By Mary Alice Murphy

After calling the Grant County Community Health Council meeting to order on Monday. Sept. 21, and having each council member and audience participant introduce themselves, Co-Chairwoman Priscilla Lucero acknowledged this author as the recent recipient of a Woman of Distinction award from the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest. She also recognized the other area resident, Adrienne Dare, who also received the award.

Lucero then gave an overview of the transition plan for GCCHC. This past summer, Gila Regional Medical Center let the members of the Health Council know that it would no longer be able to support the organization in the way that it had since state funding had been lost several years before.

"I thank all members and especially the Steering Committee members for moving this transition forward," Lucero said.

She explained that, following many meetings and discussions, Grant County agreed to serve as the conduit and fiscal agent for funding, as well as the employer of the coordinator, as long as all funding came from the Health Council and not from the county.

Thanks to judicious saving by past staff, including former assistant coordinator, Kendra Milligan, GCCHC has about two years of funding on hand.

"We had a three-member interview committee for the coordinator—Tony Trujillo, Mary Alice Murphy and myself," Lucero said. "I am happy to announce that Cari Lemon has accepted the position as coordinator. As soon as she has completed her responsibilities for an event with her present employer, Western New Mexico University, we will have her on board toward mid-October."

Lucero said the Steering Committee had revised the budget, especially in the benefits portion to accommodate Grant County benefits.

"It is also important for the Steering Committee to make sure that all our in-kind agreements are being fulfilled," she said. "We are also looking at expenses that need to be paid. We received and delivered to the county the first check from GRMC of what we had on hand in their accounts around July 30. I gave our budget to Linda Vasquez (Grant County financial officer) for her to create a county-compatible budget. From this point forward, I have to approve expenditures."

Trujillo said it was important to acknowledge Lucero's leadership and having kept the long process moving forward. "It's also important to recognize Gila Regional and Brian (Cunningham, chief executive officer) for the way he has supported us all the way through. We also want to acknowledge the work that present coordinator, Chris DeBolt, Kendra and John Johnston (who, in addition to other duties for the hospital, answers phones and takes meeting minutes for GCCHC) have done to help get us through this process."

Health Council member, Mary Stoecker, led a discussion on the 2016 Department of Health deliverables for the funding received for fiscal year 2016.

"On July 1, we began with two separate contracts," Stoecker said. "One is for a potential new design for new behavioral and medical health systems. Health Councils throughout the state had to provide three input sessions. We will hold one right now. I have five required questions. Please answer them on the card or state your thoughts. I'm taking notes. The other contract with the DOH, related to extra staff for Health Councils, includes timelines, what kind of training is needed, and how plans are being implemented. The Steering Committee is aware that the work is ongoing. They want to make sure we are moving along on our deliverables. If you have an idea on training that would be beneficial for you as a whole, please let me know. Call me at 575-538-8573, extension 120. Leave a message, because I'm often not there."

She began with the five questions. The first is: 'What in your area is currently working in behavioral and medical health?" Ideas presented included the clinically-integrated network, which has the potential to be an innovative success to provide improved care with collaboration between providers and what's cost effective. One member said people relocate to the area because of good health care.

The second question was: "What isn't working?" One of the ideas put forth was that people are working in silos, although the opinion was that New Mexico does better in that realm. "We don't duplicate services." Another idea was that outreach is needed into the more rural areas, especially the unincorporated areas.

The third question addressed what the members would like the state to know about health and wellness in the local community. A member said it was really difficult with state programs being implemented out of metropolitan areas. "Make it more regional." "I'm still concerned about how insurance is working, especially for seniors and the underserved." "We work together, but sometimes it is hard to collaborate."

The fourth question was: "How does this information you have mentioned address the assets and varying disparities in the community?" One said transportation is a problem. Another said homelessness from the child's perspective and the adult's perspective needs study. "A large number of seniors are going hungry and the conditions of some seniors' homes is a problem, especially with heating." "Some areas of the county still have cesspools, which can pollute groundwater."

The final question was: "How do you see the Health Council role moving forward and improving these issues?" One person said: "Our continued role should be assessments, planning and implementation." "We should continue to advise the state." "Make sure we align our priorities and address them." "The Health Council assessment is so critical to know the needs with proven data." "Networking here keeps us from silos." "If we had a single state person in each area to help us implement our plans, it would be great." "The Health Council provides education to the community and providers."

Priority plan partner reports were presented next.

Susie Trujillo of GRMC, Chris Debolt and Mike Carillo (Detention Center administrator) gave the first update.

Susie Trujillo explained they are part of the Substance Abuse Resiliency and Recovery Center committee, which has named the planned facility, Tu Casa. "Ron Hall (former magistrate judge, now county commissioner) came to us and said substance abuse was on the rise, bringing crime and family issues. We have been meeting weekly for two years. Ron got the $2 million for the bricks and mortar building through a portion of the hold harmless gross receipts tax increase. We are partnering with the city on land and infrastructure. We are building a model. We did a large needs assessment. The facility will be for adults only. We know youths need it, too, but one step at a time. After the building contract is finalized, the county will let out a request for proposal for a service provider. The RFP will go out in the next couple of weeks. An official advisory committee will be formed."

"The county and Priscilla are looking at another funding source," Susie Trujillo continued. "A preliminary architectural plan has been made, but we want the provider to give us specifics. We have had experts from outside helping to make sure the center can be sustainable."

"We haven't strayed away from the concept of bringing all the resources together," Carillo said. "This is a community project. Too many individuals are falling through the cracks. We will bring all resources under one roof, including employment and education. The Advisory Committee will look first at the performance of the provider. This will be a living program."

DeBolt said behavioral health had come out fourth as a big problem across the state. "We will build a continuum of care step-by-step."

"We will be talking with you members on supportive employment and supportive housing," Susie Trujillo said. "We will always be open to suggestions."

Tony Trujillo asked what the needs were—"40 percent to 50 percent of the population?"

Susie Trujillo said more like 60 percent to 70 percent. "The big ones were getting the data from our assessment and getting the building. We are getting sectors and partners lined up and getting the RFP ready to go. I think our next step is getting the provider chosen."

Carillo noted the planning is done, the RFP is next on the timeline, then the core service agency, which will address the plans.

DeBolt said after the RFP in the next two weeks, providers will have 30 days to apply, then a few weeks of deciding on the provider.

Susie Trujillo said the group is looking at January 2017 for a ribbon cutting.

Health Council member Kathleen Hunt said the core service provider could access indigent funding.

"Our next step is how do we work with law enforcement, with the judicial, and with the hospital to get a person services," Susie Trujillo said.

Lucero had a couple of recommendations. "If you can get the provider by December, it would help with some potential funding. Who will be interviewing the providers?"

Susie Trujillo said the interview process would be led by the county.

Health Council member Ed Reynolds, Silver City Chief of Police, thanked the group for its "'sticktoiveness.' Thank you. This facility will lessen the burden on law enforcement."

Susie Trujillo said to thank Ron Hall. DeBolt suggested the Health Council hold a forum as a communication strategy. Tony Trujillo agreed and said a forum would be a good way to educate and communicate.

Stoecker gave an update on the Inmate Support Program. "The Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Consortium oversees the Inmate Support Program. Kelly (Sierras of Sexual Assault Services of Silver City), Mike (Carillo) and I interviewed for a coordinator. The county is working on a contract, but Tracy Gonzales has accepted the part-time position. We hope to work with local inmates to start addressing their strengths to help them address their needs. She will work on a plan with the Detention Center. I'm calling those in Tu Casa outmates. Each inmate will have a transition plan and hopefully will go to the outmate program to help them be better off with jobs and to cut back recidivism."

Health Council member and Magistrate Judge Maurine Laney asked if the wrap-around model would include domestic violence as well as substance abuse.

"Yes, it's about what's going on in your life that got you in jail," Stoecker said. "We will begin addressing the issues when they are in jail."

Carillo said that it is well know that something causes "them to do domestic violence. Substance abuse has a huge hold in domestic violence. There is a direct link to alcoholism or drug abuse to crime. We need to find the links. Some came from domestic violence backgrounds. We found out why kids were committing the crimes. The majority has been because of addiction. In conjunction with Western (New Mexico University), we did a pilot program. Kelly was doing her degree. She came in and the inmates started spilling their guts to her about why they were there and what they needed."

Stoecker said the group has not been able to get funded by the Legislature, but the town of Silver City and Grant County have put some money in. "We already have a Luna County coordinator and soon a Grant County coordinator. It is part of the Southwest Behavioral Health Continuun of Care Consortium."

Maria Elena Jauriqui-Cross, president of the Children's Health Partnership, said she was excited by the shared services program, which has gathered all the childcare providers into having financial and other services shared under one service provider.

"We did Jump Into Summer; we will do the Red Hot Children's Fiesta this weekend; and we will do Spooktacular," Jauriqui-Cross said. "We did a booth at the Great Race and are continuing to seek funding. We were selected by Con Alma Foundation for an interview."

Terry Anderson, Health Council co-chairwoman, who represents the early childhood sector, said the group was beginning to strengthen its board with three slots to fill. She asked for those interested in being a part of the CHP to let her or Jauriqui-Cross know.

Patti West-Okiri presented the Disability Advisory Council report. "The Disability Resource Center opened in April." She named all the organizations and agencies that have used it. "It is being used a lot, more than 25 times in the past four months. We were right on target of the need. We don't have fencing; we need a security system; and we are still working on phone and Internet. LifeQuest is supporting us with an accessible bathroom. The DRC also has an assistive technology lending library. In a recent training, we had 51 attendees. Silver Schools cancelled the special ed classes to let the teacher and aides attend. Thank you, Superintendent Streib, for your support," she said to Lon Streib, who is a Health Council member.

"The Governor's Commission on Disabilities came down and they want their retreat here next year," West-Okiri said. She then told a story about the NAO Robot. "Autistic kids relate to robots. When I told the owner of the company that makes the robots what we would do with one, but we didn't have the $10,000 to pay for one, he called me back and the company gave us the robot. It's the property of Western, but the robot came to a workshop. It was the first time my 13-year-old autistic son had seen him. He understood everything the robot said. When the robot asked a question, my son from the back of the room replied; 'Yes.' And when the music began to play and the robot began to dance, my son began to dance with him. I had tears of joy. Thank you for Health Council support."

[Editor's Note: She wasn't the only one with tears. Most people in the room were wiping their eyes after her heart-warming story, including this writer.]

Susie Trujillo, part of the DAC, thanked Silver Schools and the town of Silver City for coordinating to get the building and the land. "Thank you. Please don't let this stop."

Lucero thanked West-Okiri for sharing her story. "We would like a robot demonstration at a Health Council meeting. We're extremely grateful to you for persisting on getting the center."

Razana Robinson-Thomas, Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition coordinator, said in her update that 101 Things for Youth to Do had more business participants this summer. "We had 109,000 unique visits to the website on the 101 Things for Youth to Do page. We will seek additional funding, because it is not in our state approved plan this year."

She said the biggest thing coming up is to install a couple of drop boxes for dropping off expired or unused prescription medications. "We hope to have at least one installed by the end of the year, then we will have a media campaign."

The coalition meets the second Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Hidalgo Medical Services conference room. "We would love to have more Health Council members come." To a question about the Coachella event at the end of 101 Things, she said participation was small with no more than 300 attending. "It was tax-free weekend and a lot of people were out of town." To another question, she said the group has not received notice of the Drug-Free Communities funding. "We're still waiting."

Jayne Ash of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force and Grant County CARES, which addresses bullying, said she is a licensed domestic violence counselor. "We are looking at the future of what we do. We're trying to be proactive in working with domestic violence. New Mexico is the third most dangerous state in which to be a woman. Twenty-one women were murdered last year, usually by their intimate partners and primarily by firearm." She said the DV&SA Task Force meets at noon the first Thursday of the month at Border Area Mental Health Services.

"October is Domestic Violence Awareness month," Ash said. She listed the events, including a silent vigil on Oct. 1.

[Editor's Note: The schedule will be posted when received.]

"We are also working on a parent advocate group on bullying," Ash said. CARES meets the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Grant County Community Health Council Building next to the Courthouse.

Sierras, the executive director of SASS, said Gila Regional had stopped its services in the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. "Tests for sexual assault will be done in Las Cruces at La Piñon. We will provide advocacy, crisis management and case management. The first annual benefit dinner will be $50 a ticket on Nov. 5." For more information, visit www.silverregionalsass.org.

Stoecker asked about SANE. "Is there an ER doctor or nurse practitioner here that can administer the test or do you have to send someone to Las Cruces when they are in a state of trauma?"

"We are trying to address the termination of the program," Sierras said. "The best way to provide direction is through the district attorney."

DeBolt said the sexually assaulted person will be seen in the GRMC emergency room, but "right now there is no contract for SANE services."

Milligan said SANE was originally founded due to the Health Council. "I hope the Health Council will stay involved in this important program."

Sierras said anyone in crisis should call the SASS toll-free number, 1-866-750-6474. "If it's an emergency, call 911."

DeBolt gave the family resiliency-seniors report. "We are trying to reconvene the Senior Lifecycle. Rotary is interested. We will perhaps request a representative to use the funding the Health Council has allocated. We are still looking at re-creating senior services through the county and how to build a billable unit to include things other than congregative meals and transportation. These are complex issues with five different senior centers in the county. We have heard a lot of complaints and that's why we're looking at it. For one thing, instead of plunking down a plate full of food, Hidalgo County does the meals buffet style. Yes, funding is an issue."

Lucero noted it was a complex program, with a lot of regulations.

Hunt said it was necessary to understand a menu of services that are billable.

"I'm seeing a requirement for all senior centers, each one to have its own infrastructure capital improvement plan," Lucero said.

In her sector report, Lucero said the Prospectors would hold the annual legislative forum for entities to present their requests to the senator and representatives on December 3. "We are getting packets ready. There is a new capital request form this year. On Oct. 7, I will hold a capital outlay workshop at the Council of Governments office. We will bring in the new changes. Dec. 1 is the deadline for non-profits to apply to the Freeport Community Investment Fund. A mandatory Guidance Session for the CIF will be held Sept. 30, via WebEx, with a requested RSVP to http://www.freeportinmycommunity.com/communities/grant-county-community-investment-fund-guidance-session by Sept. 29.

DeBolt said the GRMC Foundation still holds some of the Health Council's funding. "They are waiting on CDs to mature. We are working with the foundation, so the check will be cut."

She announced the Mimbres Health Fair, which will take place on Oct. 10 at the San Lorenzo Elementary School. Free well-water testing will be available.

"We will to everything to help you succeed, Cari," DeBolt said.

She continued and said she is on the state Population Health Committee. "We are looking at what population health means. If it is not funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, there is still a lot of talk at DOH that we can look at the model to use it. The Alliance of Health Councils has asserted itself through its members. Stay tuned. I have heard because of the decline in oil prices that the legislative budget will be tight. Please contact Rep. Don Tripp, and Senators Howie Morales and John Arthur Smith and express your support for health councils."

Milligan said the Red Hot Children's Fiesta would take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Penny Park. "We have more than 30 agencies participating. A golden eagle and Cinnamon, the miniature horse, will be on hand. The theme is Animals and Adventures."

She said four plantings of neighborhood orchards are planned. "We thank the Master Gardener class, Gary Stailey, the town of Silver City and Grant County for their help."

Milligan said the website at gcchc.org has been updated. "It's grant writing season. And our Facebook page at facebook.com/gcchc has received 7,000 views thanks to sharing resources."

The next Health Council meeting will take place in January.