Celebrating 100 Years of Public Health in New Mexico at the State Legislature

Today, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) joins the New Mexico Public Health Association (NMPHA) and the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils (NMAHC) in hosting the 5th Annual “Public Health Day” at the New Mexico Legislature.

During a public program in the Capitol Rotunda at noon, Lt. Governor Howie Morales and NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel will join public health leaders from across the state of New Mexico to celebrate the 100-year-anniversary of the New Mexico Department of Health.

Various public health organizations and programs will host exhibits in the East and West Halls of History starting at 8 a.m. to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of public health to the overall wellbeing of New Mexicans.

“As public health practitioners, NMPHA members and public health leaders are building a future that’s anchored in health equity,” said NMPHA President-Elect Melissa Ontiveros. “Our mission is to improve the health of New Mexicans. Public health practitioners understand that to achieve this goal, health equity is a central focus of our work.”

“The commitment to improving health for all New Mexicans from health councils, public health association members and Department of Health staff through advocacy, education, and community development is both inspiring and truly needed,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel.

From womens’ health to climate change, infectious disease, violence, and chronic disease prevention, advocates will reach out to legislators about evidence-based public health approaches. Other leaders from government, industry and community groups will also join the conversations throughout the day to improve health inequities, reduce communicable and chronic diseases, decrease healthcare costs and ensure a productive and competitive workforce.

“Everything we do in public health is rooted in science and our values,” said A. Terrie Rodriguez, Executive Director, of NMAHC. “At Public Health Day we’ll see hundreds of volunteers, each filling a knowledge gap and encouraging deeper conversation about how we can make New Mexico a healthier place to live. I’m proud of the work our members do to make sure public health recommendations and actions are built on the reliable data and evidence-based research.”

Participants can network and engage throughout the day on social media using the #PublicHealthDay2019 hashtag. Those unable to attend in person can send emails and make phone calls to their state elected officials.

About the New Mexico Department of Health:

Over the last 100 years, the core mission of the NMDOH has remained the same: providing health care and education and preventing the spread of communicable diseases.. Learn more at NMDOH.

About NM Alliance of Health Councils:

A statewide coalition of the state’s 39 county and tribal health councils and their supporters.  The Alliance was created in 2010 to support and strengthen the health councils, and to provide a common voice on behalf of community health improvement in New Mexico.

About NM Public Health Association:

NMPHA is the largest membership based organization of public health professionals in New Mexico, providing a forum for sharing research and practices, and serving as a base for leadership development, networking, and action.

Media Contact

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Celebrando 100 Años de Salud Pública en Nuevo México en la Legislatura Estatal