The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) announced a collaborative initiative with Presbyterian Healthcare Services (Presbyterian) and The University of New Mexico’s Project ECHO for projects and programs to enhance access to diabetes prevention and management resources. This joint effort, funded by a 5-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is dedicated to promoting health equity among priority populations with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition. These organizations aim to target areas in New Mexico where diabetes prevalence is high.

The initiative involves various strategies each tailored by the different organizations involved. Projects involve DOH implementing evidence-based services through Paths to Health New Mexico: Tools for Healthier Living. Presbyterian Healthcare Services will concentrate on communities and counties with a high prevalence of diabetes, while Project ECHO will prioritize areas in the border region and counties with a high diabetes prevalence. Project ECHO, an innovative initiative, aims to promote health equity in these communities, according to a press release by DOH.

Efforts also include educational programs centered on managing and understanding diabetes. "As part of our emphasis on chronic disease management and prevention, Presbyterian has offered programs focused on helping people manage and learn about diabetes," said Leigh Caswell, vice president, Community and Health Equity for Presbyterian, according to a press release by DOH. "Through the CDC funding, we look forward to working closely with community partners to bring these important programs to more communities across New Mexico."

There is an emphasis on leveraging existing resources effectively. "The 5-year grant allows the New Mexico DOH, Presbyterian and Project ECHO to leverage resources, infrastructure and subject matter expertise to focus on the communities most impacted by diabetes while identifying and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH)," said Christine Brown, program manager for the DOH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, according to a press release by DOH. "Reversing the trend of diabetes requires a team approach and the DOH looks forward to working together to address the diverse needs of New Mexico communities."

It is pertinent to note that this initiative is funded by a key player in public health. The CDC is the United States' foremost science-based, data-driven service organization dedicated to safeguarding public health, according to the About webpage provided by the CDC.