HOUSE BILL 557

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Debra M. Sariñana and Sheryl Williams Stapleton

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH; ESTABLISHING THE "AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE" AT THE OFFICE ON AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS; ENACTING A TEMPORARY PROVISION OF LAW TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE ON AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS TO CONDUCT A CAPACITY AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] OFFICE ON AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS--AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE.--The "African American community health initiative" is established at the office on African American affairs. The African American community health initiative shall:

          A. provide a point of contact for African American residents and other residents of the state to receive culturally competent health education and referral to culturally competent health services, case management and social services;

          B. conduct targeted public health campaigns promoting wellness in the African American community via print and electronic media, direct mail, in-person meetings, workshops and monthly online forums and web seminars; and

          C. organize an annual "New Mexico black wellness conference" in the state, featuring information and resources for individuals interested in the health and well-being of African Americans in New Mexico.

     SECTION 2. TEMPORARY PROVISION--CAPACITY AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT.--By November 1, 2019, the office on African American affairs shall:

          A. conduct a capacity and needs assessment of the office's capacity to implement the African American community health initiative pursuant to the provisions of Section 1 of this 2019 act. The analysis shall include:

                (1) a budget for meeting the African American community health initiative's service requirements, administrative requirements, including staffing requirements, and any capital outlay requirements; and

                (2) an identification of the community resources available to assist the office on African American affairs in:

                     (a) making referrals to culturally competent health education, health care services, case management and social services; and

                     (b) organizing an annual New Mexico black wellness conference; and

          B. report the findings of its capacity and needs assessment to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee.

     SECTION 3. APPROPRIATION.--Three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the office on African American affairs for expenditure in fiscal year 2020 to fund the establishment of the African American community health initiative and the capacity and needs assessment required pursuant to Sections 1 and 2 of this act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2020 shall revert to the general fund.

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