Common Ground Health

03/09/2026

Less than two weeks away!

You’re invited to the Annual Urban Agriculture Conference!
Join us for a full day of learning and community building featuring:
• Interactive workshops
• Community knowledge sharing
• Fruition Seeds’ Gift of Seed Experience
• Gardening tables and displays
… and more!

Because last year’s conference was so popular, registration is required this year. When registering, please select the workshops you’re most interested in so we can plan room sizes and make the day run smoothly.

We’re offering a pay‑what‑you‑can ticket model to keep the conference accessible while supporting the cost of this incredible event.

We hope to see you there. Register today: https://ow.ly/w5A750YmAUz

This conference is hosted by the Rochester Urban Agriculture Working Group, with support from the Rochester Food Policy Council, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District, Taproot Collective, and Wegmans. Lunch will be provided by Shahrazad Catering.

03/06/2026

Tickets on sale now for SPEAK LIFE! 2026 ❤️ Reserve your tickets today at https://commongroundhealth.org/speaklife26tix

Thursday, April 16, 8 am-4 pm
Monroe Community Hospital auditorium

Featuring a special keynote by Dr. Anthony M. Jimenez, associate professor at RIT!

03/05/2026

Parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, and youth‑serving professionals—this is for you. Join us April 14 (9 a.m.–2 p.m.) for Youth Mental Health First Aid at Common Ground Health and leave with MHFA certification and practical tools you can use right away.

Sign up: https://ow.ly/yGNs50YpNmE

03/04/2026

Many overdoses become fatal because people are afraid to call for help.

But did you know that New York State’s 911 Good Samaritan Law protects you when you call 911 in an overdose emergency? We are working alongside the office of Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello is to get the word out. Together, we want to eliminate misinformation and reduce stigma so that residents will be empowered to take lifesaving action.

If you see an overdose: call 911 immediately. You are protected.

Learn more about NY State's overdose prevention program: https://ow.ly/zh7H50YpmUh

03/03/2026

Starting in March some residents between the ages of 18 and 64 will have to meet new requirements to keep benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for more than three months. Monroe County is holding workshops to help explain the new rules for able-bodied adults without dependents. There just one remaining opportunity to have your questions answered in person!

📅Wednesday, Mar. 4, 6-8 p.m., R-Center, 80 Adams Street, Rochester, NY

Find out more from the County's website: https://ow.ly/k6Zx50YoikP

03/02/2026

To kick off National Nutrition Month, we want to tell you about some of the work we're doing to ensure that kids, families, and communities have access to healthy, local food.

On Monday, February 9, 2026, members of the Rochester Food Policy Council joined partners in Albany to advocate for the Good Food NY Bill which allows New York public institutions including schools to prioritize purchasing food from local vendors that meet specific value-based standards, rather than solely relying on the lowest bidder. For example, it incentivizes sourcing based on nutrition, sustainability, fair labor, and local economic impact. If passed, it would strengthen local food systems, support NYS farmers, and help ensure kids have access to healthy, culturally relevant meals.

Our own Mike Bulger and Candice Williams, along with Josie McClary of the Food Policy Council participated in the NYS Good Food Purchasing Coalition’s press conference and met with State Representatives to share perspectives we've heard from rural and urban parents, educators, and partners.

Photo 1: Josie McClary, Mike Bulger, and Candice William
Photo 2: Mike Bulger, Candice William, Josie McClary, and TC Washington of Headwater Food Hub

02/27/2026

Don't miss the Martha L. Hope ROC Senior Estate Planning Summit!

This FREE community event is designed to help seniors and families get the tools they need for thoughtful estate planning.

📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.
📍 Joseph A. Floreano Convention Center

RSVP by March 1: https://ow.ly/VsA050YmYyc

Hosted by Rochester leaders LaShay D. Harris and Mayor Malik D. Evans, you'll enjoy free breakfast & lunch plus parking validation while attending workshops that cover a variety of estate planning topics. Mistress of ceremonies Dr. Mary Bisbee-Burrows and keynote speaker Deborah Stamps, EdD, RN bring a wealth of knowledge to this important conversation.

02/27/2026

As we wrap up Heart Month we're focusing on the power of nutrition! Making simple swaps can help you eat a more heart-healthy diet.

• Choose lower sodium options (taste before salting)
• Add color: fruits, veggies, beans
• Pick heart healthy fats: olive oil, nuts, fish

Try one swap at your next meal and share your go to heart smart staple in the comments.

02/26/2026

You’re invited to the Annual Urban Agriculture Conference!
Join us for a full day of learning and community building featuring:
• Interactive workshops
• Community knowledge sharing
• Fruition Seeds’ Gift of Seed Experience
• Gardening tables and displays
… and more!

Because last year’s conference was so popular, registration is required this year. When registering, please select the workshops you’re most interested in so we can plan room sizes and make the day run smoothly.

We’re offering a pay‑what‑you‑can ticket model to keep the conference accessible while supporting the cost of this incredible event.

We hope to see you there. Register today: https://ow.ly/o16u50Ymz3k

This conference is hosted by the Rochester Urban Agriculture Working Group, with support from the Rochester Food Policy Council, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District, Taproot Collective, and Wegmans. Lunch will be provided by Shahrazad Catering.

02/25/2026

Help Shape Rochester’s Food Future

Since 2024, our colleagues at Healthi Kids has worked with the City of Rochester and the Rochester Food Policy Council to create the city’s first Community Food System Plan. A draft is now available.

This plan says food is more than something we buy—it shapes our health, culture, community connections, and local jobs and businesses. It offers ideas to guide City leaders, working with community partners, Monroe County, other agencies, and residents, so we can act together.
The goal: a future where everyone in Rochester can get and afford healthy, culturally meaningful food—and where local food businesses and producers can thrive.

What you can do:
✅ Read the draft to see the findings and recommendations.
✅ Register for a public input session and share your ideas.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/TAKJ50Ym9UU

02/24/2026

Starting in March some residents between the ages of 18 and 64 will have to meet new requirements to keep benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for more than three months. Monroe County is holding workshops to help explain the new rules for able-bodied adults without dependents. There are two remaining opportunities to have your questions answered in person!

📅Tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m. at Connected Communities, 619 North Goodman Street, Rochester, NY

📅Wednesday, Mar. 4, 6-8 p.m., R-Center, 80 Adams Street, Rochester, NY

Find out more from the County's website: https://ow.ly/ELhM50Yl1t5

02/20/2026

Whose got Olympic fever? Rochester does!

Rochester is proud to host the Special Olympics New York State Winter Games, February 20–22. Opening Ceremonies are tonight at the Riverside Convention Center, followed by competition on Saturday across seven winter sports at venues .

Nearly 900 athletes and coaches from across New York will be here to compete and celebrate inclusion through sport. Many events are free and open to the public—so come on out and show athletes that our region stands together for dignity, access, and opportunity.

As a health equity organization, we’re especially grateful for the Healthy Athletes screenings that help remove barriers to care—another way these Games center inclusion and well‑being.

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/B5UC50YhGl7

2026 State Winter Games Overview