HOUSE MEMORIAL 26

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Carl Trujillo

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO CREATE A STATEWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HEPATITIS C VIRUS.

     WHEREAS, the department of health estimates that more than forty thousand New Mexicans are living with the hepatitis C virus; and

     WHEREAS, in 2011, hepatitis C rates in New Mexico increased by one hundred thirty-three percent; and

     WHEREAS, there are approximately four thousand new cases of hepatitis C infection per year in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the primary risk of infection is sharing injection drug use equipment; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico continues to experience disproportionately high overdose death rates associated with injection drug use; and

     WHEREAS, recent epidemiological data from the department of health suggest a rise in hepatitis C rates among young women under the age of thirty; and

     WHEREAS, the financial and social costs of the hepatitis C disease burden in New Mexico surpass those associated with most other viruses, including HIV; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico leads the nation in the rate of death due to cirrhotic liver disease; and

     WHEREAS, hepatitis C can be cured, but access to hepatitis C treatment is impeded by cost or lack of health insurance coverage; and

     WHEREAS, hepatitis C treatment can cost up to ninety-five thousand dollars ($95,000) a month; and

     WHEREAS, the social stigma associated with injection drug use and living with hepatitis C may prevent New Mexicans from seeking treatment; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico possesses the intellectual and clinical expertise to address these related epidemics simultaneously;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to convene a task force to create a statewide strategic plan designed to address the mortality and morbidity associated with the hepatitis C virus; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force research and develop a comprehensive plan to increase access to hepatitis C treatment in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of health be requested to invite representatives from the following to participate in the task force:

          A. the university of New Mexico project ECHO;

          B. the medical assistance division of the human services department;

          C. the Bernalillo county community health council;

          D. the New Mexico public health association;

          E. the Santa Fe county health policy and planning commission;

          F. the Rio Arriba county health council;

          G. the drug policy alliance;

          H. the southwest care center; and

          I. any other appropriate entity; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force present recommendations to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee no later than November 30, 2015; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the legislative finance committee, the legislative health and human services committee and the secretary of health.