SENATE MEMORIAL 4

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth "Liz” Stefanics

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A PUBLIC HEALTH TASK FORCE TO RECOMMEND STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEW MEXICO.

 

     WHEREAS, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has made the need for a strong public health system more urgent; and

     WHEREAS, the national conference of state legislatures has begun to focus on public health infrastructure; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has a centralized public health infrastructure; and

     WHEREAS, the state has already developed interagency cooperation among the agencies involved in health care; and

     WHEREAS, further collaboration among state agencies, local and county governments, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations has the potential to improve the public health infrastructure, improve the health of New Mexicans and reduce costs;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of health be requested to convene a public health task force to study public health infrastructure and procedures in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the areas to be considered for study include, but not be limited to, public health infrastructure, the public health workforce, the status of the social determinants of health and laws that protect public health; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public health task force be requested to recommend strategies for improving public health infrastructure in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of health be requested to include the following participants in the public health task force: relevant state agencies, representatives from local and county governments, relevant academic programs and relevant nonprofit organizations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings and recommendations of the task force be presented to the legislative health and human services committee by December 1, 2021; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of health and the executive director of the New Mexico association of counties.

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