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State recognizes our community health workers
SANTA FE – October is Community Health Workers Month and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a proclamation in recognition of their public service in the state.
“This month gives us the opportunity to thank community health workers for their vital contributions to healthcare across New Mexico,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth).
On October 29 and 30, New Mexico’s Community Health Workers (CHWs) will come together for two days of learning, training and building a supportive CHW community at their 3rd annual conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “CHW/Rs Changing the Landscape of New Mexico!” and it will take place at Santa Ana Pueblo.
Community health workers and community health representatives (CHRs) have worked in New Mexico for years, but their formal recognition as part of the healthcare system did not occur until 2014. Currently we have more than 500 in New Mexico.
"New Mexico's community health workers and representatives are frontline champions, providing essential support to our communities," said Devona Quam, Director of the Office of Community Health Workers for NMHealth. "Their presence reduces healthcare costs, improves chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, and lowers rehospitalization rates."
This year the New Mexico Medicaid Reimbursement model was approved by the Centers for Medicaid Services. This model incorporates a standing provision allowing CHWs and CHRs to bill Medicaid for their services. This allows communities in the state increased access to these healthcare providers for services like health education, health navigation and clinical support.
Visit the National Association of Community Health Workers for more information on community health workers and their importance as part of our healthcare system.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.
Versión en Español
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El estado reconoce a nuestros trabajadores de la salud comunitaria