Kevin Eades CANs Chair Molzen-Corbin & Associates | Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
Bernalillo County has joined forces with Wellness Equity Alliance and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) to launch "Health Yeah!," a new initiative featuring mobile health clinics. These clinics aim to provide free and accessible healthcare services directly at schools and community centers in Bernalillo County.
The program is designed to bring a range of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health support, vaccinations, sports physicals, and prescription services, directly to students, school faculty, and community members. Initially, the mobile units will serve Roosevelt, Truman, and McKinley Middle Schools along with two charter schools. Community centers will also be included as the program expands.
Gabriella Duran Blakey, APS superintendent, emphasized the importance of community support in education. She stated: “Community support is key to great education, and the partnership developing between Bernalillo County, Wellness Equity Alliance, Albuquerque Public Schools and ABC Community School Partnership is another step toward giving kids the help they need. We are excited and grateful for the collaboration.”
District 2 commissioner Steven Michael Quezada highlighted the necessity of addressing student health needs through this partnership. He remarked: “The ‘Health Yeah!’ initiative addresses the vital health needs of our students. By partnering with Albuquerque Public Schools and Wellness Equity Alliance, we’re making sure students get the care they need right where they need it.”
The Health Yeah! initiative receives financial backing from Bernalillo County’s Behavioral Health Gross Receipts Tax (BHGRT), contributing $1.5 million in recurring funding. Additionally, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury has secured a $422,031 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to further bolster this effort.
By removing barriers such as transportation issues and scheduling conflicts, these mobile clinics ensure that students can access necessary healthcare without having to leave school premises.
