LACF News: The Los Alamos Community Foundation, in partnership with the Los Alamos League of Women Voters and Anchorum Health Foundation, will host a community roundtable discussion featuring local medical experts on the current state of health care issues in Northern New Mexico.
The event is 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at SALA Los Alamos Event Center, 2551 Central Ave.
Many residents have experienced firsthand how access to health care in our region is increasingly at risk. Health care systems nationwide are undergoing seismic economic shifts, forcing hospitals and clinics to make difficult decisions—downsizing, eliminating services, or even considering closure. These challenges are especially acute in rural communities across Northern New Mexico.
The New Mexico legislature is wrestling with many of these issues right now, including medical practice compacts with other states, the high cost of medical malpractice insurance, decreases in funding for Medicaid, etc.
Invited panelists will explore why physical and mental health outcomes for New Mexicans have worsened in recent years, despite billions of dollars in federal and state health care investments. The discussion will also highlight local innovations, community-based solutions, and opportunities to build a healthier future for the region.
“The Los Alamos League of Women Voters encourages every citizen to understand current issues affecting our state and various policy solutions proposed by our elected leaders,” League Board member Leslie Wallstrom said. “One way to learn more is to attend this forum and gain a better understanding of some of our healthcare challenges.”
Panelists include:
- Dr. Madhavi Garimella, Diabetes and Metabolism Endocrinologist, at Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos;
- Dr. Eric Ketcham, Emergency Physician and Addiction Specialist for Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Española;
- Lillian Montoya, Senior Vice President of CHRISTUS New Mexico, and President & CEO of CHRISTUS St. Vincent Health Systems, Santa Fe; and
- Brenda Romero, CEO of Presbyterian Española Hospital, Española.
Members of the audience will have the opportunity to submit short questions to the facilitator, who will pass them to the speakers as time allows.
Food for this free event is catered by El Parasol Restaurant. For flyer click here.
Event Sponsors:
- The Los Alamos League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
- The Anchorum Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the conditions that most influence community health across our region. In support of this mission, Anchorum has invested $350,000 over two years in the Los Alamos community, strengthening community-based partners addressing critical local health and wellness challenges.
- The Los Alamos Community Foundation builds enduring philanthropy to strengthen community nonprofit organizations and promote health and wellness, including through LAUNCH, Los Alamos Uniting for Community Health, a Foundation initiative.