Igniting Hope Returns With Community Day and Health Equity Conference

When we talk about making Buffalo better, we have to make sure the people who actually live in our communities have a seat at the table. Not just to be heard, but to see those conversations turn into action.

That is exactly what Igniting Hope: Turning Community Voices Into Action is all about.

Igniting Hope is returning to Buffalo for two days focused on community, connection and health equity, bringing residents, healthcare professionals, researchers and community leaders together to continue doing the work our city needs.

Buffalo Center for Health Equity.

Community Day is happening Friday, September 18, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at 325 Manhattan Avenue in Buffalo. This is a chance for the community to come out, connect and enjoy food trucks, games, live music and more.

Then on Saturday, September 19, it is time to get to work.

The Igniting Hope Conference will take place from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 955 Main Street in Buffalo.

The goal is right there in the theme: turning community voices into action.

Health equity continues to be an important conversation in Buffalo, especially when we look at the differences in health outcomes that exist from one neighborhood to another. But conversations alone won't change those outcomes. We need community members speaking up, organizations listening and people in positions of influence willing to take what they hear and put some action behind it.

That's why I love seeing spaces like this happening right here in our city.

Igniting Hope is supported by organizations including the Buffalo Center for Health Equity, University at Buffalo Community Health Equity Research Institute, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Erie County Office of Health Equity.

So, my Go Gettas, if health, community or simply making Buffalo better matters to you, this is one to put on your calendar. This is your town rundown.