New Leadership, Shared Vision: Community Advisory Council Looks Ahead

For almost two decades, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Community Advisory Council (CAC) has been a critical resource for the medical center in strengthening relationships within communities and advancing the institution’s community health mission. Formed in 2006 by the Center for Community Health & Prevention (CCHP), URMC leadership, and the UR Clinical & Translational Science Institute, the CAC has provided guidance, helped build transparency, and promoted culturally responsive and equitable care to address and overcome the health disparities plaguing our region.

Comprised of approximately 30 representatives from community organizations throughout the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, the CAC has been a dynamic environment for discussion and action focused on transparency about policies, research priorities, and community health initiatives. Organizations include the African American Health Coalition, Trillium Health, Healthy Baby Network, Urban League of Rochester, Refugees Helping Refugees, Jordan Health, and The National Center for Deaf Health Research, among many others.

CAC members draw on their positions of leadership within community organizations with a legacy of addressing health disparities, as well as their own understanding of the gravity and importance of tailored care and services for individuals and families. Representatives have direct touch points and lines of communication to individuals most affected by health inequities and seek to add the wisdom of these voices to each discussion.

Welcoming New Co-Chairs

Last fall, April Aycock, EdD, LMHC, director of the Monroe County Office of Mental Health and president and CEO of Awareness Counseling Services, and Ann Marie Cook, president and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester, were welcomed as new CAC co-chairs. Both active members of the council, Aycock and Cook bring fresh perspectives to the leadership roles, as well as extensive experience guiding action and impact.

With changes to healthcare access and affordability at federal, state and local levels there is need for clear vision and a balanced approach centered within the needs and priorities of community members. Aycock and Cook’s long-time commitment to the CAC and the URMC show they are poised to lead the group through an ever-changing landscape.

“We’re really confident in the years ahead and the meaningful and united vision Dr. Aycock and Ms. Cook have as new leaders of the group,” shared Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health and longtime co-chair of the CAC. “It is an honor for Scott and me to pass the torch to such changemakers whose relationships and knowledge run deep in our community.”

Norwood, and Scott Benjamin, CEO of Charles Settlement House and The Community Place of Greater Rochester, co-chaired the CAC for 15 years. Norwood and Benjamin built the foundation of the council on trust, inviting members to come to the conversation with hard questions and the most significant issues at hand.

“Wade and Scott are exceptional leaders who helped shape the Community Advisory Council,” shared Edith Williams, MS, PhD, director of the Center for Community Health & Prevention. “We are deeply grateful for their leadership, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of collaboration for good.”

Looking Ahead

At the CAC’s most recent retreat—where Aycock and Cook were formally appointed as co-chairs—members finalized and approved the group’s charter, establishing its goals for the future. The mission and vision of the CAC remain steadfast.

Mission: Provide guidance and promote the quality, accessibility, and delivery of patient care, research, education, and community health at the University of Rochester Medical Center to equitably and comprehensively meet the needs and advance the priorities of our communities.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair of URMC’s Community Advisory Committee alongside Dr. Aycock,” shared Cook. “I applaud URMC for developing this advisory committee to draw on the experiences and expertise of community members. We know that both healthcare and social care go hand in hand for people to thrive in our community. This committee serves as the bridge we need.”

The group plans on welcoming additional representation from community members that are connected to, but not employed by, a member organization, to periodic meetings. As the CAC continues to engage in and expand action that directly impacts neighbors throughout the Finger Lakes region, it is a goal to ensure many perspectives are considered in all CAC capacities. Additional work is also planned for sharing the work of the CAC more widely and how it’s moving the needle in partnership with URMC. Other goals include increased language access, continuing to reduce barriers to healthcare, and enhancing communication and relationships between partners.