Center for Community Health & Prevention

06/02/2026

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), American Indian/Alaska Natives (AIAN) experience the highest rates of substance use disorders (SUD) of any racial or ethnic group in the United States.

To assess the burden of SUDs among Indigenous people in Rochester and adjacent urban settings, Dean Seneca, CEO of Seneca Scientific Solutions+, is working with the Indigenous Peoples Day ROC NYCommittee and Common Ground Health’s Indigenous Health Coalition to support outreach and recruitment among Indigenous populations in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Niagara Falls. Since many community members may live and work across these neighboring urban settings, this regional perspective will bolster an understanding of urban Indigenous stigma against SUD that can be tailored to the Rochester community with a more comprehensive cultural lens.

Dean Seneca recently presented a $1,000 check to the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee and Indigenous Health Coalition for their support of outreach and recruitment among the local urban Indigenous population.

Read more about the Urban Indigenous Community Conversations project and find the survey here > https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/community-health/news-events/urban-indigenous-community-conversations-aim-to-make-treatment-more-accessible

05/31/2026

Summer is a great time to tend to your health. Our next free Commit to Quit! group program kicks off July 13. Learn strategies for cutting back or quitting va**ng and smoking.

Join others on a similar health journey in the six-session virtual series led by certified ni****ne cessation counselors.

Register today: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/community-health/patient-care/stop-smoking/ni****ne-cessation-support-group

05/30/2026

Members of our CCHP team were proud to support Golisano Children's Hospital and the Stroll for Strong Kids today with our CCHP Prevention Squad! 💥

05/29/2026

Congratulations to the latest graduates of our Rochester Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)! The group, led by instructor and lifestyle health coach Mali Rosado, celebrated their big accomplishment earlier this month.

The DPP is an evidence-based, CDC-recognized program designed to help people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The year-long, lifestyle change program covers information about nutrition and physical activity, and how they impact our health and daily lives.

Another class begins in September. Interested in learning more? Call our clinical team at (585) 602-0720.

05/28/2026

Do you know a teen who wants to make a positive difference in their community? The Office of Health Equity Research's Youth Advisory Board may be the right fit!

Help promote health equity in the Rochester area! Students ages 14-17 are eligible. Our focus is in the greater Rochester area and Monroe County. Residents of other neighboring areas are also able to apply.

Learn about the board, expectations for members, and 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟑! > https://redcap.link/YAB

05/27/2026

Frozen Greek yogurt bark is a perfect dessert for a warmer evening, and can be made to your preference.

Registered Dietitian Bethany Moran shares one of her favorite recipes from EatingWell for a refreshing, summer-inspired sweet treat ➡ Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark - https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/259080/strawberry-chocolate-greek-yogurt-bark/

Customize it to your liking with different fruits, nuts, seeds, and sauces!

05/26/2026

Everyday outdoor play can quickly turn dangerous when hazards go unnoticed.

Anne Brayer, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at University of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital and director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Rochester, speaks to 5 backyard injuries doctors see every summer and what to keep in mind for prevention.

From fire pit burns to playground falls, discover the top backyard injuries doctors see every summer and the simple safety steps parents can take to keep children safe outdoors.

05/26/2026

Congratulations again to AnaPaula Cupertino, PhD, the senior faculty honoree of our Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards! Dr. Cupertino is a professor of Surgery, Environmental Medicine and Public Health Sciences, and Oncology.

For the past six years, Dr. Cupertino has expanded the University of Rochester Medicine's community presence by strengthening existing community-engaged initiatives while elevating community voices in decision-making, fostering comprehensive research environments, and ensuring that findings are returned to the community in meaningful and accessible ways.

In 2020, she founded the Wilmot Cancer Institute Community Outreach and Engagement Cancer Community Action Council (CCAC), bringing together 46 local organizations to help guide community-informed cancer research and community outreach efforts. Since 2023, she has also led efforts to integrate community priorities across multiple Department of Surgery specialties, including the Circulate to Screen Peripheral Artery Disease Prevention Program developed with Anna Pendleton, MD, MPH, and the Division of Vascular Surgery.

Dr. Cupertino selected Jackie Dozier, director of Community Health & Well-Being at Common Ground Health, as her primary community partner.

“Receiving this award is deeply meaningful to me because it brings me back to my roots,” shares Dr. Cupertino.

“My family taught me that work gains its greatest value when it is rooted in service, impact, and care for others. After 29 years as an immigrant committed to community health, I feel truly blessed that my career brought me to Rochester, where I continue to be challenged and taught how to build honest, transparent, sustainable, and impactful partnerships. This recognition makes me reflect on my journey of learning from and serving the Rochester community with gratitude and responsibility.”

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘐.

05/22/2026

Earlier this month, Melissa Heatly, PhD, a clinical child and adolescent psychologist and assistant professor of Psychiatry, was recognized with our Early-Stage Faculty award at our Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards.

Dr. Heatly is dedicated to designing, implementing, and scaling accessible school mental health systems. Through her work with the Rochester City School District (RCSD), she has dramatically improved access to mental healthcare for children and youth who are among our most vulnerable.

"Through UR-Supporting Our Students, we have worked to strengthen school mental health systems, expand access to behavioral health supports, and build sustainable partnerships that meet children and families where they are."

"I’m particularly grateful for our ongoing partnership with the RCSD and amazing collaborators like Clark, Crystal and Erin Graupman, where collaboration across education, healthcare, and community systems continues to shape more connected and responsive supports for students and families," shares Dr. Heatly. "This work really, truly, is only possible because of the commitment, creativity, and trust of so many partners."

Congratulations again, Dr. Heatly! Your work makes a difference every day! 🎉

05/22/2026

Mt. Hope Family Center's Building Healthy Communities program aims to bring public awareness to maternal health issues and support expecting parents. Today is World Preeclampsia Day. Check out this infographic to learn more about preeclampsia, risk factors, and key warning signs. To access more pregnancy support, including goal setting, birth planning, basic needs support, mental health, and parenting resources, consider signing up for Building Healthy Communities here:

https://www.psych.rochester.edu/MHFC/for-children/building-healthy-communities/