Former Surgeon General in Town Monday to Address Community Health Issues

Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., returns to Rochester next week to help launch the HEART health initiative, made possible by a five-year, $3.6 million Community Transformation Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will improve the health of area residents through projects that support healthy behaviors and work to prevent chronic disease and reduce health care costs.

HEART (Health Engagement and Action for Rochester’s Transformation) will address tobacco use, active living, healthy eating, and high blood pressure and cholesterol, with interventions in four key venues: community, worksites, health care and schools.

Involved are the University of Rochester Medical Center, Monroe County Department of Public Health, and numerous community partners, including Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, Rochester City School District, YMCA of Greater Rochester, Foodlink, and the Healthi Kids Coalition.Satcher’s schedule on Monday, March 19, includes:

• HEART Summit: A health care summit from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery, to be attended by about 80 leaders from health care, government, business, education and nonprofit sectors, including Monroe County Department of Public Health Director Andrew Doniger, M.D., and Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. Satcher will moderate a panel discussion about transforming our community to improve health and reduce health inequities.
• Tour of Wegmans: A 1:45 p.m. meeting at Wegmans’ Pittsford location to tour the store and see first-hand how the company has effectively used environmental design and consumer education to promote healthy eating and food preparation. Wegmans is a supporter of the CDC grant initiative and an example of what one local company is doing to promote health improvements. Wegmans’ Executive Chef Eric Wendorff will lead the tour.
• In addition, Satcher will deliver the grand rounds talk at 5 p.m. Monday at the third annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards, presented by University of Rochester Medical Center. The awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to community health in the region through research, education, clinical services and outreach efforts.

Satcher’s return visit continues his decade-long commitment to the Rochester region that began in 2002, when he became an advisor to URMC’s community health initiatives. He has a long history with the University of Rochester, having completed his medical residency at URMC in 1972; he also received an honorary degree in 1995.