Dr. Laura Parajon Joins Department of Health as Deputy Secretary

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 03 February 2021 03 February 2021

Experienced clinician, community health worker, will help lead COVID-19 vaccination effort

SANTA FE – DOH Secretary-Designate Dr. Tracie Collins on Wednesday announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Chanchien Parajon as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health. Dr. Parajon is on leave as Executive Director for Community Health and Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, at the University of New Mexico.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Parajon to the team,” said Dr. Collins. “Her expertise, experience, and compassion will be an asset to the state - especially now.”

“My goal is always to work towards health for all people. For me, this means listening to communities and their priorities, building from their strengths and resources, and taking action together to serve everyone - especially the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Parajon.

Parajon has served in a variety of community-based positions, including Medical Director for the City of Albuquerque’s COVID-19 Response for People Experiencing Homelessness, Medical Education Director for Community Health Initiatives, and Executive Director for Community Health at UNM. 

Parajon graduated from Brown University and completed her medical degree and residency at the University of New Mexico. She also completed a Master’s Degree in Public Health at UNM.

Deputy Secretary Parajon began work with DOH in January.

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