ECECD News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) presented on Friday its inaugural “Early Childhood Healthcare Champions of the Year” award to four New Mexico healthcare providers in recognition of their above-and-beyond efforts to promote participation in Home Visiting and Family Infant Toddler (FIT) early intervention programs within the communities they serve.
The first-ever recipients of the award were nominated by community members in recognition of their outstanding advocacy on behalf of home visiting and early intervention services, which support the health, development, and well-being of children and their families.
“Healthcare professionals are a vital link to services for families of young children. They are often the first point of knowledge and guidance regarding healthy development during pregnancy and early childhood,” ECECD Chief Health Officer Dr. Janis Gonzales said. “With this award, we are recognizing the tremendous impact that these healthcare professionals have on the health and well-being of children and families in their communities.”
As the state seeks to better align our early childhood system with the healthcare system, our Early Childhood Healthcare Champions serve as powerful examples for other healthcare professionals of how these systems work together to improve outcomes for New Mexico families.
2024 New Mexico Early Childhood Healthcare Champion of the Year Award Recipients:
- Kimberly Talachy, doula, in recognition of her service in Santa Fe and Española;
- Dr. Trista Hughes, FMOB, in recognition of her service in Socorro;
- Amber-Rose Hawkins, nurse practitioner, in recognition of her service in Silver City; and
- Siboney Rodriguez, social worker and lactation consultant, in recognition of her service in Albuquerque.
“ECECD encourages all New Mexico healthcare professionals to become strong advocates for early intervention and home visiting services,” Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said. “Sharing information about these free, voluntary programs can have a life-changing impact on the long-term health and well-being of families and children.”
Family Infant Toddler (FIT) and Home Visiting
FIT professionals support children birth to age three who have or are at risk of having developmental delays or disabilities by providing parents and caregivers with appropriate strategies and interventions to help children reach developmental milestones.
Home visiting professionals support families by providing information on well-child checks, developmental milestones, screenings, referrals, parenting advice, and help navigating other programs and services in their community. Home visiting is available to anyone who is pregnant or has a child under five, and families and households will be matched with a home visiting program that best fits what parents and caregivers need.
Learn more about referring to FIT and Home Visiting here: Early Childhood Education & Care Department (nmececd.org)
