UNM Health Sciences announced that The University of New Mexico Hospital and UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborated with El Mezquite Market, Walgreens, and various community partners for "¡Vacuna por Pavo!" the weekend preceding Thanksgiving. Individuals queued up at the El Mezquite location on 98th Street and Central to receive either the flu or COVID vaccine, with the added incentive of receiving holiday dinner essentials, including complimentary turkey and pie. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve community health through accessible vaccination and nutrition.
Starting off with the driving force behind this initiative, El Mezquite Market, in collaboration with UNM Hospital Community Engagement and Bimbo Bakeries, generously supplied turkeys, drinks, pies, bread, muffins, and cakes. Originating 15 years ago, this tradition initiated by El Mezquite Market President and CEO Sergio Bermudez serves as a heartfelt gesture to give back to the community that has contributed to his business's growth since the late '90s. As the tradition has evolved, more organizations join each year, enabling an increased provision of food for local families, according to a press release by UNM Health Sciences.
Moving on to the message relayed during this event, "We are here for you," said Carmengloria Hulsey, CCHW, the community outreach and engagement specialist at UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, according to a press release by UNM Health Sciences. "No matter what language you speak. No matter where you're coming from. No matter what color you are. We are here for you. We are going to help you. We are going to give you resources. We are going to help you with your health. We are here."
Lastly, turning to the operational side of these community initiatives, The UNM Hospital Community Engagement Department actively enhances the health and well-being of the communities it serves, striving to achieve positive health impacts and outcomes through robust community engagement efforts. Operating under the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Community Engagement Department is dedicated to fostering partnerships and creating outreach opportunities within the community, according to the UNM Hospital Community Engagement Department website provided by UNM.
