A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 16, 2005 AS "RIO ARRIBA-RIO ARRIBA FAMILY CARE NETWORK DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, the people of Rio Arriba county are a proud, culturally diverse and independent people with a rich history of indigenous traditions; and

     WHEREAS, Rio Arriba county has developed innovative, nationally recognized solutions to problems in such diverse arenas as health care and land use planning; and

     WHEREAS, Rio Arriba county has taken bold steps to confront a substance abuse epidemic, including the purchase, renovation and opening of a residential treatment center in Velarde; and

     WHEREAS, the Rio Arriba family care network is a coalition of fifty-five member organizations serving residents of Rio Arriba county and is the county's health and human service planning council; and

     WHEREAS, Rio Arriba county and the Rio Arriba family care network have partnered with one another to develop ArribaCare, an innovative health care financing system for uninsured county residents; and

     WHEREAS, the legislature honors and promotes cultural diversity, including the strong Indo-Hispanic culture and traditions that are found throughout Rio Arriba county; and

     WHEREAS, Rio Arriba county exemplifies creativity, cultural diversity and deep-rooted Indo-Hispanic traditions;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 16, 2005 be recognized as "Rio Arriba-Rio Arriba Family Care Network Day" in the house of representatives, honoring the residents of Rio Arriba county for their diversity of culture, longstanding Indo-Hispanic traditions and innovative solutions to complex problems in health care, substance abuse treatment and land use planning; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to Elias Coriz, chairman of the Rio Arriba board of county commissioners; county commissioners Andrew Chavez and Felipe Martinez; Rio Arriba family care network officers Richard Franco, president; Ben Tafoya, vice president; Silviano Torres, secretary; and Delfin Quintana, treasurer; Rio Arriba family care network board members John Ussery, Joann Salazar, Desaree Whitfield, Gilberto Romero, Alfredo Vigil, Bernie Madrid, Anabella Fresquez and Joseph Maestas; and Rio Arriba family care network director Lauren Reichelt.