Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. identify 3 immunization improvement interventions in NM
2. understand the high-level partnerships contributing to improving rates in NM
3. describe the mini-grant project



Background:
For many years, New Mexico ranked last or next to last in the nation for age appropriate, on-time immunization for children by age two—until 2003. Since 2003, our rates have climbed from a low of 62% to most recently, 83.5%, and our ranking has improved from 49th to 15th. In December 2002, New Mexico's Department of Health Immunization Program initiated a statewide coalition to devise strategies to address the problem of poor immunization coverage; and, for the past three years, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition (NMIC) has been working diligently to raise awareness, devise interventions, improve systems and change policies.


Setting:
New Mexico is a poor, rural state with many barriers to adequate health care, including immunizations. However there is strong leadership support from the Governor, the First Lady, the Department of Health and the University Health Sciences Center to make immunization improvement a priority.


Population:
The NMIC serves the entire state of New Mexico, focussing primarily on children's immunizations.


Project Description:
The NMIC carries out its work through 5 subcommittees: public education; provider education; policy; local coalitions; and special events. Some of the special projects of the NMIC include providing mini-grants to local coalitions; coordinating a statewide “Shots for Tots to Teens” day; supporting legislation; hosting speakers; organizing a provider awards dinner; assisting in the rollout of the statewide immunization information system.


Results/Lessons Learned:
New Mexico has aggressively addressed our poor immunization rates with a variety of innovative and targeted interventions coordinated through our statewide Coalition. Success has been rapid and shows the potential for change when resources and concentrated attention are paid to a problem in a sustained way.