SENATE MEMORIAL 106

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

INTRODUCED BY

Michael Padilla

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A COORDINATED 211 HELPLINE PILOT PROJECT IN BERNALILLO COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, 211 is an easy-to-remember telephone number assigned by the federal communications commission to provide quick and easy access to information about health and human services; and

     WHEREAS, a 211 helpline is a proven strategy for connecting families with needed services; and

     WHEREAS, there are current and emerging information and referral programs operating in New Mexico, including the SHARE New Mexico web site, united way of New Mexico 211 call centers, the university of New Mexico center for development and disability information network, the children, youth and families department child care resource and referral and some municipal 311 helplines; and

     WHEREAS, increased coordination and information sharing among these programs to provide New Mexicans access to services through a 211 helpline would be beneficial in establishing an effective community information system; and

     WHEREAS, effective programs must have highly trained information specialists who can relate to community members in their respective languages and provide personalized, culturally relevant, accurate and current resource and referral information; and

     WHEREAS, several areas in New Mexico need improved access to information about health and human services; and

     WHEREAS, implementation of a coordinated pilot program could assist 211 helplines to effectively guide families with young children to the needed information and resources in New Mexico's diverse communities; and

     WHEREAS, implementation of a pilot program within an area such as Bernalillo county could demonstrate the need and approach to the establishment of a statewide community information system;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the interim legislative health and human services committee be requested to study the feasibility of implementing a coordinated 211 helpline pilot program in Bernalillo county to provide information about health and human services to assist families with young children and with prenatal needs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the legislative health and human services committee and the members of the Bernalillo county board of county commissioners.

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