The Immunization Program is initiating an exciting demonstration project. As part of the Governor, the First Lady and Secretary Montoya's special interest in and commitment to improving immunization rates, special federal tax relief funds to states were made available for special state initiatives

$175,000 has been committed to support the special Shots On Time Demonstration Project that will get underway shortly and run through September 30, 2004 or until the funds are fully utilized. In brief, this is an effort to temporarily place an immunization nurse into the medical offices that have the most under-immunized children. The objective is bringing kids up to date and improving the immunization practices within each office re: record keeping, reminder/recall systems, vaccine ordering and storage practices, etc.

We will be working closely with our district partners to identify and seek the participation of selected practices (based upon 2003 AFIX/CASA performance) and to introduce our consultants to the key players in each practice. A formal memorandum of agreement will be signed between the Department of Health and each participating practice that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of all parties. (To view and/or download the MOA, click here).

We have contracted with the following nurse consultants to work with this exciting project. The locations represent their home base...all have expressed a willingness to travel in order to cover the largest priority practices.

Rosie Clifford, Los Lunas
Huguette Johnston, Albuquerque
Mannie Aguilar, Bernalillo
Melanie Watkins, Albuquerque/Santa Fe
Margie Sullivan-Blanch, Santa Fe
Stan Coverdale, Las Cruces
Marianne Panzini-Rosenthal, Las Cruces

We will be closely evaluating this demonstration project to see if this kind of intervention has both short term impact on coverage rates and leads to longer term improvements in immunization practices in the participating sites.

We are negotiating with the NM Immunization Coalition to receive part of these funds to purchase and distribute incentives/awards for the parents, children and practices that participate in this demonstration project.

If you are interested in participating in this demonstration project or getting more information about it, please contact Anne Lutz at 505-827-0196 or e-mail her at anne.lutz@doh.state.nm.us.

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