The University of New Mexico Hospital will hold a Community Listening Session on Monday, August 26, at the Albuquerque International District Library. This event provides Bernalillo County District 3 residents the chance to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with hospital representatives as they prepare for the upcoming vote on the extension of the UNM Hospital mill levy this November.
Event Details:
- When: Monday, August 26, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM
- Where: International District Library, 7601 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
The listening session underscores UNM Hospital's commitment to prioritizing community health and wellbeing. Feedback gathered during this event will help the hospital allocate resources effectively and address pressing healthcare needs. By engaging directly with community members, UNM Hospital aims to foster transparent dialogue and ensure that all residents' voices are heard and respected.
A key focus of the session will be on language access in healthcare. UNM Hospital has made significant strides in providing language services to ensure all patients receive equitable care. Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings, reduced quality of care, and disparities in health outcomes. By offering translation and interpretation services, UNM Hospital strives to create an inclusive environment where every patient can communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
"Our goal is to provide safe, quality care to every patient, and that starts with listening to the needs and concerns of our community. We understand the importance of language access in ensuring that all patients receive the care they deserve, and we are committed to making our services accessible to everyone," said Kate Becker, CEO of UNM Hospital.
Benefits of Language Access in Medicine:
- Improved Patient Safety: Clear communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Language services help prevent medical errors and ensure patients fully understand their health conditions and treatment options.
- Enhanced Patient Experience: Patients who can communicate comfortably in their preferred language are empowered to have an active role in their healthcare. They are more likely to feel respected and understood.
- Equitable Healthcare Access: Offering language services ensures that all community members have equal access to healthcare services.
"This listening session is a vital opportunity for District 3 residents to share their concerns and suggestions directly with UNM Hospital. I encourage everyone to attend and engage in this important dialogue," said Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commissioner – District 3.
Community members are encouraged to join the session to learn about improvements in language access at UNM Hospital and share thoughts on how it can continue enhancing care for the community.
About the Mill Levy: The mill levy is a critical funding mechanism supporting comprehensive healthcare services at UNM Hospital. Every eight years, Bernalillo County voters decide whether it will be extended. The upcoming vote in November will determine its continuation.
About Bernalillo County: Bernalillo County spans 1,160 square miles as New Mexico’s most populous county with over 676,000 residents. It provides a wide range of public services across Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Tijeras Village, as well as unincorporated areas housing approximately 106,000 people. Employing around 2,800 individuals with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion including capital investments; elected officials include five county commissioners among others.
