On the Power of Showing Up

By LeKeyah Wilson, MD, Vice President for Community Health & Engagement

A Visible Commitment to Community Health

At Rochester Regional Health, we’ve never believed that care begins at the hospital door. True care begins long before that—where people live, work, learn, create, and gather. That belief has shaped how we show up in our neighborhoods, how we hire, and increasingly, how we think about long-term investments that support both health and connection.

Some of those investments, like our partnership with the Rochester International Jazz Festival, might not immediately look like healthcare. But they are healthcare.

They are about presence. About trust. About being part of the rhythm of the communities we serve.

Community Presence Is a Strategy—Not a Slogan

Sponsoring events like the Jazz Festival isn’t a detour from our mission. It’s part of a broader, intentional approach to building the kind of health system this region needs—one that listens first, shows up consistently, and reflects the spirit of its people.

And it doesn’t stop at music.

We sponsor and create dozens of community-centered events throughout the year: from little leagues to Red Wings games, from free Baby Café and breastfeeding support groups, to Healthy Moms programming at St. Mary’s, to the Breast Cancer Walk, and many more. These are moments where care meets joy, and connection becomes a form of prevention.

Our commitment extends well beyond the city of Rochester. In rural regions across the Finger Lakes and Western New York, we show up through events like the Healthy Living Series and Wings Over Batavia in the GLOW region, Wayne, Ontario, Gouverneur, and St. Lawrence County Fairs, and Pride celebrations across each community we serve. These events aren’t just symbolic—they’re strategic.

When we create and invest in opportunities for people to gather, we create opportunities for health. Research shows that individuals who participate in local events are more likely to meet physical activity goals and report stronger feelings of safety, trust, and well-being. Social connection, even through non-clinical events, is a proven determinant of better health outcomes—especially in underserved communities.

This Is Also About Our Teams

We know our team members want to see investments that matter. And we hear the questions:

Why here? Why this?

Here’s why. These moments in the community don’t just build trust with patients. They build connection for our people. Many of our own team members are musicians, volunteers, performers, and festival-goers. This is your city. This is your stage.

Showing up in this way sends a signal to the community—and to our workforce—that we’re not just in the business of treating symptoms. We’re in the business of belonging.

Rooted in Every Region, Built for the Future

For generations, Rochester has been known for innovation. At Rochester Regional Health, we are proud to continue that legacy by reimagining what it means to care—not just clinically, but culturally.

The future of healthcare isn’t only about advances in medicine. It’s about connection, creativity, and a willingness to meet people where they are. That includes porches, church basements, county fairs, and jazz stages.

This work is never done. And it’s never done alone.

So thank you—for showing up every day, for building trust with every patient, and for believing in a model of care that grows stronger with every connection. From cities to small towns, from Rochester to rural counties, we’re committed to uplifting every community we call home.

We’re here for it. We hope you are too.