Health council announces plans for $85,000 grant

The Quay County Health Council announced Monday how it will use its recently received Better Together grant to help young people combat misinformation on social media about vaccines.

Better Together is an initiative of the New Mexico Department of Health with funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and managed through Momentum Santa Fe. Nine state entities received funding with an emphasis on using unusual and creative ways to encourage routine and COVID-19 vaccinations.

In June, the DOH announced the health council would receive an $85,000 grant. The state agency awarded nearly $3.5 million in grants to community-led organizations through Better Together.

The Quay County Health Council will kick off a focus group initiative with two groups aimed at young adults on Sept. 6. It is seeking 15 young adults to attend lunch or supper.

The focus group will participate in a discussion about health care needs, forms of communication accessed, preferred social media platforms and concerns about vaccinations and substance abuse. The health council will provide a meal and a small gift to each participant. Focus groups will last 90 minutes. To participate, call the Health Council at (575) 815-4575.

The second phase in September is digital production training. Volunteers will be shown how to write, stage, film and edit quality digital media to use on the health council’s social media pages and other creative ways. Training will be provided by a filmmaker over four sessions. The first session will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce office. Other session locations will be determined by the group.

Those who want to participate in these trainings and help film a couple of videos should call or text (575) 815-4575.

Finally, the health council will work with students in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America program at Tucumcari High School. They will receive training and equipment to create videos. Topics are focused on decision-making, vaccinations and healthy habits. The videos also can be used for competitions and the council’s social media.

Other phases of the initiative will begin in November, including developing a marketing plan with radio, printed flyers, social media and newspaper advertising.