Common Ground Health

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

12/23/2025

As 2025 comes to a close we are so thankful for all of the work done by our health coalitions and advisory groups. Here is the group photo from our fall gathering where nearly 60 members of the African American, Indigenous, and Latino Health Coalitions and the New American Health Advisory Group came together for an all-coalition meeting. Occurring during a meaningful midpoint between their annual Speak Life! event, and during a time of organizational transition, they reconnected, shared updates, and celebrated the collective work being done to advance health equity in our region. The core message: we are stronger together.

We can't wait to see what they do together in 2026!

Read more about the gathering and their work: https://ow.ly/3PHa50XNkGy

12/22/2025

As you're gathering with friends and family this holiday season make sure you're protecting yourself and them against COVID-19. We know there's a lot of differing information out there, so we put together highlights based on information from the NY State Department of Health and the Public Health Communications Collaborative.

We hope it helps you get through the season safely and well into the New Year!

12/19/2025

Black healers, this is for you!

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.

Spread the word: If you've been to one of our gatherings, bring someone you think will benefit from this supportive community!

Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Place: Common Ground Health

Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/V6pm50XIGEK

12/18/2025

On International Migrants Day, and as the convener of the New American Health Advisory Group in Rochester and the Finger Lakes, we want to spotlight the vital support available to immigrant communities through the New York State Office for New Americans. This office offers free assistance to all immigrants in New York via a statewide network of community-based providers.

Programs include:
• Legal services
• English language learning
• Citizenship preparation
• Workforce development
• Services for individuals with developmental disabilities
• Mental health support

Additionally, some health centers provide checkups and sick visits regardless of ability to pay, insurance coverage, or immigration status.

Discover the resources available to New Yorkers and immigrant families today:
https://ow.ly/MpRB50XIFIN

12/17/2025

Earn a Certificate in Equity & Justice in Gerontology

The Association for Aging and USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have partnered to offer online certificate programs designed to strengthen your understanding of today’s aging society.
The Equity & Justice in Gerontology program explores how equity, justice, and the social contract shape later-life experiences—and why these expectations aren’t met equally across communities. Learn to analyze aging systems through a justice-centered lens and identify strategies for building a more inclusive and sustainable future for older adults.

📅 Winter 2025–2026 Enrollment Open
Programs run Jan. 19–March 20, 2026. Enroll by Jan. 13, 2026.

Other certificates available:
-Ageism & Culture in Gerontology
-Innovation & Social Impact in Gerontology

👉 Learn More: https://ow.ly/xqAG50XKpcq

ASA and the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, home to the oldest and largest school of gerontology in the world, have

12/16/2025

Upcoming Webinar

Join the next Area Health Education Center Building Better Health Series:
📆 Jan. 15, 2026 | 12 PM – 1 PM

Topic: Addressing Poverty in Healthcare
Presenter: Rebecca Evansky, Executive Director, Wellness Collaborative of NY, IPA

✅ CEs available for Social Work, OT, PT, LMHC, and SLP.

Register here: https://ow.ly/QuCB50XKp0u

Questions? Email Jason Fulkerson at jfulkerson@r-ahec.org

12/14/2025

Last Change to Help Us Show Seniors They’re Not Forgotten ❤️ Donations Needed by Tuesday!

Social isolation is real for many older adults in nursing homes. For three years, our Senior Adult Community Engagement Project (SACE) has delivered “Not Forgotten” care bags filled with essentials like socks, t-shirts, and personal care items to residents in under-resourced facilities.
This year, the need is greater than ever. Our goal: 250 bags (up from 175 last year). You can help by donating new items or making a financial contribution. Businesses and groups can also adopt a nursing home and be recognized!

🗓 Donations needed by Dec. 16

✅ See the full list of items and donate here: https://ow.ly/KjhR50XIy3c

Let’s make sure every senior knows they are cared for. ❤️