UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

The united way of northern new mexico works to improve the lives of children and families through service collaboration. United way northern new mexico rallies individuals and organizations. Together, we turn obstacles into opportunities creating a future where collective action transforms communities. In rio arriba county there is a long-term lack of needed resources and opportunities for the most fragile age groups (young children, the disabled and elderly); and behavioral risks, including substance use disorder and opioid use disorder. Rio arriba county's rural, primarily hispanic and native american region has (1) extremely high levels of opioid abuse and deaths; (2) other health risks; (3) poverty and limited employment; (4) educational, skill, and workforce issues; and (5) economic challenges according to the 2020 rio arriba community health council health profile. According to the los alamos community services department's 2020 health services gap analysis, los alamos residents currently identify access to issues to mental health supports as a top community public health access to care issue. Availability of mental health resources related to stress and anxiety are especially needed for teens and adults. Los alamos county health challenges, trends, and issues that should be understood and addressed include: (1) family stresses, behavioral health issues ( including substance abuse), and teen depression and suicide; (2) high rate of unintentional injury from falls, usually among older adults, (3) very high rate of deaths from alzheimer's disease, (4) lack of access to affordable childcare, and (5) lack of affordable housing. Because of health indicators like these the united way of northern new mexico supported twenty four nonprofit organizations across rio arriba and los alamos counties in 2024 that primarily serve education, basic needs, and health and wellness of residents in the region.