Department of Health recruiting members for Eddy County Health Council

CARLSBAD – The New Mexico Department of Health Southeast Region and the Eddy County Health Council (ECHC) are recruiting candidates for council membership. New Mexico's Health Councils play a vital role in identifying and addressing local community health needs and in working to achieve greater health equity. The councils are made up of dedicated volunteers and leaders from the health industry and are community minded.

County residents interested in joining are invited to attend the ECHC’s meeting Thursday, August 4th, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.  It will be held via Zoom at tinyurl.com/EddyCountyHealthCouncil.  The guest speaker will be Ms. Jacalyn Dougherty, PhD Coordinator with the Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division’s Suicide Prevention Program.

Some of the Eddy County Health Council’s previous projects include the “Rock the Pecos Event” held in December along with health fairs, walk ability studies, and drug take back events.  The council is looking forward to participating in the Community Health Improvement Process in the Fall of 2022. The role of the ECHC is to gather partners in addressing certain health disparities through the community health improvement process.

Health Councils provide an outlet for local bodies to identify community health needs, establish community priorities and plan and implement local solutions. Local health councils study the impact of various initiatives on the health care system, provide assistance to the public and private sectors, and create and disseminate materials designed to increase their communities and understanding of health care issues. The recommendations are designed to improve access to health care, reduce disparities in health status, assist state and local governments in developing health care policies, and act as an advocate on behalf of the underserved. Health councils are charged with presenting data for their county through the community health profiles.

In addition, the ECHC is looking to expand its Board of Directors. With growth, they will have the ability to further diversify and expand their reach. They are in the process of rebranding, improving outreach, accessibility, and diversity are the areas identified as the biggest opportunities for growth.

If interested in learning more or attending a meeting about the Eddy County Health Council or attending a meeting please reach out to Sarah Bowman, New Mexico Department of Health, Health Equity Specialist at (701) 301-5025 or Sarah.Bowman@state.nm.us.