The Grant County Community Health Council’s quarterly public meeting on Thursday, May 20 at 3 p.m. will feature a presentation from Communities in Schools New Mexico. CISNM’s executive director, Julia Bergen will discuss the CIS model of using schools as sites for linking students and their families to the resources they need to succeed. The meeting will also feature a presentation from Senator Siah Correa Hemphill, who will provide an overview of the 2021 legislative session.
Communities in Schools uses a holistic model to address the needs of students, whether they be academic or non-academic. In the CIS model, site coordinators are school-based and literally and figuratively positioned to identify the needs of schools and students alike. CIS provides services across three tiers: school-wide, small groups, and individualized support. Examples of supports currently provided in Santa Fe schools include: basic needs, academic assistance, physical health, family engagement, life skills, and college and career prep.
Marilyn Alcorn, GCCHC chair, stated that she looks forward to learning more about CIS and how the program’s mission could align with GCCHC’s focus on promoting health equity and access to care across Grant County. “As a former teacher, I know from experience that the challenges families face outside of the classroom inevitability impact children’s academic performance. I am interested in learning more about how Communities in Schools uses site-based coordinators to deliver resources families need for their children to succeed in the classroom.”
Following Ms. Bergen’s presentation and a brief question and answer session, Senator Hemphill will provide an overview of New Mexico’s 2021 legislative session. She will also discuss the impact American Rescue Plan funds could have on Grant County. Priscilla Lucero, Executive Director at the Southwest Council of Governments and a longstanding member of GCCHC, noted that the health council takes an active interest in what is happening at the local, state, and national government levels. "It’s important to understand the governmental processes to ensure that our rural needs are being met.” said Ms. Lucero.
“GCCHC believes—and the pandemic has shown—that health encompasses all aspects of society,” said Evangeline Zamora, GCCHC co-chair. “And every aspect of society can have an impact on health—positive or negative. We believe in discussions of healthcare that are both expansive and inclusive and we invite all Grant County residents to join us on Thursday to consider the role school-based programs can play in promoting health and well-being.”
The Grant County Community Health Council operates under New Mexico’s County and Tribal Health Councils Act and works to identify and address local health needs and priorities. It is funded in part by the New Mexico Department of Health and works cooperatively with Grant County government, which serves as its fiscal agent. General membership is open to any Grant County resident. Additional information and a zoom link to the May 20 meeting can be found on the Grant County Community Health Council Facebook page or by emailing gcchc@chi-phi.org.
Please find the zoom link below:
GCCHC General Meeting on May 20, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.
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Meeting ID: 990 7710 0343
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Meeting ID: 990 7710 0343
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