A generous Cornell family is removing barriers so that undergraduate students studying equitable healthcare policy can use internships and research opportunities to apply the lessons they learn in the classroom. The gift, given by a Cornell family who asked not to receive public recognition, is the first to the Cornell Center for Health Equity now that it is in its new home within the Brooks School. Dean Colleen Barry and Co-Directors Jamila Michener, Jeff Niederdeppe, and Monika Safford say this gift is so consequential and deeply appreciated because it comes at a pivotal moment, when society is grappling with profound disparities in the quality, availability, and affordability of healthcare. The Center is ideally positioned to accomplish its mission by connecting health equity policy scholars on Cornell’s Ithaca campus with researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine to partner on initiatives to reduce health disparities

On Friday, May 20 CCHEq held a strategic planning retreat, engaging almost 30 members and community partners in a day-long, hybrid meeting on the Cornell University Ithaca campus. The retreat was an opportunity to share ideas and chart the course of the Center over the next one to five years. Colleen Barry, the inaugural Dean of the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, kicked off the day expressing her support for the Center, its mission and activities. Co-Directors Monika Safford, Jamila Michener and Jeff Niederdeppe welcomed the group, provided the charge for the day, and facilitated sessions on strategic planning, community engagement, and communication, respectively. The Core Directors for Education, Community Engagement & Advocacy, and Research, Training & Mentoring, shared highlights from the past year, and participated in core breakout groups to generate and report out on future planning goals.

CCHEq members discussed the unique qualities of the Center, enhancing existing activities, developing new and expanded resources, and above all assuring our work has a positive and lasting impact on advancing health equity. The discussions were both energizing and rewarding, and we look forward to continued work to consolidate, prioritize and implement the ideas generated at the event. Thank you to all who participated!

Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 pm. Not only is this Father's Day; it is the final day of a fantastic four-day Juneteenth celebration organized by Calvary Baptist Church, Southside Community Center, and Island Health & Fitness in Ithaca, New York. Cayuga Health and Downtown Ithaca are teaming up with this incredible trio to host this inclusive and affirming event on the Ithaca Commons that promotes health and wellbeing for our entire community, with purposeful attention to the good health of Black fathers.