ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico-Gallup recently hosted a collaborative meeting aimed at improving health career pathways and ensuring that New Mexico communities have the necessary health care resources and services.

The UNM Health Sciences Center Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the UNM Health Sciences Center Office of the Executive Vice President organized the Asset Mapping for Health Career Pathways event at the Student Services & Technology Center on the UNM-Gallup branch campus.

“I’m so excited to have all of you here with us today and to be in this community,” said Dr. Valerie Romero-Leggott, vice president and executive diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for the UNM Health Sciences Center. “We do have huge health care needs. Everybody here lives that. We know that. I’m excited to learn more about what’s out there that we don’t know and sharing this across the state.”

The asset mapping event continues the Health Sciences DEI office’s ongoing commitment to health career pathways and workforce development.

Due to an internet outage, only in-person attendance was possible. The room was filled with people from various organizations who wanted to join the conversation and contribute their knowledge and perspective.

UNM-Gallup Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell opened the meeting with a warm welcome to everyone and a reading of the branch campus’ Land Acknowledgement.

“This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to maintaining and expanding health care resources in our community and our region,” Ezzell said. “This is an opportunity to share progress, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions.”

The agenda included an overview of the landscape of New Mexico's health care workforce as well as health career pathways within the state.

UNM-Gallup Nursing Director Jonathan Lumibao shared information about the branch campus’ nursing program, which includes a certified nurse assistant certificate, an associate degree in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and now also includes a high school licensed practical nurse program starting Fall 2024.

The LPN program is part of UNM-Gallup’s recent partnership with Gallup-McKinley County Schools to provide more health career pathways for high school students. The program encourages more students to pursue careers in healthcare-related fields.

“We are in dire need of not only nurses with associate degrees but bachelor’s degrees as well,” Lumibao said. “Studies show that nurses with higher degrees have better health outcomes among their patients.”

Later in the meeting, participants broke out into six groups for an asset mapping activity focused on different regions of New Mexico. Each group identified existing healthcare resources and individuals they knew about in those areas.

“What we’re concerned about here is where are the voids,” said Dr. Chenoa Bah Stilwell-Jensen, senior projects manager with the UNM HSC Office of the Executive Vice President. “Where are the gaps? Where are places that need these programs? How can we honor existing communities that need increased funding support and increased policy support?”

Amy Greene, director of Communities to Careers under the UNM Health Sciences DEI office, mentioned that all guidance and resources shared during the meeting would be incorporated into a digital map accessible online statewide.

The outcome of this asset mapping will also be presented during October's 2024 Health Equity Summit in Albuquerque.

“I do appreciate your support today in making this as robust and quality as possible,” Greene said.