News
Rochester Celebrates BIPOC Senior Adults
The Senior Adult Community Engagement (SACE) initiative celebrated BIPOC Senior Adult Recognition Month with an event honoring the leadership, service, and contributions of older adults of color. Community leaders, faith partners, and student scholars came together for awards, reflections, and intergenerational conversations focused on legacy, community, and the importance of elevating older adults' voices.
Partner Spotlight: New York Dental Foundation
The New York State Dental Foundation works to improve oral health across New York by expanding access to dental care, supporting community outreach programs, and strengthening the dental workforce.
Two decades of health, joy, and sisterhood
What began as a modest gathering of family and friends has since grown into one of Rochester's most beloved traditions: A Call to Women of Color. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the event was transformed into a three-day experience, bringing together generations of women and girls for reflection, learning, healing, celebration, and sisterhood. Across a film screening, a community gathering in Genesee Valley Park, and a Little Black Dress event, one message echoed loudly: Women of color have spaces where they can be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Advancing rural health through partnership and data
How can New York strengthen and sustain the healthcare workforce that rural communities depend on? That question was at the center of a panel discussion moderated by Common Ground-FLPPS-RRHIO Director of Strategic Initiatives Melissa Wendland at the New York State Association for Rural Health Annual Conference. Bringing together leaders from healthcare, government, education, and workforce development, the conversation highlighted proven strategies for recruitment and retention, the need for timely workforce data, and the power of partnerships in addressing healthcare workforce challenges statewide.
Updated Diversity Dashboard Released to Strengthen Community Health Planning Across New York
Interactive tool brings demographic, social, economic, and health data into one accessible platform for rural and statewide use
Latino Health Coalition Hosts "Unidos Por La Salud" Community Event Bringing Health and Essential Resources Directly to Residents
Free event on August 21 to provide health screenings, community resources, food & entertainment
In The Headlines
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National Day of Play brings big fun to Rochester Fringe
Democrat & ChronicleSeptember 20, 2026 - Healthi Kids, part of the Common Ground Health–FLPPS–Rochester RHIO initiative, hosted the National Day of Play with free, family‑friendly events during the Rochester Fringe Festival.
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Poder 97.1 interview with Jackie Dozier
PODER 97.1 FMSeptember 11, 2026 - Jackie Dozier, director of community health and well-being at Common Ground Health-FLPPS-Rochester RHIO marks 20 Years of ACTWOC’s growth and impact.
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Common Ground Health hosts 20th Annual 'A Call to Women of Color' gathering at Genesee Valley Park
GSL NewsSeptember 12, 2026 - Founded by Jackie Dozier, director of community health and well-being at Common Ground Health-FLPPS-Rochester RHIO focuses on addressing health disparities, encouraging self-care, and building supportive networks throughout Monroe County.
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A Call to Women of Color celebrates 20 years of sisterhood
Rochester FirstSeptember 13, 2026 - “When Black women are healthy, our villages are healthier," said Jackie Dozier, director of community health and well-being at Common Ground Health-FLPPS-Rochester RHIO.