New Mexico is a majority-minority state, predominantly rural, with tremendous cultural diversity and natural landscapes. New Mexican communities have endured disproportionate exposure to environmental pollutants present in the air, water, and soil. To meet the needs of local communities, the New Mexico Integrative Science Program Incorporating Research in Environmental Health Sciences (NM-INSPIRES) Community Engagement Core (CEC) focuses its efforts to supporting the advancement of environmental health research tailored to the specific needs of communities.
In addition to providing support for community driven research, the CEC also offers comprehensive communication materials tailored to ensure accessibility and understanding among community members. To learn more about our ongoing efforts scroll down below.
A Community-Based Participatory Research Project (CBPR) known as the Grant County Air Information and Research for a Well-Informed Society (GC-AirWise) is a collaborative effort between the University of New Mexico NM-INSPIRES Community Engagement Core and Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP).
In response to community concerns regarding poor air quality stemming from mining operations, wildfires, and emissions, the CEC procured and assisted in the installation of ten PurpleAir monitors to monitor PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, while also collecting weather data. Check down below for the latest updates to our project!
Discover the invisible health threat of tiny airborne particles, PM2.5 and PM10. Understand their sources, the serious health risks they pose, and practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay informed, stay safe...
Faith, Deidranee, and Jessi are three teenagers from Silver City, NM who love the environment and are determined to make their community healthier. They have been working with the NM-INSPIRES Community Engagement Core (CEC) in collaboration with the Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP) as interns since February 2024...
The Statehouse Faculty Champion awards go to academics who are leading student reporting programs that focus on state governance, legislation and politics. They are sponsored by the
Center for Community News at the University of Vermont. “As statehouse beats become increasingly rare, partnerships with college reporting programs can be a news lifeline for underserved regions,” said Director Richard Watts. “The dedicated faculty who are running these programs are creating a sustainable pipeline of critical information in their communities. We are thrilled to amplify their work and inspire
others to jump in.”
Coverage of the nation’s statehouses has never been more important as consequential debates over education, public health, housing, gun ownership and more happen at the state level. Despite increasing need, the number of full-time statehouse reporters has declined by 34% since 2014 according to Pew Research Center. In that time, university-led reporting has stepped in to fill the gap. Today, some of the most rigorous reporting on urgent issues is being done by student reporters in states across the country. CCN released an impact report on these programs earlier this year.
For more information about the project please reach out to Gwyneth Donald at gwynethd@unm.edu.
