Center for Community Health & Prevention

09/03/2026

Ghinwa Dumyati, MD, infectious disease physician and director of the NYS Emerging Infections Program housed at the Center for Community Health & Prevention, will be honored with the Edward Mott Moore Physician Award by the Monroe County Medical Society (MCMS) in October. 🎉

The award is the highest honor bestowed by MCMS, in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the medical profession and the community.

Dumyati has cared for patients throughout the Rochester community in her more than 30-year career since completing her Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Diseases fellowship at the University of Rochester. Her impactful work in infection prevention has garnered widespread recognition and influences public health practice and policy at local, regional, and national levels.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

09/03/2026

What is an mRNA flu vaccine?

Ann Falsey, MD, an infectious disease specialist at University of Rochester Medicine, explains how mRNA vaccines work, how the new mRNA flu shot differs from traditional flu vaccines, and what people should know heading into the 2026–27 flu season.

09/02/2026

Check out where our team at Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region has been recently! 💗

09/01/2026

September may be here, but summer's still serving up delicious produce!

Turn fresh, seasonal zucchini into a quick and delicious ramen meal with this easy recipe from Registered Dietitian April Ho. 🍜🥒

It’s fresh, cozy, and a simple way to add more veggies to your bowl!

Recipe:
🍜1 packet ramen
🥒1 small zucchini or 1/2-2/3 of a large zucchini, spiralized
🍗Protein of choice (tofu cubes, chopped rotisserie chicken, soft boiled eggs)

Directions:
✅Boil ramen noodles and spiralized zucchini on stove as directed on ramen package (usually about 3 minutes).
✅Add ramen seasoning
✅Top with desired protein

Enjoy!

08/31/2026

ICYMI: Last Saturday, members of our team helped lead a Doula Learning Day hosted by Highland Hospital. Danielle Jones, LMHC, CD(DONA), PMH-T, doula and health survey manager for the Mothers and Babies Health Survey 3.0, set the curriculum, emceed, and presented at the event.

The educational networking event was designed to strengthen collaboration between doulas and the hospital’s maternity care team and enhance support for expectant and new families.

The event had multiple presentations, including educational sessions on maternal mental health, including prenatal, postpartum, and pregnancy loss and Medicaid enrollment for Doulas, as well as opportunities for doulas to network with Highland nurses, physicians, and other community doulas.

Thank you to Senator Samra Brouk, an advocate for maternal health, for supporting and participating in the event, as well as News 8 WROC Rochester for highlighting the initiative!

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Highland Hospital hosted Doula Learning Day on Saturday morning to provide an educational morning full of networking and teaching people all that goes into being a doula. D…

08/28/2026

Kyrah Cunningham joined the Teen Health & Success Partnership (THSP) program as a sophomore at School of the Arts, eager to gain real-world experience and take the first steps toward a career in healthcare.

“I joined the program because I saw how it could help me further my career and help me gain experience in the field I was interested in going into,” she shared. Through THSP, Kyrah has gained hands-on experience working on a nursing unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, giving her an inside look at the profession she plans to join.

Kyrah graduated in June and will be starting her first semester at SUNY Brockport to pursue a nursing degree in a couple of weeks.

She credits THSP for helping her build confidence in making connections with professionals in the field. “Being in the program helped me experience new things and I can’t wait to experience even more,” she said.

Best of luck in your next chapter, Kyrah!

Learn more about the workforce navigation program > https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/community-health/workforce-navigation/teen-health-success-partnerships

08/26/2026

Our health equity research core investigators spotlight series continues with our own Rashmi Jasrasaria, MD! As a physician liaison on our community health partnerships team, Rashmi is passionate about building meaningful connections with patients and meeting them where they are.

“When individuals come together, the impact resonates through families and communities, creating a ripple effect of improved health and collective resilience,” said Jasrasaria.

Read more about her impactful work: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/community-health/office-of-health-equity-research/health-equity-researchers/investigator-spotlights/meet-rashmi-jasrasaria-md

08/26/2026

The abstract submission deadline for the upcoming Bridging the Gaps: Advancing Health Equity in Western New York conference has been extended to August 31.

We're proud to be partnering with University at Buffalo Community Health Equity Institute for this conference happening October 9, featuring keynote speaker Leonard Egede, MD, MS, FACP. The event will also include a panel of experts, speed networking, and research poster sessions.

Submit your abstract: Community-based organizations, community groups, researchers, trainees, staff and students are invited to submit abstracts about organized community programs, initiatives or research designed to mitigate health inequities in Wester NY.

Submissions are due by 11:59 PM Monday > https://sunybuffalo.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8bJIXOKPd4QQOx0?Q_CHL=qr

08/25/2026

If you're unsure whether your child is up to date—or you've heard conflicting information about recent vaccine recommendations—you're not alone. Here's what parents should know for the 2026-27 school year, from experts at Golisano Children's.

Before your kids grab their backpacks and head to school, make sure they’re protected against preventable illnesses. Vaccines keep children healthy, in school, and out of the hospital.

08/24/2026

As families prepare for the new school year, many parents are looking for ways to keep their children fueled and focused throughout the day. 🎒

A well-balanced lunch provides the energy and nutrients children need to support learning, growth, and active play.

CCHP Registered Dietitian Allison Steinberger shares simple, realistic strategies for packing lunches that are both nutritious and satisfying while also including foods kids enjoy.