A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LEAD A STUDY TO IMPROVE THE COORDINATION, EFFICIENCY AND DELIVERY OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AND ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME SERVICES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has a human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome population of more than one thousand eight hundred persons; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans with and at risk for human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome face a confusing array of services spread among many state agencies and departments as well as private agencies; and

     WHEREAS, a study of the many human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome services and their sources would assist the department of health, the state's lead agency for federal funds and programs, to better coordinate such services, leading to more efficient and productive service delivery and ease of access by clients, especially among Native Americans and in rural areas;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to lead a study surveying all services for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome with the goal of coordinating funding and service delivery and elimination of duplication; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include the cooperation of the corrections department, the human services department, the department of finance and administration, the public education department, the vocational education division of the public education department, advocates, consumers, service providers and disability advocacy groups; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health report the results of the study, including any legislative recommendations, to the interim legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee at their respective October 2005 meetings; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health, the human services department, the corrections department, the department of finance and administration and the public education department.