HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 17

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Don L. Tripp

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONTRACT WITH COUNTY AND TRIBAL HEALTH COUNCILS TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS; REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is one of a small number of states that does not have county and local health departments; and

     WHEREAS, county and tribal health councils were established to plan and coordinate community-level responses to pressing health issues; and

     WHEREAS, the councils are composed of health care providers, school and public health officials, health advocates, health care consumers and concerned members of the community; and

     WHEREAS, the councils work closely with city, county, tribal and state governmental agencies to improve the health of New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, the councils play a major role in providing seven out of the ten major essential public health services; and

     WHEREAS, the councils play a vital role as hubs for county and tribal public health systems, reducing duplication and filling gaps in local health services; and

     WHEREAS, the councils are uniquely positioned to assess and identify local health needs; and

     WHEREAS, the councils are also uniquely qualified to develop and implement long-range community health plans; and

     WHEREAS, the councils assist local governments to attract federal, state and private funding to support community health programs and services; and

     WHEREAS, the councils have been successful in leveraging funding over the past three years, raising three dollars seventy cents ($3.70) for every one dollar ($1.00) provided by the state; and

     WHEREAS, the councils already serve as a conduit between local communities and cabinet departments, particularly the department of health;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to contract with county and tribal health councils to conduct community health needs assessments in 2013; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department report on its efforts to use county and tribal health councils to conduct community health needs assessments to the legislative health and human services committee no later than August 1, 2013; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of health, the chair of the legislative health and human services committee and the New Mexico alliance of health councils.

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