A Rich History of Community Engagement

Efforts to improve the health of the Rochester community are deeply rooted in the history of the University of Rochester, and can be traced back to the Medical Center's original benefactor, George Eastman, founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. In the 1920s, Eastman agreed to fund a medical school with the caveat that the school use its skills and talents “to make Rochester one of the healthiest communities in the world.” His vision has shaped an enduring legacy of commitment to improve the health of the Rochester community.

We have embraced a comprehensive approach to community health, which employs the multidisciplinary skills found in an academic medical center to both provide important community services and conduct community-based research. These activities help inform policymakers and the community about local health challenges, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and serve as a foundation for evidence-based practices to improve health and overall quality of life.

Center for Community Health

We serve as an academic center, conducting research and developing and implementing programs that address health disparities. Our goal is to eliminate those disparities and improve the overall health of the Rochester community.

Clinical Trials

Every day, clinical research at the University of Rochester Medical Center is helping us find better ways to treat and prevent disease, while providing new ideas to help us all live healthier lives.