Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell

September 11, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jane Batson, 624-7233 ENMU-ROSWELL AND ALTRUSA RECOGNIZE CALLAWAY AND SONS A recreational vehicle used to provide preventive health services to Chaves County women will be on the road once again, thanks to the generosity of a Roswell business. ENMU-Roswell and the Altrusa Club of Roswell recently recognized Doris Callaway of C and S Auto Tech for repairing the van at no cost. In fall 2011, the van services ceased due to significant problems with the vehicle’s engine. Through the strong support of Altrusa and donors like Mrs. Callaway, the mobile van services will again be offered on selected Saturdays each month. Callaway said she was happy to repair the vehicle to give the medical personnel and volunteers a safe ride as they provide valuable health services in the county. In 2004, a community collaborative that included REACH 2000, ENMU-Roswell, New Mexico Department of Health Breast and Cervical Program, local public health office nurse practitioners, local government leaders, Altrusa, and barrio neighborhood leaders, secured funding for a women’s health project that serves low-income women in Chaves County. With strong state legislative funding support in 2003 and 2004, the collaborative purchased a used mobile van and a fixed site clinic at 809 W. Alameda that was a former radiology clinic still fully equipped with x-ray equipment. The total amount of legislative funding received was $230,000. Educational programs sponsored by ENMU-Roswell and preventive women’s health services began in November 2004. Volunteer nurse practitioners, allied health personnel, and Altrusa volunteers comprised the staff that provided services in the mobile van. Through the La Puerta Abierta clinic and the van, women receive maternal child case management, as well as clinical breast exams and referrals to breast and cervical program and prenatal care providers in the county, regardless of ability to pay. Clients also receive services that link families with resources including the Community Pharmacy, Community Dental Clinic, social service agencies, Income Support Division, Chaves County Indigent Fund, car seat programs, and ESL/GED programs. A tobacco cessation program, including free nicotine replacement resources, is also available. Community prevention programs are offered in English and Spanish. For more information, contact Kari Hendra, ENMU-Roswell Student Health Services Nurse Practitioner, at 624-7106 or Jane Batson, ENMU-Roswell Interim Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, at 624-7233. ###