SENATE MEMORIAL 15

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Howie Morales

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE VITAL ROLE PLAYED BY COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCILS; DECLARING JANUARY 19, 2012 AS "COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCILS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, the purpose of the Maternal and Child Health Plan Act is to encourage the development of comprehensive, community-based maternal and child health services and to improve the long-term health of New Mexicans across the state; and

     WHEREAS, the act provides for the establishment of county and tribal community health councils to plan and coordinate community-level responses to pressing health issues; and

     WHEREAS, community health councils are composed of health care providers, school and public health officials, health advocates, health care consumers and concerned members of the community; and

     WHEREAS, the councils play a vital role as hubs for county and tribal public health systems, reducing duplication and filling gaps in local health services; and

     WHEREAS, the councils conduct community health assessments to identify local health needs, resources and conditions that are relied upon by state agencies and nonprofit service providers; and

     WHEREAS, the councils work with county and tribal governments to develop and implement policies and programs that address critical health needs and increase access to essential services; and

     WHEREAS, the councils also assist local governments to attract federal, state and private funding to support community health programs and services; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's community health councils have served the state with dedication and distinction to improve the health of all New Mexicans for more than twenty years;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that New Mexico's community health councils be recognized for improving the health of the residents of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that January 19, 2012 be declared "Community Health Councils Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to each of New Mexico's community health councils.

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