Racism is a public health crisis
Common Ground Health, the African American and Latino Health Coalitions and the Healthi Kids Coalition stand with Black residents and other partners in acknowledging that racism is a public health crisis. Read the full statement here.
Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. One way to increase your consumption of fresh produce is to visit a local farmers market. Farmers markets bring healthy food to neighborhoods, accept EBT and WIC and are essential businesses under New York State COVID-19 guidelines. To learn more about Rochester's farmers markets and how they are protecting shoppers this season, visit www.rocfarmersmarkets.com.
School is out. Summer Meals are in!
Summer is coming a little early this year for City of Rochester families and the Summer Meals program is adapting to safely ensure that families who need them will have access to free healthy meals all summer long. Due to COVID-19, all meal locations will be operating a Grab & Go model where youth or adults can pick up meals to bring home to any youth 18 and younger. In neighborhoods without a nearby site, there will be six mobile locations and a meal delivery model where Summer Meals On Wheels vans drive through neighborhoods and hand out meals to community members right where they live. For a list and map of all Summer Meals locations, visit www.SummerMealsROC.org.
drive2Bbetter kicks off second year of lawn sign distribution
In 2019, local residents rallied behind the drive2Bbetter campaign by installing nearly 350 lawn signs in 26 unique zip codes that were distributed as part of its greater mission to make our community's roads safer for all users. Back by popular demand, the campaign has now entered a second year of lawn sign distribution. To learn more about the campaign and request a lawn sign, visit drive2bbetter.org.
Black Physician's Network Directory is live!
Looking for a pediatrician? The Black Physician's Network of Greater Rochester (BPN) has revamped its website and launched a Black Docs Connex directory. This directory gives patients access to Black doctors of in the Rochester area. Learn more.
Help spread the word that doctors are open
ROC the Future is spreading the word that doctor's offices are open for children's preventative visits. Make sure your child is ready for school by getting them to the doctor for well-child visits, immunizations and developmental screenings. You don't have to skip your appointments. Safe transportation and safe care are available to make sure all kids are healthy. If your child is due for a check-up, call your provider today.
Thriving Forward Podcast features Erick Stephens
Kids Thrive 585 featured Erick Stephens, Parent Engagement Specialist, on their Thriving Forward Podcast. Tune in to listen to Erick discuss his father engagement work, infant and early childhood mental health and how he got started with Healthi Kids. Listen here.
Upcoming events
June 27, 2020 - Join Cameron Community Ministries for 90 Minutes for 90 Families, a touchless donation drive for Cameron's Kitchen. Cameron will be collecting food, hygiene and cleaning supply donations for 90 minutes from 10:00 to 11:30 AM in the Teen Center parking lot at 32 Cameron Street, Rochester, NY 14606. Read more for a list of donation ideas. Questions? Email info@cameronministries.org.
Monroe County COVID-19 resources/requests
United Way of Greater Rochester and Rochester Area Community Foundation have partnered to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations that are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic consequences of the outbreak, community and organizational recovery, and future community emergencies. Learn more about the Community Crisis Fund.
Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) is collecting feedback from Rochester and Monroe County community members about how COVID-19 is impacting them and their families. This feedback will be shared with community leaders to inform their work and response efforts. Submit feedback here.
Established by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, the COVID Education Fund will ensure that students get access to essential technology for online learning in order to keep up with school assignments and stave off learning loss while schools remain closed. Learn more and donate here.
The Monroe County public health department and Common Ground Health launched an online survey to track COVID-19 symptoms in the Finger Lakes region. Survey results will help health officials pinpoint "hot spots". Learn more.
