Community Affairs Advisory Council (CAAC)

The Community Affairs Advisory Council (CAAC) was formed in March 2006 by Dr. Paul Roth, HSC Executive Vice President. The purpose of the CAAC is to advice Dr. Roth on health issues important to the community. The council members were appointed by Dr. Roth and represent various community constituencies, government, and small businesses. The council also sponsors open forums regularly to seek broad input from community members.

Members/Miembros

Angie Vachio, Chair
Retired, Peanut Butter & Jelly Therapeutic Family Services

Deanna Archuleta
Bernalillo County Commissioner, District 3

Catherine Baca
VP of Technical Services, Bueno Foods

Joseph Cordova
Native Healthcare Council of New Mexico

Sarah Couch
Co-Chair Bernalillo Co. Behavioral Health Collaborative

Gail Evans
Legal Director, New Mexico Center on Law & Poverty

Keith Franklin
President, Albuquerque Metro Native American Coalition

Maria Griego-Raby
UNM Health Sciences Center Clinical Operations Board Liaison

Alma Olivas
Coordinator & Community Health Worker, CCHA

Jerry Ortiz y Pino
Senator, NM Legislature, District 12

Andrea Plaza
Director of Programs, Southwest Creations Collaborative

*Two vacant positions to be filled

Current priorities of the council and the OCA Include:

  1. Accountability to the community for financial resources;
  2. Policy analysis and recommendations in areas of interest to community constituents;
  3. Systems commitment to patient advocacy; and
  4. Greater understanding of access to health care issues for Native Americans living off-reservation.

(For detailed information on priorities click here)

CAAC Meeting Links:

Minutes