Health forum seeks to educate

In some cases, Quay County residents aren't lacking in certain healthcare services so much as they don't know they exist in the first place.

That lack of knowledge surfaced several times from about 50 Quay County residents who attended a health forum March 26 at the county fairgrounds. The forum was designed to set priorities and strategies for the next three years at Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital and its operator, Presbyterian Healthcare Services. The Quay County Health Council also presided over the forum.

Dr. Laura Tomedi, an epidemiologist for Presbyterian Healthcare Services, has shepherded similar forums in 10 other communities in New Mexico, many in rural areas such as Quay County. She said the lack of knowledge about available healthcare services is widespread.

"I would say that probably happens every single time I do one of these," she said. "A lot of these communities are doing amazing work, and a lot of people don't realize it.

"It is a bit tedious to sit here for three hours and talk about these things," she added. "However, one reason we do that is because is so people can have that realization and can get everyone re-energized to think about what assets they have and what they can leverage."

Quay County residents who attended the forum settled on these priorities for 2020 through 2022:

n Healthier eating

n Mental health treatment

n Sexual assault treatment

n Child abuse prevention

n More physical activity

n Social determinants of health

The priorities and strategies soon will be developed into a community health improvement plan the hospital and healthcare provider will implement for Quay County.

Tomedi said she's seen similarities at health forums in other New Mexico communities.

"The priorities tend not to be vastly different," she said. "There is a sprinkle of differences from community to community. People tend to be concerned about the same things, which makes sense."

After priorities were set, Tomedi asked people in groups to suggest ideas on how to address them.

The group that dealt with mental-health issues said marketing of available resources for patients is lacking, and more publicity is needed through the media.

On social determinants of health, the group said poverty, food insecurity, lack of public transportation, a scarcity of good-paying jobs and a shortage of healthcare specialists bedevil Quay County.

One group said the region needs a detox unit, counselors and an after-care treatment facility for substance-abuse patients.

Another suggested using Tucumcari's vacant motels and houses to address its homelessness problem.

One group, noting Quay County's child abuse rate is twice the state average, said more education awareness is needed for child welfare services.

The group that seeks more physical activity said more community involvement and participation is needed. They also said the city's current pool, parks and recreation center need upgrades.

Another group suggested establishing a community garden so residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables.

Tomedi noted not all the strategies discussed are financially feasible. However, the priorities and strategies give the hospital, Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Quay County Health Council a roadmap to better serve their communities.