Community Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on the food and nutrition needs of New Mexicans. New Mexico ranks one of the highest among states in food insecurity, with approximately 15.1% of New Mexico households being food insecure. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity due to community lockdowns, school closures, the closure of some food pantries, rising unemployment, shortages of certain food items, and the displacement of some individuals in COVID-19 isolation shelters.

The State of New Mexico has delivered an estimated 2.3 million pounds of food, with early operations focusing on the children and the elderly.

The Thornburg Foundation made a grant to the State of New Mexico to help establish the ESF6 Community Fund and to supplement ESF6 emergency food operations. The fund pays for the purchase and delivery of emergency food for populations that are unable to travel outside of their community or have limited or no access to food as a result of an emergency situation or order. ESF6 operations follow FEMA Policy FP 104-009-19 guidelines.

As of October 26, the ESF6 Community Fund has been used to procure more than $240,000 worth of food. This allowed for the delivery of more than 3,700 food boxes and 12 pallets of water to five of New Mexico’s tribes or pueblos while they were in a community lockdown phase.

The State of New Mexico now has a price agreement with the NM Food Bank Network, which will allow it to use that network for future emergency food or water requests. To date, these distributions have been made by the NM National Guard or commercial food distributors.

However, the new price agreement will allow contracted members of the NM Food Bank Network to also distribute food to needy communities.

How to Apply

State of New Mexico’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) manages the ESF6 fund. County and Tribal Emergency Managers should submit requests to the State EOC. The local emergency manager must complete a resource request on a ICS 213 RR form. This must be done in collaboration with the NM EOC to ensure that the request meets FEMA requirements.

ESF6 funds may only be utilized for needs specifically identified as being triggered by the COVID-19 emergency, as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

What organizations are eligible for receiving food distributions?

Any New Mexico community experiencing a food shortage caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic is eligible for assistance from ESF6.

How is this funding request different from the food needs that food banks are responding to?

The New Mexico Food Banks’ regular distributions, as well as other existing State food programs, should be the primary source for meeting food insecurity needs. The ESF6 Community Fund is reserved for communities that are experiencing a disruption of access or the delivery of food supplies as a direct result of an emergency, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster.

New Mexico Emergency Operations Center ESF6 Contacts

Tribal Emergency Managers:

Primary Contact:
Daniel Moya
NM EOC Tribal Liaison
[email protected]
Mobile: 505-225-5683

Secondary Contact:
Shelley Begay
HSD Tribal Liaison
[email protected]
Work Cell: 505-470-2731

County Emergency Managers:

Primary Contact:
Azka Naru
HSD Safety & Compliance Officer
EOC-ESF 6 Coordinator
[email protected]
Mobile: 505-388-6994

In honor of World Food Day, the following stories promote food and agriculture sustainability and/or recognize efforts by a faith community or organizations to provide special assistance or adapt operations to meet the increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In between these stories, we have powerful prayers and blessings from faith leaders around the state. These stories and prayers are listed in the order in which they appear on the video. The main presenter is listed in parenthesis. View the video (42 minutes) 

Greeting and Introduction to World Food Day Chant, David Poole & Keri Sutter

AFSC Farm to Food Bank (Sayrah Namaste). At the start of the pandemic, AFSC launched the Farm to Food Bank Project in New Mexico to connect small-scale farmers with food banks struggling to meet rising needs during the pandemic. AFSC purchases much-needed food from small organic farms and delivers it directly to pantries in Taos, Albuquerque and Española. Donate to Farm to Food Bank Program.

Shared Table/El Pueblito United Methodist Church in Taos (Rev. Cheri Lyon). Shared Table is a community outreach food assistance program of El Pueblito United Methodist Church. Food distribution occurs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 12 noon at El Pueblito United Methodist Church and from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Talpa Community Center. Donate to Shared Table.

Prayer: Hon. Regis Pecos. The former governor of Cochiti Pueblo begins his prayer/blessing in his native language and then offers an English-language translation.

World Central Kitchen-Santa Fe Community College (Robert Egger) World Central Kitchen, led by world famous chef and humanitarian Chef José Andrés, partnered with Santa Fe Community College to help feed communities in New Mexico experiencing food insecurity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring and summer. Robert Egger coordinated WCK’s operations in New Mexico. One of the communities that received food and other assistance during the early days of the pandemic was Kewa Pueblo. The initiative was supported by SFCC Foundation. Robert Egger suggested donations to Santa Fe Youth Works.

World Food Day Chant, Keri Sutter and David Poole

Rio Grande Food Project in Albuquerque (Ari Herring) This is the largest food pantry on Albuquerque’s west side. Since 1989, RGFP has worked with community members to prevent and end hunger among children, adults, and seniors throughout the Albuquerque metro area by providing low-income households with needed groceries. The pantry supplements its food donations with produce from its garden located on-site. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pantry set up operations offsite. RGFP resumed drive-through distributions at its site during the summer. Donate Money, Food, Time to Rio Grande Food Project.

Prayer: Mercury Bitsuie, Diné Community Volunteers A blessing song. My Mother Earth is Beautiful. My Grandparents Taught Me Well.

The Forgotten People (Marsha Monestersky) & Water Resources Action Project (Malcolm Siegel) Thousands of Dine’ (Navajo) and Hopi households haul water from distant wells. Lack of water is even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when tribal communities are being impacted at one of the highest rates in the nation. The Water Resources Action Project (WRAP) and The Forgotten People (a grassroots organization based in the Navajo Nation in Arizona) have created a unique partnership to address this pressing need. The video includes video excerpts from Vanishing Prayer and VICE News – Cursed by Coal, mining the Navajo Nation and photos by Barbara Davidson Donate to Dine'(Navajo)/Hopi Emergency Water Project.

The Baháʼí Community of Gallup (Rosanne Groger-Bathke, Kee Bathke). In response to the COVID-19 concerns within the Gallup area and the Navajo Nation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Gallup formed a task force to support the K’é Social Action Project, a grassroots initiative whose goal is to reach those most in need in the area. Bahá’ís seek to serve mankind through various activities at the local community level. The K’é project (pronounced “keh”, a Diné word, meaning “system of kinship) is compatible with the principles of the Baháʼí Faith, which is the Oneness of Humanity. The Bahá’í assembly in Gallup is part of the worldwide Baha’i Community, which believes in Baháʼu’lláh–translated as The Glory of God. Send Donations to K’é Social Action Outreach Navajo Nation/ Humanitarian Effort-Relief PO Box 1822, Gallup NM 87305

Prayer: Rev. Bre Roberts (Luther House, UNM-CNM)

St. Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho (Rachel Miletkov) For nearly 30 years, the pantry has provided a safety net for people struggling to support their families in times of crisis in Rio Rancho, Sandoval County and other nearby communities in New Mexico, providing food, education, and referral services free of charge. The need for these services has grown in relation to the COVID-19 crisis. St. Felix is the only food pantry in Sandoval County that allows vital weekly access for its guests. Donate Time, Food, Money to St. Felix Pantry.

M.T.O. Shahmagshooudi School of Islamic Sufism-Albuquerque (Maziar Saleh Ziabar) This Albuquerque school, which has been here in the Duke City for 32 years, is part of a global non-profit charitable organization. Because of Sufism’s emphasis on the teacher-student relationship, the heart of moral training in Sufism is education. Equally important is the value of charity, and Sufi teaching also emphasizes material provision for the needy. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Albuquerque school launched a campaign to support front-line workers and local vulnerable populations. Free Instagram Live Tamarkoz® meditation sessions are offered multiple times a day live with recorded sessions available to help with the mental health response to COVID; Support the School’s Charitable Activities.

Prayer: Rev. Bethany Meier, First Christian Church of Las Cruces

Think Like a Bee (Anita Amstutz): A grassroots organization that, well, quite frankly, tries to think like a bee. What do bees need to stay healthy? What can we do to support their hard work as pollinators? How can we learn from their highly collaborative social structures in the hive? How can we work together with other pollinator protection groups, beekeeper associations, faith communities, neighborhood and civic organizations, and agriculture for healthy pollinator practices, habitat and a sustainable food system for the future? Donate to Think Like a Bee.

Closing Prayer Rabbi Rob Lennick, Jewish Federation of New Mexico A Prayer for Our Children

World Food Day Chant, Keri Sutter and David Poole

Other Donation Opportunities: Surgite: A Sacred Dance Company, Roadrunner Food Bank (Central & Southern New Mexico), The Food Depot (Santa Fe & Northern New Mexico), ECHO Food Bank (Farmington/Four Corners), The Community Pantry (Gallup), Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico (Clovis)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are many positive indicators for getting your flu vaccine, and this year it is especially important. 

UNM’s Benefits & Employee Wellness encourages all employees, their spouses/domestic partners, dependent children 6 months and up and students to take advantage of no cost flu shots available in our community. 

• Drive-thru Clinics will be offered by UNM Hospital, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, throughout Albuquerque. View the Flu Shot Schedule for details.
• The Main Event UNM Walk-up Clinics will be offered Tuesday, Oct. 20 and Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the SUB Ballrooms. View the event details. 
• Learn more about other options for faculty, staff and students at our 2020 Flu Shot webpage. 

Make sure to discuss with your doctor before proceeding, to ensure that your health status warrants taking the flu vaccine.

Be sure to follow COVID-19 safety measures when attending a flu shot clinic:

• Wear a mask
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt 

Remember to show your medical plan ID card to receive your vaccine this season at the various UNM community flu shot clinics or your prescription drug benefit ID card at participating pharmacies in the Albuquerque area.

Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related hospitalizations each year. During 2018-2019, 49% of the U.S. population chose to get a flu vaccine, and the CDC estimates they prevented a projected 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 58,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 3,500 flu deaths. 

The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent and flu shots protect you, your family, your co-workers and your community! Protect the Pack. Get your get a flu shot today.

Thank you,

UNM Human Resources
(505) 277-6947 | [email protected] | hr.unm.edu

The New Mexico State Library and Albuquerque Bernalillo County (ABC) Public Libraries provide free access to online platforms offering state and local residents self-paced learning materials, test-preparation and graded practice tests for high school equivalency tests, college entrance and placement exams.

BrainFuse Help Now is made available through New Mexico State Libraries via El Portal

Elementary – adult learning, test preparation and practice tests, online tutoring, writing lab

Learning materials and graded practice tests:

• HiSET, GED
• ACT, SAT/PSAT
• TOEFL & iBT, TOEIC
• AP & CLEP
• ASVAB, TEAS & HESI, more

Self-paced Tutorials:

• Math, Science, English Language and Literature (ELL) Skills – all levels
• Technology/Computer skills – MS Office +
• Research, critical reading and critical thinking skills
• Essay writing tutorials

Live Online Help:

• Tutoring – all levels, multiple subjects
• Writing lab – submit a paper for review

Learning Express is made available through Albuquerque Bernalillo County Libraries

High school and adult learning, test-preparation and practice tests, career information

Test Preparation

• HiSET, GED in English and Spanish
• ACT, SAT/PSAT, essay writing and practice tests
• TOEFL & IELTS, reading and writing and listening skills

High School and College Academic Skills

• English, math, science, social sciences, logic & reasoning
• Technology skills

Career and Job Skills

• TOEIC and Work Keys
• Occupational entrance exams – health, public safety, military, more
• Occupational information, job search and career success skill

Free to New Mexico Libraries to use, adapt and share

Learning Platform Access and Use

• Click on the icon for the Learning Platform of your choice
• Register for an account and record your username and password
• Browse centers for relevant content
• Use tutorials, take practice tests and review your results
• Your progress is tracked in your account

Technical Help for learning platform access can be located on screen at each site.

Student Test-Preparation Success Tips

• Start early.
• Identify which tests you must take and scores you must achieve to reach your goals.
• Find free test preparation materials at your state or local library.
• Register for an account and review the materials available.
• Take the practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Record your first practice test results in the area below.
• Devise a strategy to improve your results – and set priorities.
• Break goals down into chunks and schedule time in your planner.
• Actively study and practice solving problems regularly.
• Take the practice tests, review your results and work on strengthening weak areas.
• Learn and practice ways to manage test anxiety.
• Learn from mistakes, stay positive, focus on your goal, and ask for help if you need it!

Tests to take	Target Score	Testing Date	Date to start studying	Weeks to prepare

Record test results below, consider strengths and weaknesses, and set your study priorities.

On a separate sheet, list study priorities for each week, and dates you will retake practice tests. Keep track of your practice test scores and adjust your priorities as you progress.

Practice test, by subject area	1st Score	My Study priorities	Most recent practice results

1. Where are our clinics?

• Elementary schools: East San Jose
• Middle schools: Van Buren and Washington
• High schools: Albuquerque, Highland and Manzano

2. For which students can we provide services?

We serve ALL Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) students, including APS charter students regardless of insurance or immigration status.

• APS elementary school students can receive medical and behavioral health care at East San Jose (and immunizations at the middle school sites; see #7 below).
• APS middle school students can be seen for medical and behavioral health care at Washington and Van Buren.
• APS high school students can be seen for medical and behavioral health care at Albuquerque, Highland, and Manzano.

3. What services do we provide?

• Behavioral health services including emotional wellness screening and counseling, therapy, psychiatry, substance use counseling, and appropriate referrals when needed.
• Medical care including EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment) exams and other wellness exams, immunizations, sports physicals, reproductive and sexual health services, injury, and illness care (NOT COVID-19 related, see #5 below); asthma and obesity care and care coordination.
• Case Management for students receiving medical and/or BH services at SBHC.

4. Who provides services?

Licensed masters-level therapists, child, and adolescent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, pediatricians, case managers/social workers.

5. What services do we not provide?

We do NOT provide COVID-19 testing or treatment. We will also not be doing any procedures that produce aerosols, such as nebulizer treatments for acute asthma exacerbations or peak flow measurement. Students needing testing and possible treatment for COVID-19 will be referred to their community primary care providers or the school nurse as appropriate.

6. What immunizations can we provide?

We can provide all school required immunizations except for varicella (because that one requires a freezer).

7. Which SBHC sites provide immunizations?

Our middle school and high school SBHC sites provide immunizations. Please see contact phone numbers below to schedule appointments for immunizations. Elementary students needing immunizations can be seen at our middle school SBHCs.

8. Are our clinics physically open, even if learning is done remotely?

Yes, students can access our services via telemedicine and on-site at our SBHCs. We suggest that students (or parents as appropriate) call us to obtain an appointment for the best and safest service. See contact numbers, #10, below.

9. Are our services COVID-19 safe?

Yes, we provide health services in strict accordance with the New Mexico Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNM best practices for safety during COVID-19 activity.

10. How do you schedule an appointment?

Our clinics can be reached through the following phone numbers to schedule appointments for all offered services. Psychiatry services can be scheduled at select sites after patients are seen by SBHC primary care provider or therapist. Patients will be seen regardless of ability to pay.

• East San Jose ES, 505-244-0334
• Van Buren MS, 505-256-2555
• Washington MS, 505-248-1116
• Albuquerque HS , 505-244-1330
• Highland HS, 505-256-3363
• Manzano HS, 505-253-0012

11. What dental services are offered through UNM’s school-based dental clinics this Fall and how are those services accessed?

Dental services offered at East San Jose Elementary School, Van Buren Middle School, and Highland High School include preventive dental treatment (i.e., cleanings, fluoride, and sealants) for all students with informed consent signed. Fillings and crowns can be offered at the UNM Dental clinic. Students are not charged for services, but insurance providers will be billed if the student has insurance. Please call the numbers listed in #10 above to schedule.

Who do you contact if you have other questions?

Priscilla Juarez, UNM SBHC Program Office Supervisor, at 505-272-5132.