Community Leaders Gather in Spa City for Inaugural Impact Sector Summit
SARATOGA SPRINGS —More than 100 community leaders gathered in Saratoga Springs Oct. 10 for the inaugural Impact Sector Summit.
The premise? How do you solve significant community issues, such as lack of affordable housing, homelessness, opioid use, food deserts, and health care gaps?
Stephanie Norling, of Baldrige’s Communities of Excellence 2026, described the Communities of Excellence model and its transformative work in in helping communities across the nation thrive in the health, economic vitality, education and quality of life sectors.
Dr. Renee Rodriguez-Goodemote of the Saratoga Community Health Center has lead the Saratoga County Communities of Excellence initiative since 2021. Rodriguez-Goodemote described the innovative community work unfolding in Saratoga County where key leaders have been developing a sustainable framework where all residents can live well, be well and thrive.
A panel presentation representing stakeholders from the worlds of law enforcement, the medical field and the faith community and impact sector, presented four unique cross-sector collaborations. The panelists addressed access to health care, housing for single mothers, supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorder, and barriers to health care for those facing homelessness.
The theme of the summit was developing partnerships that utilize the resources of diverse partners, and working collaboratively to create innovative interventions that address community needs affecting the health and vitality of all people in Saratoga County.
For more information, visit www.saratogahospital.org/classes/community-of-excellence.