A Note from the Executive Director | |
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In our January newsletter, I shared thoughts on the anxiety new years' transitions can bring. I could not have imagined the true scope of upheaval that federal changes could cause our field and the larger public health world. Our staff and Board know that many of the funding freezes, federal agency leadership changes and actions, and public health communication stoppages are causing challenges in SBHC operations. Please know that we stand hand in hand with you to address any needs in any ways we are able. Please reach out to us if you have any suggestions about how we can help you meet the needs of New Mexico's youngest and most vulnerable residents.
Part of what our organization hopes to do to offset other challenges is be your voice during the legislative session to ensure that at least state funding is flowing in helpful ways. Please reach out if you have specific needs that we can add to our legislative policy agenda. We also hope to see you in the coming months in Santa Fe. We were so grateful to see some of you at January's Primary Care Day. We'll have a presence at Public Health Day and Behavioral Health Day. Finally, please join us in celebrating February as national SBHC Awareness Month by sharing widely the SBHA-created communications (see links to them below and watch for them in our social media posts).
Happy SBHC Awareness Month and Fuerza!
Nancy Rodriguez, nancy@nmasbhc.org
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February 2025 features staff from the Fort Sumner SBHC, sponsored by De Baca Family Practice Clinic.
Thank you for all the SBHCs who participated and submitted pictures!
Thank you to Presbyterian Health Plan for sponsoring the 2025 calendar.
If you have any questions, please contact Wilma at wilma@nmasbhc.org.
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February is SBHC Awareness Month | |
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SBHA has launched the National and February Awareness campaign:
"Keep Healthy Together".
This is a national initiative for SBHCs and their vital role in ensuring kids have access to the healthcare they need to thrive —academically, emotionally, and physically.
Visit the website for content that you can share.
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Hiring Operations Manager | |
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We are sad to share that our amazing Operations Manager, Claudia, will be leaving soon. She has been an integral part of our team. We thank her for all her hard work and her positive spirit and wish her greatness in her next chapter.
Visit our website for more information.
Click HERE to view the Job Description.
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Join us for New Mexico SBHC ECHO sessions for February 2025.
Tuesday, February 11th and
Tuesday, February 25th
at 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM MST.
Register HERE.
Visit the iECHO for slides, videos, recordings and resources from past presentations. After registering, you can view past content and get notifications for upcoming sessions.
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2024 SBHC Directory Update & Survey | |
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The 2024 Annual SBHC Directory Update and Survey is due.
There are many new sites due to the expansion this year. Complete the link for each main or hub SBHC. There is a separate link for spokes.
Your information is needed to ensure the SBHC Directory on the NMASBHC website is accurate. The information also helps inform legislators and partners during legislative session.
Please complete as soon as possible.
Thank you so much for your time and participation!
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Thank you to everyone who completed the SBHC Field Survey! For those who haven't had a chance to complete it, we need your help!
Please complete this very short field survey and your SBHC will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y5VRF7R
Thank you for participating. This information helps us better serve and advocate for the SBHC field in New Mexico!
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NMASBHC Youth Health Advisory Group | |
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The Youth Health Advisory Group supports youth to advance health care access for their peers, share expertise on health-related topics and give important youth voice to the field of school-based health care. Participants will engage in activities and projects that can provide critical input to the development and delivery of services, and advocate for SBHC services across the state.
If you have youth that might be interested, please encourage them to apply and complete the application. For any questions, visit our website or contact Wilma at wilma@nmasbhc.org.
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From the desk of our Youth Advisor - Amiriss | |
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The Importance of School-Based Health Centers
February is School-Based Health Center Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role SBHCs play in supporting students' physical and mental well-being. SBHCs provide accessible healthcare services right on school campuses, ensuring that students receive medical care, counseling, and wellness support without barriers like transportation or cost. For many students, SBHC offer a safe space to discuss health concerns, get routine check-ups, and access mental health resources.
Students at Albuquerque High School shared, “Having an SBHC at our school means I can get help when I need it without missing a whole day of classes” Another added, ” It’s comforting to know there’s a place I can go for my reproductive health without judgment."*
SBHCs empower students to take charge of their health, which leads to better academic success and overall well-being. This month, let’s celebrate and spread awareness about the impact of SBHCs in our schools and communities!
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Kendra Scott
Shine Bright, Do Good Fundraiser
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In-Store:
Saturday, February 8
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Kendra Scott - Uptown
2260 Q St NE, #3B; ABQ, NM 87110
Stop by & see us in the store
On-line:
Saturday, Feb 8 - Sunday, Feb 9
Shop online at
https://www.kendrascott.com/
Use code:
GIVEBACK-INRPP
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Thank you to Molina Healthcare Staff for items collected and donated to the Winter Supply Drive.
Supplies were delivered to the NACA School-Based Health Center, sponsored by First Nations.
We greatly appreciate your support and generosity.
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NM Lions Operation KidSight &
SBHC Partnership Opportunity
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New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight, Inc. is a 501c3 organization, working to establish and maintain a sustainable program to provide annual eye screenings and follow-up eye exams and treatment, if needed, for all young children in New Mexico. The program also is working with local and national partners to provide additional avenues to help youth and families increase access to eye exams and glasses.
NMASBHC is planning to partner with the program to increase access for students and families served by their SBHCs. If your SBHC is interested in participating in a program to provide free glasses to patients, please email Wilma at wilma@nmasbhc.org.
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More spots available!
The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation has a research study to assist SBHCs in planning and carrying out LGBTQ+ inclusive practices to enhance patient care! We have recently made a few more spaces available in our third cohort for high school-serving SBHCs in New Mexico.
School-based health centers are well positioned to address the health disparities experienced by LGBTQ+ students including suicidality, depression, anxiety, substance use, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and unplanned pregnancies. By implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices, SBHCs can be better prepared to care for LGBTQ+ students.
What is involved?
- Bringing staff together to implement nationally recognized best practices
- Free training, resources, and support for your team
- Completing paid surveys and assessments about implementation process
- Learning how to respond effectively to patient sexual orientation & gender identity data and needs at your clinic
- 20-month time commitment starting in April 2025
What are the benefits?
- Access to coaching guidance and support for one year of implementation
- Decreased barriers to care for students
- Increased student engagement and satisfaction with care
- Opportunity to reduce health disparities for LGBTQ+ students
Participating SBHCs will receive modest financial support for taking part in research and implementation activities.
To learn more please contact Daniel Shattuck, PhD, at dshattuck@pire.org or 505-765-2331.
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Operational Plans and Data Submission | |
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If you have any questions about Operational Plans and Progress Reports, please direct any questions to Josh (Josh.Ryan@doh.nm.gov) or Jamie (Jamie.Slama@doh.nm.gov).
If you have questions about NMDOH contractually required data submission, please communicate with Kristin Oreskovich at Kristin.Oreskovich@doh.nm.gov.
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2023-24 SBHC Annual Report | |
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The 2023-24 SBHC Annual Report has been released. You can find this report and past reports on the NMASBHC website.
If you have any questions about the data, please communicate with Kristin Oreskovich at Kristin.Oreskovich@doh.nm.gov.
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SBHCs and Education Outcomes, 2014-19 | |
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Apex has been hard at work, working on a statewide study to analyze SBHC utilization and NM PED academic data from 2014-2019. You can find this report and other past year reports on the NMASBHC website.
If you have any questions about the data, please communicate with Kristin Oreskovich at Kristin.Oreskovich@doh.nm.gov.
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NM Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility
Determiner Training
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If you have staff that need the training, please contact HSD at the email address below to indicate the need to register for training. Contact at HSD.PEDeterminers@hca.nm.gov or call (505) 476-7151.
Please note that it is very important to have your SBHC team up to date with eligibility determination. This an NMDOH-OSAH requirement.
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United Healthcare Community Plan of New Mexico: Value-Added Benefits for Child and Adolescent Members | |
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UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico offers a variety of value-added benefits designed to support the health and well-being of child and adolescent members. These benefits extends beyond standard healthcare coverage, providing added resources and services tailored to the unique needs of younger members.
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Emergency Clothing Fund - United Healthcare offers a clothing allowance of $100.00 for school-aged children (3-19), helping families to afford necessary clothing for their children. This benefit supports the overall well-being and confidence of young members.
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Hypo-Allergenic Pillowcases and Mattress Cover - To support members with allergies, UnitedHealthcare offers hypo-allergenic pillowcases and mattress covers. These items help create a healthier sleeping environment by reducing exposure to allergens, which can be particularly beneficial for children (3-21) with asthma and/or allergies.
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SDOH Flex Fund - the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Flex Fund is designed to address various social and environmental factors that affect health. This fund can be used to cover costs related to housing, utilities, food, and other essential needs, providing comprehensive support to families facing financial challenges. All members are eligible for this benefit.
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Transportation Services - United Healthcare provides transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential locations. This service ensures that families have reliable access to necessary healthcare and daily needs. All members are eligible for this benefit.
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Workforce Fund - provides financial support to members pursuing educational and workforce development opportunities. Each member can receive up to $1,500 for certificates, degrees, or workforce programs. This fund aims to help members enhance their skills and improve their employment prospects.
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Peer Support - is an online, 24/7 on-demand peer support chat tool available to high school students. This service offers real-time, live-moderated small group chat conversations and resources for coping, problem-solving, and healing, addressing the mental health needs of adolescents.
Contact Information
For more information about these benefits, you can contact UnitedHealthcare through several methods:
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Phone: For general inquiries, call 1-866-414-1959. For technical issues, call 1-877-844-4999. Medicaid members can call the number on their member ID card.
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Website: Visit the United Healthcare Community Plan of New Mexico page for more detailed contact information and support options.
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Value-Added Benefits: For specific details on value-added benefits, visit the Value-Added Benefits page.
United Healthcare Community Plan of New Mexico's value-added benefits for child and adolescent members are designed to enhance their overall health and well-being. By providing access to educational resources, health programs, peer support, and more, United Healthcare ensures that young members receive comprehensive care that extends beyond traditional healthcare services.
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Clinic Resources, Training Opportunities and Community Announcements | |
Reminders from Jen's Desk | |
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Greetings from your friendly neighborhood Adolescent Health Clinical Consultant!
Hello, friends. A LOT has happened since our last newsletter. Many of us are fielding questions and concerns from our patients, families, and colleagues in our ever-changing landscape – whether about access to health care, safety for transgender folks, how to protect our immigrant neighbors, or how to let LGBTQIA+ young people know that we support them. I want you all to know that I am available to talk through resources that can support you in navigating these questions and concerns, whether in my office hours, by one on one virtual appointment, via email, or during webinars I will be delivering this month and beyond.
I am looking forward to sharing updates on sexually transmitted infection care during the SBHC ECHO on Tues Feb 25 at 3 pm (Register HERE). We will be reviewing resources like the CDC STI Guidelines, which are evidence-based prevention, diagnostic and treatment recommendations (https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm) These guidelines came out in 2021 and are reflected in what I nerdily proclaim is my favorite medical guideline app!
I also hope you will join me for a webinar on abnormal uterine bleeding and contraception management for the ongoing UNM Contraception Mentoring Program webinar series on Weds Feb 26 at 4 pm (Register HERE). Contraception is not just for pregnancy prevention and can provide incredible relief for people struggling with heavy bleeding, menstrual pain, and other related concerns.
Lastly, I want to share how honored I am to provide resources and support to you all. During our contraception workshop in Las Cruces a few weeks ago, I was inspired to learn about the amazing work our Southern NM and statewide DOH colleagues are doing to promote health equity and access to care. Let’s keep building community with one another and sharing strategies to help NM’s young people access the care they need and deserve.
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Virtual Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Office Hours
Please join us for free consultation to SBHC providers and staff on a range of topics including, but not limited to, clinical cases, clinic flow, best practices, billing and coding, troubleshooting challenges, etc. related to reproductive health care!
Examples of topics we can discuss include:
- how to support LGBTQIA+ youth
- drop in emergency contraception visits
- rapid STI testing options (same day results – covered by Medicaid)
- Any questions you have about providing reproductive health care in your setting!
UPCOMING OFFICE HOURS:
We will have drawings for those who attend office hours to win some great prizes for your clinic. See the sneak peek of prizes below.
Use the link above to register for any office hours that work for you or visit the Events and Training Section on our website for more information and to register. If the time/date does not work, please email Jen at jen@nmasbhc.org to schedule a time to meet one on one.
SNEAK PEEK OF OFFICE HOURS PRIZES
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NEXPLANON TRAINING in Albuquerque and Beyond!
- Thursday, March 6th - 5:30-7:30 PM - Albuquerque
Clinicians (NPs, PAs, CNMs, physicians) need to attend a two-hour long FDA-mandated Nexplanon training to be able to insert, remove, and order contraceptive implants.
Please email Andrea Andersen at aanderse@salud.unm.edu to get connected with registration for the Nexplanon training or to request future Nexplanon training.
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Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Trainings for Providers and Professionals
NM-ABC trainings are all free of charge, with CME/CEUs provided. NM-ABC is a partnership between the UNM Center for Development and Disability and the NM Department of Health. NM-ABC provides training, consultation and resources related to youth mental health for providers across New Mexico.
- Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Screening and Interventions
- Youth Suicide: Screening and Safety Planning
- Non-Suicidal Self Injury: Screening and Interventions
- Helping Children and Youth Cope with Loss and Grief
- Adolescent Substance Use: Screening and Interventions
- Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth
- Brief Intervention Techniques with Children and Youth
- ADHD Diagnosis and Management
- SSRIs and Pediatric Patients: Best Practices
- Youth Returning Home from Inpatient and Residential Stays: Bridging the Transition
- Tips from a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know
For more information or to schedule a training, please contact NM-ABC program manager Amy Glass at aeglass@salud.unm.edu
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Contraception Mentoring Program Trainings | |
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Virtual IUD & Nexplanon Trainings
Virtual trainings are available. IUD Practicums include a one-on-one didactic and personalized hands-on practice session through a virtual format.
Nexplanon clinical training uses models to teaches healthcare professionals (HCPs) how to insert and remove the Nexplanon birth control implant
Please contact Andrea Andersen at aanderse@salud.unm.edu
if you or your clinic are interested in Virtual IUD or Nexplanon training.
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February Health Awareness Activities | |
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February is School-Based Health Awareness Month
This month is focused on spreading awareness on the benefits of school-based health centers. We want to celebrate the successes of our SBHCs. We're glad that many of our state's youth have improved access to health care services. Thank you to all our SBHCs for the hard work you do!
Learn more about School-Based Health Awareness Month and what other states are doing for their youth.
School-Based Health Alliance
#KeepHealthyTogether Campaign
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Support NMASBHC this year! | | | | |
