In general, community health councils plan and coordinate community-level responses to pressing health issues. Health Councils usually serve counties or tribal communities. Members of health councils typically include representatives of various community sectors: health care providers, schools, public health officials, health advocates, health care consumers, and community members interested in housing, transportation, economic development, and community wellness. Health councils assess local health needs, identify gaps in services, develop community health plans and priorities, and coordinate community health initiatives. The health councils serve as vital partners with the statewide public health system, providing local information and feedback to the New Mexico Department of Health regarding community health issues. Health councils work to address locally-identified priority issues, such as youth suicide, teen pregnancy prevention, diabetes and obesity prevention, substance abuse and mental health issues, and access to primary health care. For more information about Health Councils contact the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils, ronhale@aol.com, (505) 989-7543.
"To promote community collaboration through a framework of coordination,
assessment and solutions."
P.O. Box 52