In recent years, discussions on climate change have increasingly highlighted its effects on ecosystems, economies, and human health. However, one often overlooked group in this dialogue is the aging population, who face unique challenges from climate-related risks. In Rochester, Lifespan will highlight this issue at their annual Dr. Rocco Vivenzio Memorial Symposium on September 25th.
As Labor Day approaches and summer winds down, it’s important to emphasize sun safety, especially for youth enjoying outdoor activities. Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) is an organization that educates middle and high school students about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
As summer arrives, food insecurity becomes a pressing issue for many children who lose access to the nutritious meals provided by schools during the academic year. To address this, the Summer Meals Partnership of Rochester (SMPR) and the Summer Meals ROC Program offer free meals to children 18 and under at over 35 locations in downtown Rochester, including schools, parks, and libraries.
The 5-year (2016-2020) American Community Survey (ACS) census-tract level data show high rates of childhood poverty in the City of Rochester. However, these data do not show the full extent and variability in these data, as many high-rate tracts are lumped into a single category.
The most recent data (December 30) for the city of Rochester show the percent of residents receiving at least one vaccine dose is 56.6%, with 20 of the 79 tracts reaching 65% or higher, and 10 reaching 70% or higher.
The City of Rochester rates-per-tract (for those having at least one COVID-19 vaccination) range from 25% to 86%, with an overall rate of 44%. The most recently available data (August 5) also show variability from eastern to western Monroe County.
Recently available data for the City of Rochester and for Monroe County show that 71 County census tracts have vaccination rates of 60% or above.
The continuing effort to provide vaccines closer to where people live is helping increase the rates in many Monroe County census tracts. These county-level data, now available bi-weekly, will continue to inform targeted vaccination locations to ensure access by communities with the highest need.