The Progress in New Mexico: What an Active Coalition Can Do Anna Pentler, Executive Director New Mexico Immunization Coalition March 6, 2006 National Immunization Conference Atlanta, Georgia

Agenda Brief History of NMIC New Mexico is on the Rise Immunization Activities in NM Results Closing Thoughts

NMIC—A brief history

The Situation: New Mexico ranked 49 th or 50 th in the nation for childhood immunizations (averaged 65% coverage) How to improve immunization coverage?

Launch of NMIC DOH brought together stakeholders in December 2002 facilitated by Pat Bakalian First Lady Barbara Richardson learns of NM’s poor IZ ranking and takes on IZ as one of her issues NMIC kick-off meeting with Rosalyn Carter and Betty Bumpers in April 2003 First Lady serves as Honorary chair UNM-HSC, DOH and First Lady hire Exec. Dir. in fall 2003

NMIC Structure Over 200 members statewide Two co-chairs, one from public sector, one from private sector Three full NMIC meetings each year Monthly steering committee meetings Five subcommittees: advocacy; public education; provider education; special events; mini-grants to location coalitions

New Mexico is on the Rise 2004 Ranking moved up to 15 th Our rates have increased dramatically since 2002 New Mexico was honored to be Most Improved State in 2005

Immunization Rates NM and US NM 4:3:1:3:3 Coverage Rates (NIS, ) 61.2% 83.5% 22.3% in 2.5 yrs!! ****

New Mexico Activities Public Education Provider Education Local Coalitions Policy/Advocacy Special Events

Focus on the Public PSA’s and other media coverage Immunization in the News Annual “Shots for Tots to Teens” State Fair event and other shot events Hallmark Greeting Card Project Blue Cross Blue Shield Care Van

Focus on the Providers NMSIIS -- Rollout 2006 SHOT Team Nurses (see the poster presentation #247 and #266) Clinical Prevention Initiative—Childhood Immunization subgroup “Done by One” (see presentation H4 on Wednesday, 11:00 am) Provider awards for >=90% National Speakers

NMSIIS Internet based, PC accessible From the outset will have 10 years of data uploaded Will help increase rates by minimizing missed opportunities

“Done by One”

Focus on Local Coalitions Active Local IZ Coalitions in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces and T or C Mini-grants Collaboration on NIIW with Doña Ana Co-hosting shot clinics and press events with Santa Fe and Albuquerque

Minigrants NMIC has awarded over $65,000 to 35 projects over the past 3 years Examples of Projects funded: Information bags for new mothers IZ media campaign IZ educational materials Printing IZ resource guides IZ Conference assistance Swipe card processor for tracking flu shots Redesign of Reminder/Recall cards WIC recognition I-Zone cameras for “Done by One” Passports

NIIW 2005

Focus on Policy NMSIIS legislation Governor’s Immunization Proclamation Thimerosal legislation

Results Immunizations continue to be a top priority Governor Richardson declared 2006 as “Year of the Child” Heightened awareness of Immunization issues both by healthcare providers and the public Improvement in rates has been rapid and dramatic

Closing Thoughts Critical Components: Aggressively target improving immunization rates Obtain high level collaboration and support Use multi-faceted approach Focus on education, systems change and direct service Engage dedicated Coalition Members

An Active Coalition Can do a lot!

Thank you! Anna Pentler Executive Director New Mexico Immunization Coalition University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center Albuquerque, NM (505)