monroe county
Food insecurity is rising in the Rochester area, according to Feeding America’s latest “Map the Meal Gap” report. Nearly 10,000 more people in Foodlink’s service region faced food insecurity in 2023 compared to 2022. Monroe County’s rate is now 13%, with the 14605 ZIP code reaching 31.7%. Local organizations like Rochester Hope food pantry report […]
As part of EMS Week, Monroe County leaders announced a new $4.2 million training program to grow the local emergency medical workforce. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the initiative removes financial and logistical barriers by covering tuition, supplies, transportation, and child support. Graduates will earn EMT or paramedic certification, helping to address the […]
A Monroe County jury convicted Eliezar Ortiz Jr., 27, in the May 2024 shooting that injured two adults and led to the loss of an unborn child. Prosecutors say Ortiz opened fire at a Greece home in retaliation for a school dispute involving the victim’s son. He was found guilty of attempted murder, assault, and […]
Monroe County is investing over $703,000 into improving at-home healthcare education and services for Black families, led by HCR Health Care. The initiative aims to reduce racial disparities in healthcare access and promote equity through informational sessions at seven local churches on Mother’s Day. The outreach will focus on older adults and their caregivers, empowering […]
Monroe County is bringing back its mobile pharmaceutical waste collection program for 2025, partnering with Wegmans and the Sheriff’s Office to offer safe, convenient disposal of medications at select locations and ongoing drop-off at the Ecopark to help combat the opioid crisis and protect public health. Three mobile pharmaceutical waste collection events will take place […]
Monroe County will host three pharmaceutical waste collection events in 2025 in partnership with Wegmans and the Sheriff’s Office. The program aims to prevent environmental contamination and reduce access to unused medications amid the opioid crisis. Residents can dispose of pills, syringes, inhalers, and more at designated Wegmans locations in May, July, and September. Additional […]
Monroe County’s public safety committee has approved a proposal to install approximately 150 automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), bringing the county closer to implementing the technology. According to Chief Deputy Michael Fowler, the ALPRs would be used strictly for public safety—such as locating stolen vehicles or missing persons—not for traffic enforcement. However, some committee members […]
A proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid—the largest in U.S. history—could severely impact addiction treatment in Monroe and Wayne counties, where nearly 70% of patients rely on Medicaid. Officials warn the cuts could affect 300,000 residents, trigger hospital closures, job losses, and reverse progress in combating the opioid crisis. Advocates like Kelsey and Alexandria credit […]
Over 600 Naloxone boxes have been installed across Monroe County to combat the opioid crisis. These boxes contain Narcan, a life-saving drug that reverses overdoses. The effort, led by the county’s Addiction Services IMPACT team, aims to improve access to treatment tools amid rising fentanyl-related deaths. The latest box was added to the Public Safety […]
An 18-year-old man was arrested at Mendon Ponds Park after giving Monroe County deputies false identification, including a passport belonging to his father. After failing to confirm his identity, Border Patrol was called. The teen, Marco Antonio Cela Mayancela, was charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle and handed over to federal agents. A woman […]
WDKX Holiday Stream