News & Events
News & Events
Recent FIPP News & Events are listed below. To view past news select the year.
Promoting Wellness and Safety: Dr. Jennifer West at the Black Family Wellness Expo
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, Dr. Jennifer West, Co-Director of FIPP, participated in the Rochester (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated's Fourth Annual Black Family Wellness Expo (BFWE). Dr. West shared crucial information on the secure storage of firearms to prevent related harms, such as suicide, unintentional injuries, and the theft of firearms used in crimes.
The Links, Incorporated, an international non-profit organization established in 1946, is dedicated to the cultural, civic, and economic advancement of African Americans and others of African ancestry. For over 40 years, members of its Rochester (NY) Chapter have served as philanthropists and decision-makers, working to improve the Rochester Community.
The annual Black Family Wellness Expo, a nationwide initiative launched four years prior, aims to provide vital information for all family members—from infants to seniors—to live healthier, happier lives. The organization's successful inaugural multi-city launch in 2023 marked the first time chapters collaborated coast-to-coast to address various health disparities and general wellness in a singular, one-day event.
This year's expo focused on a range of important topics, including:
- Disease screenings (e.g., Sickle Cell, Chronic Kidney Disease)
- Women’s Maternal and Children’s Health
- Vaccinations
- Substance abuse prevention
- "Link Up the Vote" initiatives
- Financial wellness
- Mental health for children and adults
- Caregiver resources
Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, Featured in Center for Community Health & Prevention
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Gun violence has been declared a national public health crisis, with profound long-term impacts on communities. Discover how FIPP's Co-Director, Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, is leading an innovative intergenerational mentoring program to foster social connections and disrupt cycles of violence, aiming to improve community well-being.
Read the full article on the Community Health & Prevention: Office of Equity website.
Pathways to Peace Presents Friday Career Nights
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Join the City of Rochester’s Pathways to Peace (P2P) team on Fridays for an inspiring Career Night designed especially for Rochester’s Youth and Young Adults! P2P brings together local professionals from a wide range of industries—so you can explore real-world career paths, ask questions, and build valuable connections.
Click HERE to register!
Upcoming Spotlights
May 15 - Story of a Coach with Terrell Cunningham and staff - James Monroe High School, 164 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY
May 22 - Story of a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer: see how machines are designed and programmed (Location TBD)
What to Expect
Hands-on presentations and demonstrations
Casual Q&A with speakers who’ve “been there”
Mini workshops (for example, basic first-aid/CPR or portfolio-building tips)
Networking opportunities with mentors and peers
Recent Highlights
Rochester chef & caterer walked attendees through menu planning, food prep, and running a small business
Registered nurse offered live CPR practice and first-aid fundamentals
City of Rochester Hosts the Choose Wisdom Job Fair
Monday, March 2, 2026
Do you know of any Rochester Youth looking for a fresh start, a new job, or a chance to move their life in a positive direction?
Announcing the Choose Wisdom Job Fair taking place Saturday, April 25, at the Trent and Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14605, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This supportive, judgment-free hiring event is created especially for adults 19+ who are ready to take their next step. The event is designed for Advance Peace fellows, people returning from incarceration, and anyone who hasn’t had many chances to build work experience.
Attendees will have an opportunity to connect with 20+ employers who get it and can offer real opportunities, training, and pathways to success.
2nd Annual SNUG Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Conference in New York City
Monday, March 2, 2026
New York State SNUG is holding its 2nd Annual SNUG Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Conference, April 15-16, 2026, at the SUNY Global Center in New York City.
Registration is free. If you haven't registered yet, please do so today!
This is a valuable opportunity to connect with hospital professionals, community violence prevention practitioners, and partners committed to reducing violence and building safer communities. The conference will feature insightful discussions, collaboration opportunities, and best practices in hospital-based violence intervention.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Gbolahan Oyekunle (GB) at Gbolahan.oyekunle@dcjs.ny.gov or Erika Mendelsohn at Erika.mendelsohn@dcjs.ny.gov
Please note: Room blocks are reserved at several hotels for participants (click on the hotel name for the reservation link):
Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown East
866 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
130 E 57th St., New York City
206 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022
FIPP Tip February 2026
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Announcing a New Firearm Injury Prevention Brochure
We're excited to share that a new Spanish-language brochure, Firearm Injury Prevention for Older Adults, is now available!
This brochure was developed by Jordan Kocon, a 2024-25 doctoral psychology intern, as part of his leadership project with the FIPP team. It was created in collaboration with Spanish-speaking mental health professionals and members of the Hispanic community in Rochester. The project was also presented by FIPP Co-Director Jennifer West, PhD, at the National Research Conference on Firearm Related Harms in Phoenix, and audience members provided positive and helpful feedback.
This resource aims to educate not only older adults, but all members of the family, on the critical importance of secure firearm storage to prevent injury and death. It includes background information about specific risk factors for firearm-related injury for adults and tips for how to have conversations about this topic.
A PDF version is attached for your review. If you have patients who could benefit from this information, please contact Kelly at Preventing_Firearm_Injury@urmc.rochester.edu. Please provide your intra-office address so she can arrange delivery within URMC.
Don’t forget, the FIPP website (fipp.urmc.edu) provides a wealth of helpful, secure firearm storage resources and information. Check it out!
Lastly, we have free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients. If you are interested and have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training, please have your clinic leader contact us.
FIPP Tip January 2026
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Firearm Injury and Violence Survivors
Beyond the physical trauma, firearm injury survivors, their families, and communities often face substantial financial burdens and significant emotional strain. What specific considerations should guide clinicians’ approach when working with individuals who have survived firearm injuries? To better support these individuals, we've outlined several categories of firearm injury survivors, each with links to our website resource pages.
Witnessing or Experiencing Gun Violence (such as a homicide or suicide)
Interpersonal/Domestic Violence
School Shootings/Mass Shootings
Do you have a resource we should add to our website? Email us at Preventing_Firearm_Injury@urmc.rochester.edu
Don’t forget, the FIPP Team has free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients. If you are interested and have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training, please have your clinic leader contact us.
Firearm Injury Prevention Training Provided for Psychiatry Residents
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
On Wednesday, January 28, FIPP Co-directors, Jennifer West, PhD, and Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, presented Firearm Injury Prevention for Health Care Providers training to Department of Psychiatry Residents. The presentation taught participants the role secure firearm storage plays in preventing suicide, unintentional injury, and death; how to identify the different types of secure firearm storage, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each; and how to have productive conversations with their patients (and their families) about the importance of secure firearm storage.
If you are interested in having Dr. West and Ms. Nichols-Hadeed present to your clinic or team about firearm injury prevention, please visit our website and complete the presentation request form.