45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION TO STUDY THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS TO THE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND THEIR IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES, ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ON ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, current national estimates reveal that approximately two million community health workers serve communities and their populations across America; and

WHEREAS, in New Mexico, community health workers work in various paid and volunteer positions and are known as lay health advocates, promotoras, outreach educators, doulas, community health representatives, peer health promoters and community outreach workers; and

WHEREAS, Texas and Mississippi have mandated state certification of community health workers and other states are reviewing certification; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico was one of the first states to form a statewide association of community health workers to address training needs; and

WHEREAS, a study conducted by the university of Arizona found that the role of community health workers effectively bridges cultural differences between communities and health and social service systems by providing culturally appropriate health education and information, ensuring that people get the services they need, advocating for individual and community needs and providing direct services such as medicaid application screening and transportation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico health policy commission be requested to lead a task force to study the value of community health workers to the health care delivery system and their impact on public health outcomes, on economic development and on access to health care services in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include representation from the department of health, the human services department, statewide associations of community health workers and health care providers, educators and other organizations as appropriate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico health policy commission report its findings and recommendations to the interim legislative health and human services committee at its October 2002 meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to the New Mexico health policy commission, the department of health, the human services department, the legislative health and human services committee and other appropriate organizations.