Community

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.