By KRWG News
New Mexico – SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the state Health Department federal funds to help improve the delivery and impact of public health services.
The $300,000 award is made possible through the Prevention and Public Health Fund. The money will be distributed through the second year of a 5-year cooperative agreement program known as the National Public Health Improvement Initiative.
State health officials say the funding will go toward making fundamental changes and enhancements in health department organizations and their practices.
Health Secretary Dr. Catherine Torres says the idea is to implement initiatives that will help eliminate health disparities across New Mexico.
Achieving public health accreditation and establishing a performance management system for the state Health Department are among New Mexico's priorities.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG