Life! 2023 speakers and panelists

Speak Life! 2023, presented by Excellus BCBS, brings together a powerhouse slate of speakers to discuss the urgent need for health equity, with a special focus on Latino health.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation Keynote address will be delivered by Felipe Luciano, a prominent Latino activist, poet, and journalist known for his eloquence, vision, and passion for social justice. Luciano is a former Fordham University and Union Theological Seminary lecturer with a Master’s Degree in Christianity and Social Ethics. As a two-time Emmy recipient, former WNBC-TV New York news anchor, and host of two radio shows on WBAI radio in New York City, Luciano lectures nationwide on issues like emerging markets, youth and gang violence, coalition building, diversity, and multiculturalism. Raised in poverty in East Harlem and Brooklyn, Luciano has overcome adversity to become a leading voice for Latino communities in the US.

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Partner Spotlight: SoulYOUtions, a series of addiction family support events

Do you have a family member or close friend who is experiencing substance use disorder?

The Monroe County Department of Public Health and its HEALing Communities Study partners are sponsoring SoulYOUtions, a series of family support forums to help you find resources and support, learn more about substance use disorder, and have an opportunity to share your experience.  The forums are free, but registration is requested. Click here to register now!

Upcoming dates:

• Thursday, April 6: 4:30 PM - 6 PM at Phillis Wheatley Community Library, 33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way in Rochester
• Thursday, April 20: 4:30 PM - 6 PM at Sully Branch Library, 530 Webster Ave. in Rochester

Learn more and register for a training »

A Call to Women of Color returns September 16

A Call to Women of Color returns on Saturday, September 16, from 12-6 pm. A Call to Women of Color (ACTWOC) is a free annual event that focuses on empowering women of color to engage in conversation and to promote healthy living among women.

The organizers of ACTWOC are currently seeking both vendors and live performers. For more information or to participate, please contact Jackie Dozier, Event Coordinator, at jackie.dozier@commongroundhealth.org.

Common Ground seeks data administrator and health planning research analyst

Common Ground Health is presently seeking qualified candidates for a Data Administrator and a Health Planning Research Administrator with our organization.

Applicants should submit their cover letter and résumé to employment@commongroundhealth.org.

Learn more on our website »

In the headlines

The Observer Review & Express New report defines health priorities (March 22)

WXXI Rochester Board of Education VP Beatriz LeBron to head North Clinton advocacy center (March 8)

City of Rochester The City’s Department of Recreation and Human Services is hosting the ROC Youth Community Resource and Employment Fair (March 8)

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