The health priorities that the Health Council is currently working on are interpersonal violence, diabetes and obesity, and teen pregnancy prevention. In addition, the health Council partners with health councils in Mora and Guadalupe counties to create the MSG Behavioral Collaborative.
The Department of Health has currently developed a hot line for information or questions regarding H1N1. The H1N1 hotline number is 1-877-304-4161. Click below to view the H1N1 hotline info.
Issue: Establishing and implimenting regulations for boarding Homes
Background: As many individuals are being released from the NM Behavioral Health Institute some may not have a residential place to stay. Many of these individuals turn to local boarding homes that are in the area in seek of a warm shelter. As a process to help advocate for individuals who need a safe haven please support the House Joint Memorial 46 to establish regulations for boarding homes. Thanks to Sheila Silverman's advocacy skills this Bill has recently been placed in the legislature this year.
If you would like to see the bill please go to this website and find out more
legis.state.nm.us/LCS/_session.aspx?chamber=H&legtype=JM&legno=%20%2046&year=09
Issue: Requiring freshmen students to enroll in a Health Education Course (HB 44)
Background: This bill recommends that students create an education plan through out their high school career establishing coursework to be completed which will benefit the student’s future. In this education plan students will be required to enroll in a half credit of Health Education. Students also would have the opportunity to establish the skills they would like to develop in regards of college preparation and job skills, linking them to a better future.
More info: Visit
http://legis.state.nm.us/LCS/_session.aspx?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=%20%2044&year=10
Issue: Requesting the Department of Health to review the state statues in order to establish a task force to address the budget and provide organizational details and program activities of the proposed office (SJM 6)
Background: This bill is designed to address the health issues in all communities especially in rural areas by implementing the use of community health workers, promotoras and community health representatives.
More info:If you would like to see the bill please go to this website and find out more. You may also call or email your representative to further advocate
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=JM&legno= 6&year=10
Issue:Oil & Gas Drilling Industry in San Miguel and Mora Counties
Background: New Mexico's Land of Enchantment may be a home to all of us, but to some it is a location to drill. As large companies move south into our home and property they are violating our private property and creating contaminations among our natural resources.
Action Needed: Come learn about the actions that these foreign companies November 8th at the UWC. If you would like some more info to work together with the Peace and Juctice Center please contact Pat Leahan @ (505) 425-3840, (505) 617-6794 or lvpeacecenter [at] desertgate.com
www.splitestate.com/
Health Reform Comparison Tools Now Include New House Leadership Bill...The Foundation has updated its key health reform resources to reflect provisions of the new House bill released Thursday and expected to be brought up before the full House soon.
Chair: Therese Melton, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Victims’ Assistance Unit
Meeting: Every 4th Tuesday of the month right after the Health Council Meeting at 11 AM at the Las Vegas Public Health Office Conference Room at 18 Gallegos Rd.
Purpose: The Interpersonal Violence Committee focuses on bringing awareness to county residents on relationship violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. This incorporates causes and consequences, cost to the county and the affected family. The committee collaborates with schools, agencies and individuals working with these issues, and plan activities to increase collaboration, identify and fill gaps in services, leverage resources, and raise awareness.
Current Activities:
Past Accomplishments – Due to the work by this committee, the Tri-County Family Justice Center at 213 S. Grand Ave was opened. The center treats families impacted by domestic violence and currently the center is planning on a new location and has expanded services into More and Guadalupe Counties.
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Chair: Adam Metcalf, Health Care Supervisor, El Centro
Meeting: Every 2nd Friday of the month at 10 A.M. at the Las Vegas Public Health Office Conference Room at 18 Gallegos Rd.
Purpose: The Diabetes Committee focuses on bringing awareness to county residents on diabetes; signs and symptoms, risk factors and consequences, and to collaborate with schools, agencies and individuals working with diabetes and plan activities to increase collaboration, identify and fill gaps in services, leverage resources, and raise awareness.
Current Activities:
Chair: Erika Derkas, New Mexico Highlands University
Meeting: Every second Friday of the month at 12:00 noon at the Las Vegas Public Health Office Conference Room at 18 Gallegos Rd.
Purpose: The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Committee focuses on bringing awareness to county residents on teen pregnancies; Causes and consequences, cost to the county and the teen parent, and to collaborate with schools, agencies and individuals working with teens, and plan activities to increase collaboration, identify and fill gaps in services, leverage resources, and raise awareness.
Current Activities:
County Leads:
Meeting: MSG meets bimonthly and locations vary. February and August at Mora, April and October at Las Vegas, and June and December at Santa Rosa. The April meeting will be held at Luna Community College from 10am-Noon, call Kristy Tapia for more information at 617-5571 or email at msg@desertgate.com - visit the MSG/TCA Website
Purpose: The overall purpose of Local Collaborative is to develop strong local voices to help guide Behavioral Health planning in New Mexico.
Goals:
FREE Training - Visit the Optum Health website.
Other Trainings - Health Care Partners foundation-Public & Private Partnerships for Chronic Care Clinics Training Programs in Corrections. For more information contact Rita Torres 719-250-3243, Mark Maestas 719-250-0691 or Warden Patrick Snedeker 505-429-4253
Current Activities:
The San Miguel Health Council meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings are in the Las Vegas Public Health Office at 18 Gallegos Rd. Las Vegas, NM. These meetings are opened to the public and if anyone wishes to make a presentation at a meeting, please contact Yolanda Cruz, Health Council Coordinator at 425-9770 or smhealthcouncil@desertgate.com
After attending the Health Council Planning Retreat members of the Health Council voted on changing the prorities that the Health Council will focus on in the next for years. The newly voted priorities for the next four years are Substance Abuse, Interpersonal Violence, Access to Health Care/Health Disparities and Obesity/Diabetes.
Nutrition labels provide important information about the amount of calories, fat, sugar and protien which is in the food. By analyzing a food label individuals may be able to make healthy choices when purchasing food and also when designing a diet that is right for them. As an act to aid community members in staying healthy here are some websites that may provide information to help individuals read nutrition labels.
San Miguel Family & Community Health Council in Publication... Sharon Vander Meer has taken an interest in the Health Council & decided to place an article about the council's work in her digital magazine "Happenstance". Visiit the link below to get a glimpse of her writting and see how the Health Council has grown.
The Health Council is currently working with other community staekholders to establish a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner's unit. San Miguel currently does not have this type of service and many victims, if they choose, must travel to Santa Fe to recieve the proper forensic treatment for a sexual assault. The goal of this collaborated effort is to establish the proper service for victims in and around the Las Vegas area. There are many obstacles and barriers that the group must overcome to begin a foundation for a SANE unit. If you have any type of support please feel free to contact the Health Council.
Many housing issues have been identified in New Mexico and brought to the table. Many residents are experiencing a series of difficulties in order to establish a home. As the Local Collaboratives searches for a response to the local issues, the Housing Leadership Group is preparing to research and develop change in the community. Aspects that need to be considered within the Housing Leadership Group are: behavioral health, persons with physical disabilities, persons with intellectually disabilities, transition age youth aged 18 to 21, the homeless and all geographic areas of the state. The Housing leadership group invites any individual who feels they may have some knowledge in theses areas to join the group and contribute.
Opportunities for Employeement:
Opportunities for Comunity Involvement:
The LANL Foundation's Charitable Funds are currently available for nonprofit New Mexico educational institutions. The dealdine for this mini $1,500 grant is March 31. The LANL Foundation will also be holdin 2 workshops for potential grant applicants on March 10th and March 19th. To view more information about this please click the link below.
