The High Blood Pressure Collaborative, a partnership of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, is a finalist for a national innovation award.
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives named the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Care Initiative and Blood Pressure Collaborative one of four finalists for its 2016 Regional Innovation Award. The award recognizes organizations committed to building strong and vibrant communities through groundbreaking collaboration and program development.
Led by ACCE’s Education Attainment Division in 2016, the award program targeted initiatives that boost economic competitiveness by investing in health and wellness. Finalists are organizations that are building sustainable efforts that support the health of children, the health of the workplace, and the health of the broader community.
The Rochester Chamber Health Care Initiative promotes worksite wellness, a regional health information exchange, and implementation of Lean Six Sigma practices in area hospitals.The chamber is also a partner in the Regional Blood Pressure Collaborative, which created the nation's first community high blood pressure registry, and has kept the county’s blood pressure control rate at 40 percent better than the national average.
Other finalists for the award include Chattanooga (TN) Chamber of Commerce, Mason City (IA) Chamber of Commerce, and Nashville (TN) Area Chamber of Commerce.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Rochester Chamber thanks ACCE and congratulates all of the finalists in this national competition among chambers of commerce. We are pleased that ACCE has recognized the Rochester Chamber Health Care Initiative and Blood Pressure Collaborative for their work toward the goal of making Rochester the healthiest community in America. Special thanks go to the leadership of the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency and Wegmans, which helped us launch the program as a regional collaboration between employers, health systems, and insurers. This kind of teamwork truly makes a difference.”
ACCE President Mick Fleming said, “Finalists for the Regional Innovation Award exemplify the highest levels of civic entrepreneurship and regional stewardship. To help their communities address challenges and seize opportunities, chambers of commerce must convene diverse stakeholders and develop new strategies across jurisdictions.”
A panel of judges comprised of past award recipients and volunteers evaluated entries and selected this year’s finalists. The 2016 Regional Innovation Award winner will be named at ACCE’s Annual Convention on Wednesday, August 10 in Savannah, Georgia.