1. Promising/Best Practices Across Pilot States
What is a Promising/Best Practice?
Best or promising practice decisions, activities and interventions in the context of health promotion and disease prevention:
Contextual factors such as socio-cultural conditions are of extreme importance in health promotion and increase the complexity of an intervention. The goal is not just to affect specific life situations and contexts, but also to achieve changes in the dynamic, political and sociocultural environment by working together with other stakeholders.
Systematically take into account the values and principles of health promotion and public health
Are supported by current scientific knowledge as well as knowledge from experts and derived from practice
Observe the relevant context factors and achieve the intended positive effects whilst avoiding negative ones.
Examples of Promising/Best Practices
Promising Practices were identified during the Building Healthy Military Communities Rapid Needs Assessment. Each practice listed below is detailed in the following section to address program capabilities, reach and impact. This section is intended to showcase promising practices, draw connections with current initiatives across all states and incite new idea generation.
State
Promising Practice Example FL
Naval Air Station, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) – Coordinating Activities and Services using the MWR App IN
Military Families Basic Needs and Thanksgiving Sponsorship Program
Indiana Army Wellness Center MD
Union Hospital of Cecil County collaboration with Cecil County Health Department to execute Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) MN
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR)
BTYR Company Differential Pay Policy MS
Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) Outreach Services via Mobile APP NM
Center for Workforce at San Juan College; flexibility to open programs when needs arises OK
Oklahoma Veteran Connections (OKVC)

2. New Mexico: Promising/Best Practice
San Juan College – Center for Workforce Development
Program Overview
San Juan College is a two-year comprehensive community college in New Mexico. The college has four campuses throughout the area, which include the main Farmington Campus; San Juan College 30th Street Campus, also located in Farmington; San Juan College East in Aztec; and San Juan College West, in Kirtland. Dedicated to student success and completion, San Juan College offers innovative, challenging and affordable academic programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in meeting educational and career goals. Students can choose from hundreds of two-year degree and certificate programs, non-credit community learning classes, and workforce training. Annual enrollment equals 11,600 students, and the College currently employs 580 administrators and faculty.
As a promising practice, San Juan College has the ability and flexibility to open programs (such as the Medical Assistant program from early 2018) as needs arise in the Service member community. The criteria to open new programs under the Workforce Development Department include:
Local and regional demand for skills in the discipline
Availability of jobs
Availability of funding sources for displaced workers or those needing skills in demand
Availability of industry-based certifications for students completing the College’s programs (Microsoft, CompTIA, Auto CAD, etc.)
This flexibility can impact the higher education needs of Service members and their families to secure stable civilian jobs.
Lorenzo Reyes Jr., Ph.D., (505)
Program Reach
The program is open to all students. Service members can benefit by participating in several fast-track credential programs. Also, new credential programs are added to meet the needs of students, employers and employment outlook. The emerging needs of Service members are met by providing them with the skills and certifications required for civilian employment. Service members often have advanced skills learned while in the service. Furthermore, industry-based certifications have the ability to make Service members more competitive in the job market.
San Juan College does consistent outreach and marketing for programs in the region. Additionally, the Center for Workforce Development conducts frequent meetings with key stakeholders in the community to provide information about the programs.

3. New Mexico: Promising/Best Practice
San Juan College – Center for Workforce Development
Program Impact
Ultimately, the mission of San Juan College is to provide students with the employment skills they need to succeed in the workplace, under the belief that meaningful job skills and a fulfilling job are part of a strong foundation of a healthy individual. The Center for Workforce Development has a strong contextual understanding of the region and provides programs that are relevant and culturally sensitive. Program delivery is based on academic and empirical research and is guided by qualitative research and data. The Center for Workforce Development considers individual needs, economic opportunities and the overarching needs of the community.
San Juan College has increased the number of programs to meet the needs of the region and has increased professional training for individuals and local companies.
Beginning 2019, San Juan College plans to introduce three new services, all of which can support the higher education needs of Service members and their families:
1. Wrap-around individualized student support to increase student success,
2. Interest and aptitude testing, and
3. Resume preparation and job interviewing skills.