Health council receives grant

The Quay County Health Council last week was awarded an $85,000 grant from the New Mexico Department of Health’s Better Together program to help area young people combat misinformation on social media about coronavirus vaccines.

According to a news release from the DOH, the health council’s grant will be “focused on engaging high school youth and young families in discerning misinformation and disinformation through social media.”

Brenda Bishop, coordinator of the county health council, declined to comment in an email except to say “once we receive a contract from the state, we will provide more details about the award.”

Also, Presbyterian Healthcare Services received $200,000 to create a program that educates personal service providers (hairdressers, barbers, nail salons, tattoo artists) as educated ambassadors and encourages them to speak with their clients while rendering services.

The DOH awarded nearly $3.5 million in grants last week to 12 community-led organizations through Better Together.

The Better Together New Mexico program is federally funded by an appropriation to support vaccine equity and inclusion throughout New Mexico. The program advances health equity goals for diverse cultural, economic and social populations through improved access to COVID-19 vaccination and information. Emphasis is placed on reaching those with low vaccination rates in an effort to provide long lasting, sustainable impact.

“This critical grant serves some of the most vulnerable New Mexicans by ensuring opportunities for community-led messaging and amplifying ever-important community voices to promote health equity,” said David R. Scrase, acting cabinet secretary for DOH. “An equitable allotment of resources feeds inclusive communication pathways and celebrates cultural diversity.”