Community Calendar

Thursday, July 16 at 5 p.m., held online

Cannabis use is on the rise—and adults aged 60 and older are the fastest-growing group using cannabis. The team from the Upstate Poison Center will discuss cannabis trends for all ages, safe use and storage, side effects and medication interactions.

Speakers: William Eggleston, PharmD, Assistant Clinical Director, Upstate New York Poison Center; Emilie Felicia, MPH, Public Health Educator, Upstate New York Poison Center

Learn all about this newly available arthritis treatment. Low-dose radiation therapy is a painless X-ray treatment that helps relieve the inflammation that contributes to pain. Discussion includes, how it works, advantages over traditional approaches, what to expect and who is a candidate.

Speaker: Anna Shapiro, MD, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Department Vice Chief of Radiation Oncology

Thursday, August 20, at 6 p.m., held online

How can you identify and avoid infectious diseases? Join this session to gain a better understanding of conditions such as c.diff, including prevention, overall health awareness for how these diseases spread and current research. During the session, you will have time to ask questions to a licensed healthcare provider and receive reliable, evidence-based information.

Presented by Upstate Global Health Institute

Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum exploring how Central New York is building and reshaping its workforce system, and what it means for residents, employers, and the broader civic community. Across the region, training programs, workforce development systems, and employers are working to respond to changing skill demands and evolving economic conditions. This conversation brings together ERIE21, CenterState CEO, and the Manufacturers Association (MACNY) to examine how these systems interact in practice; where alignment is happening, where gaps remain, and what it takes to translate training into sustainable opportunity. The discussion will focus on how workforce pipelines are formed and supported across education and industry, how employers communicate and adapt to talent needs, and how regional partnerships are shaping access to careers in a changing economy. Importantly, the forum will also highlight how residents can play an active civic role in this system, not only by preparing for opportunities, but by engaging with the policies, partnerships, and decisions that shape workforce development across Central New York. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.

Monday, September 14, at 5 p.m., held online

Ticks and the serious diseases they cause are in the news. While ticks are commonly associated with Lyme Disease, different tick-borne diseases are becoming prevalent in New York State. Learn about these diseases and the latest recommendations for safety, diagnosis and treatment, and the work being done to help.

Speaker: Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, Director of SUNY Center for Vector-borne Diseases and Vector Biocontainment Laboratories, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University

Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m., held online

24 million adults over age 50 live alone in the U.S. This session presents information and resources to improve the health, safety and quality of life for those who live alone. Providers from the University Geriatricians team will discuss the many factors to consider for general home safety, nutrition and hydration, mental health, transportation and more.

Speakers:

• Stephanie McGrath, FNP, Nurse Practitioner of Geriatrics Medicine
• Andrea Jones, NP, Nurse Practitioner of Geriatrics Medicine, Upstate Medical University

Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum examining the intersection of food insecurity, health care, and community advocacy, and how these systems work together to shape community health and well-being in central New York. Panelists will share perspectives from the Food Bank of Central New York and the health care sector, offering insight into the role of food access in overall health, the work of the Food Bank to support individuals and families across the region, and the ways policy, systems, and advocacy influence both food security and health outcomes. The discussion will highlight how civic engagement pathways, such as advocacy, community involvement, and public participation, support solutions that strengthen access to food and health-related resources. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves into a moderated Q&A, allowing attendees to ask questions, reflect on the connections between food access and health care, and explore how residents can engage at the civic level through advocacy, volunteering, and support of community initiatives. This forum offers a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore meaningful pathways to strengthen the civic life of central New York.

Tuesday, September 22, at 5 p.m., held online

Finding reliable health information on the internet can be a challenge. Artificial intelligence, unproven social media advice and scammer websites can overwhelm the good information available. Join an expert clinical librarian to learn what to look for when searching for health information online and avoid the pitfalls.

Speaker: Sarah Lawler, MSLIS, Clinical Outreach Librarian, Health Sciences Library, Upstate Medical University