NMASBHC Newsletter
November
2014
       



















A Note from the Executive Director 

 

As we enter the holiday season and concentrate on giving thanks and celebrating, the New Mexico Alliance for School Based Health Care would like to thank you for all you do for young people and your partnership with us. We continue to work hard for the movement, and are excited about many new initiatives. Stay tuned for more about our legislative efforts to increase funding for SBHCs, advocate for the confidentiality rights of young people, create written and video tools for SBHCs and many other exciting projects. In the meantime, please read on to hear about current news related to school-based health care.

On a personal note, thanks to the many of you who have extended your congratulations to me on the birth of my son and my apologies to those I've forced photos upon! I'm happy to be back from leave because I know it's in service to the many other children in New Mexico who need health care.

Nancy Rodriguez

nancyrodrigueznmasbhc@gmail.com 

 

What You'll Find In This Newsletter (click to jump to section):

memoriamIn Memoriam: Jane Batson

The New Mexico School Based Health Field lost a great champion recently. Jane Batson, long-time leader of SBHCs in Roswell, NM passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The following is an excerpt from her obituary:

"Jane was born on September 6, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas to Thomas and Gladys Scott. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Jack Batson, their son John Batson, his wife, Karen, and their daughter, Elizabeth, of Temple, Texas, and daughter, Shannon Batson, of Roswell. Jane was known for her dedication to public service and to the betterment of life in Chaves County and New Mexico. Throughout her career, she was passionate about helping others and improving the lives of those who are less fortunate. She did much of this through her grantwriting of over 30 years, which has seen millions of dollars come through her community projects. A few of her special projects include: UNITY (Understanding Needs in Today's Youth) Center, ENMU-Roswell Community Dental Van and Clinic, Chaves County Community Pharmacy, and School-Based Health Center, among many others. 

Most recently, Jane's projects have come under the umbrella of Embrace, Inc. The Executive Director of Embrace, Inc. is also a behavioral health provider in a Roswell SBHC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Embrace, Inc., PO Box 4425, Roswell, NM 88202. If you have any questions, please contact Nathan at 575.623.1220 or 575.840.1075."

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highlightsSBHC Highlights: Good News You Can Use!
 
National Influenza Vaccination Week: Flu vaccine has one of the greatest financial returns on investment for SBHCs. As a result, many SBHCs in New Mexico will be doing outreach to students for National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 7-13th. Check out the CDC's webpage for free resources such as free posters, media materials and more to promote this event at your clinic:

National Hand Washing Week: Some SBHCs in other states that serve an elementary school age population have begun celebrating National Hand Washing Week in order to reduce student absences during the winter months. If your SBHC would like to engage in this educational effort December 7-13th, check out:  http://www.henrythehand.com/  
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fundingFunding Opportunities
 
NMDOH/OSAH RFP Announcement: The Office of School and Adolescent Health (OSAH) has released a request for proposal (RFP) for school based health center operations beginning July 1, 2015 (FY 2016) for a period not to exceed four years. The full announcement and instructions can be found on the Department of Health website using the following link: http://nmhealth.org/publication/view/rfp/955/
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trainingTraining Opportunities

 

Envision New Mexico Webinars: There are several webinars in December well-suited to SBHC personnel. Topics for December include asthma & obesity, case conferencing for SBHC providers, and motivational interviewing. Register at http://envisionnm.org/xcalendar/2014-12/

YRRS Data Presentation Dates: This fall and winter the Youth Risk and Resiliency Steering Committee will be holding presentations on YRRS's 2013 results. These events will highlight emerging issues in NM adolescent health and high risk behaviors. Visit: www.youthrisk.org and click on Fall 2014 Data presentations to find a training near you. December presentations will be held in Rio Rancho, Ruidoso, Artesia, and Hobbs. Presentations continue through January.

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vacancySBHC Job Announcements
 

If your school-based health center is hiring, NMASBHC is here to help you spread the word. Please email Nancy Rodriguez at nancyrodrigueznmasbhc@gmail.com to request a job announcement posting in our monthly newsletter.

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shoppinggSupport NMASBHC By Shopping 
 

You can help support the work of NMASBHC to advocate for SBHCs by shopping! Check out the ways you can shop at Amazon, Albertson's and Smith's and get cash to the organization:

  • Amazon Smile: If you're shopping at Amazon.com, .5% of your eligible Amazon purchase can go back to NMASBHC when you make it through: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-0859783. Set this up as your default Amazon account page for easy shopping. Many of the eligible items are also eligible for Prime shipping.
  • Albertson's: Shop with the Albertson's Community Partners program and 1% of your purchase value goes back to NMASBHC when you participate! Ask NMASBHC for the special key tag you'll scan when you shop to benefit NMASBHC.
  • Smith's: 1% of your purchase value goes back to NMASBHC when you assign your value card to our organization. Sign up today! Register at: www.smithscommunityrewards.com. If you already have a rewards card, you'll have to associate it in your online account with NMASBHC. If you haven't yet created an account, you can do so online or in the store.

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focusAdolescent Patient Resources: Focus on Young Men

This is our monthly feature on adolescent health resources focused on, but not limited to, young men. SBHCs typically serve more female than male patients. If you're working to better draw and/or serve young men, think about these topics and check out these resources:

*December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month! Talk to your patients/students about the health risks related to impaired driving; young men are statistically more likely to be at risk for injury and death due to impaired driving. SADD (http://sadd.org/national3d.htm) recommends this toolkit: www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/issues-content/drugged_driving_toolkit.pdf. Though a few years old, it includes ways that SBHCs or youth groups can put together events and share resources. For flyers for sharing with patients, particularly young men, check out the CDC Safe Driving Pinterest board for more ready-to-share graphics.

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