UpLift Chronicles Vol 2 Issue 4 ID Edition

APRIL IS ALL ABOUT WELLNESS STACKING

CHIPS? GETTING FIT? UPLIFT CAN HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES

April is when springtime in New Mexico really blossoms, especially since we just had us a “false spring” in March and experienced a lot of snow, hail, and rain. As we slough off the winter weather, we can awaken to self-care, which means maintaining our health–whether physical, mental, or financial. April is:

■ Financial Literacy Month

■ National Minority Health Month

■ National Fair Housing Month

Our newspaper is your newspaper. The entire last Chronicles issue covered the housing crisis and possible legislation to help. Most housing bills stalled or were shot down. It’s the 55th anniversary of the landmark Fair Housing Act and we are not done agitating for fair housing laws.

Brandi Stone, director of UNM’s African American Student Services, states that it’s important for

her students to become financially-literate, “because as our students pursue higher education degrees, they have an opportunity to create a new narrative for their family, including the opportunity to build wealth.”

Aja Brooks in the US Attorney’s Office shared how she’s paying attention to National Minority Health Month, “because, unfortunately, racism is embedded within many systems, including our healthcare system. Our communities must be extra vigilant in order to protect ourselves both physically and mentally from the health disparities that we face on a daily basis.” The theme of this year’s NMHM is “Better Health Through Better Understanding.”

Whether you’re interested in stacking chips or getting physically fit, take a look at the articles in this issue to provide some guidance and resources and give us a holla.

YOU CAN ALWAYS BANK ON BURQUE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE OFFERS SAFE BANKING AND FINANCIAL TIPS

April is Financial Literacy Month and we met with Jordan Gutierrez of BankOn Burque, which is part of a nationwide initiative making it easy and affordable to get a bank account. Gutierrez works to get unbanked and underbanked Burqueños access to safe banking and helpful financial education resources. Gutierrez was born and raised in Albuquerque and says public service is his true vocation; helping families keeps a smile on his face. Here are some insights he shared with us:

■ Being unbanked or underbanked means it’s harder to be financially stable, establish credit, and increase your savings

■ Unbanked consumers are 6x more likely to use expensive checkcashing services

■ BankOn actively focuses on minority populations and lower income families most affected by language barriers, lack of information, or poor prior banking experiences

■ BankOn’s certified accounts don’t have overdraft fees, low balance fees, or inactivity fees

■ BankOn partners with the City of Albuquerque’s Policy Office, financial institutions, and community organizations like Prosperity Works and YDI

■ New Mexico is ranked 49/51 for unbanked households, which means over 90,000 homes Questions? Call Jordan Gutierrez at 505.768.3726 or email jordangutierrez@cabq.gov or put your camera on the QR code.

Jordan Gutierrez

Financial Literacy Mo.

Nat. Minority Health Mo.

Fair Housing Month

Housing Crisis article

BLESSED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE

ABQ BLESS FUND HELPS BUILD FINANCIAL SAFETY NETS

the pandemic, the fund started with a GoFundMe to help businesspeople struggling with bills. Soon a grant allowed the BLESS Fund to offer financial literacy programs: managing books, generating savings, assessing income streams, and weighing tax approaches.

people from the richest continent on the planet, there’s no reason for us to live lives of austerity, to give up on our dreams. If we’re there for each other, if we bring our resources together, we can do amazing things.”

In his free time, Jay Wilson likes to skydive. “I put the parachute on and I jump out of a perfectly good plane,” he laughs.

Since 2021, however, Wilson has been building a safety net through the Albuquerque BLESS Fund. BLESS stands for Black Economic Security & Solidarity and it’s part of the Chisholm Table cohort of organizations focused on capacity-building. At the height of

The BLESS Fund also gives grants to Black-owned businesses, with recent awardees including a Black skincare line, an apothecary, and an auto-repair shop.

Each April, to commemorate the historic 1968 Fair Housing Bill, the fund offers an online educational series with information about credit, buying a house, and housing protections. The aim is to be “equipping folks to make sure they can have their shot at the American Dream.”

This June, BLESS rolls out the Sky High Achievement Award, offering thirty $1000 scholarships–and indoor skydiving experiences. “We wanted to do something to give the kids a new opportunity,” says Wilson. For Financial Literacy Month, Wilson adds, “Finances are critical. As

DON’T BOGART THE WEED WILL MEDICAL CANNABIS BE

April 1 was the anniversary of recreational cannabis legalization in New Mexico. February’s recreational cannabis sales in New Mexico totaled over $268 million. Across the state, many are celebrating 420, code for marijuana.

This new availability of cannabis raises concern about the negative impact on New Mexico’s medical marijuana program, which launched in 2007. According to an article in the Albuquerque Journal, some industry leaders are predicting the demise of the medical cannabis program. They point to the decline of medical cannabis enrollment and sales over the past year. Others say this is a correction, not a death knell.

Total medical cannabis sales are roughly $171 million, just under 40% of total cannabis sales in New Mexico. Comparing that to February sales of $14 million, or 34% of total February cannabis sales, it appears the medical cannabis market share is shrinking.

If you have a medical marijuana card, don’t let it go just because recreational cannabis is legal. There are many benefits to having a card, such

as not paying NM Gross Receipts Tax, different age restrictions, guaranteed supply, and additional legal protections.

The New Mexico State Legislature just passed Senate Bill 242, which would streamline the enrollment process, saving patients and medical providers time and money. Sponsored by Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino, the bill’s expected to be signed into law and go in effect June 16.

BETTER HEALTH THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING

APRIL IS NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH

Booker Taliaferro Washington, a renowned civil rights leader and educator, inaugurated National Health Improvement Week in 1915 shortly before his death at age 59. The eight-day week awareness event was later celebrated annually around April 5th (Washington’s birthday) and renamed National Negro Health Week. Washington quoted, “Without health, and until we reduce the high death rate, it will be impossible for us to have permanent success in business, in property getting, in acquiring education, or to show evidence of progress.” The United States Health and Human Services Department adopted Washington’s principles and renamed the observance National Minority Health Week in 1989 and in 2002 expanded it to a month.

WHAT THE DOCTORS ARE SAYING?

Progress, Mr. Washington? 107 years later have we reduced disparities and health outcomes for minority populations? We checked in with Tracie Collins, MD, Dean and Professor, University of New Mexico School of Population Health and Duane Ross, MD, New Mexico Black Leadership Council Physical Health Committee Chair and retired Medical Director, True Health New Mexico to ask.

Tracie Collins, MD

“Although I think the concept is amazing, I’m not aware that National Minority Health Month has had a major impact in New Mexico. [In defining the issue,] when you talk about diabetes, hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks, you have to look at what is driving poor health outcomes—you have to take a multipronged approach. When you start looking at neighborhoods and grocery stores, where are the opportunities for people in communities to go take a walk? Do they have affordable nutrient-dense foods or adequate employment to buy a home? It’s not just about choices concerning physical activity and what you eat, it’s about having the opportunity to live a comfortable life so you can fully engage in the health journey. As physicians, researchers, and educators, we have to be in the trenches. In order to make an impact on inequities and disparities and health outcomes, minority health has to be a daily goal.”

2023 THEME AND BEYOND

“Better Health Through Better Understanding” is the 2023 National Minority Health Month theme. We hope educators, healthcare providers, philanthropists, and the entire community will remember Mr. Washington’s prophetic words and will understand and adopt the words of our experts. For more information scan the QR code.

Duane Ross,

“I think the historical context to Booker T. Washington is great—that resonates with a lot of people. I think we can use this month to focus on consolidating a lot of things—like prostate cancer screenings for Black men. Years ago, the New Mexico Department of Health originated the idea of consolidating national children’s immunization schedules and increased compliance. For instance, diabetes screenings could all be done in one day. If we have awareness events and screenings this month, it may not be 100% participation, but it will definitely help improve health outcomes. In terms of addressing health inequities and disparities, incorporating consistent processes in our healthcare systems has proven effective in reducing bias. But we also have to be looking at things like livable wages, better education, and transportation improvements—we have to take a multipronged approach. We can’t be looking at improving health by just approaching health.”

“Without health, and until we reduce the high death rate, it will be impossible for us to have permanent success in business, in property getting, in acquiring education, or to show evidence of progress.”

— Booker T. Washington

MD

A GATEWAY TO BETTER HEALTH

LONG-AWAITED FACILITY IN THE ID OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE UNHOUSED

Phase One of services at City of Albuquerque’s Gateway Center—the former Lovelace Hospital at Gibson near San Mateo—will commence on April 21. Fifty 24-hour beds for women experiencing homelessness will become available. A fully-staffed “engagement center” will also open, with six offices providing rotating housing services.

Gateway administrator Cristina Pajarón explains, “Everything we do leads to housing.” A UNM study found their approach is a good investment: For every $1 invested in housing, the city recoups $1.78.

The Gateway Center will be trauma-informed and low-barrier, meaning its entry requirements are minimal. Pajarón says, “People who lived on the streets have had traumatic experiences.” Gateway staff will be trained in Narcan use, CPR, and cultural humility. Visitors and pets will be allowed, and no one will be turned away for inebriation. “You can’t use substances in the shelter, but we recognize that individuals have needs, and they’re often self-medicating for trauma.”

Also opening is a receiving area for first responders, providing a 24/7 place to bring people needing shelter. Currently, many get taken to the emergency room, which is costly.

The Gateway Center is fulfilling its “Good Neighbor Agreement” with safety improvements such as a HAWK traffic light, repairs to pedestrian bridges and lighting, and to Gibson itself. An education building is available to local organizations, and the center is expected to bring in 400 new professional jobs. “We want to have open doors here, and really ensure that we’re bringing benefits into this community.”

DIGITAL INCLUSION: A THREE-LEGGED STOOL

I remember being ecstatic to learn you could get a phone that could travel with you. My first one was the size of a large brick. I felt elite because not very many people owned these exclusive, expensive mobile bricks. Today, it’s really no big deal to have a cell phone—a smartphone—a computer in your hand. 85% of Americans have some access to a smartphone that will connect at least via Wi-Fi to the internet. Smartphone technology is amazing, but it’s not a complete solution for getting people connected in 2023.

Cathryn McGill, Founder/Director

If you are closing the huge gaps that exist in the digital world, you have access to the internet at home, you have an appropriate device (more than just a smartphone), and you know your way around a computer (aka digital inclusion). Digital inclusion is a three-legged stool and you have to have each one of the legs to be fully connected. If your stool is a bit wobbly, we’re here to help.

In March 2023, the Federal Communications Commission awarded $60 million for the Affordable Connectivity Program outreach and education initiative. NMBLC is proud to be a recipient of one of the grants. With this award, we will work to get income eligible New Mexicans connected with appropriate devices at home. Beyond the access and the device, we will also get all of us up to speed on the computer skills you’ll need to live well in this brave, new world. Stay tuned for more information…

Gateway Center

Albuquerque Journal article

THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST

EASTERN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER WANTS TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE ID’S CHILDREN

We sent some queries to Eastern Child Development Center (ECDC) Director Rachelle Card, who seems to have boundless energy though she’s also ceaselessly busy. Here’s what we learned about our childcare-lovin’ neighbors in the ID:

■ ECDC is part of the TLC Development Centers intentionally located in low-income areas; their mission is to provide high-quality early education to families in typically underserved communities

■ They require all their teachers to have—or be pursuing—an Early Childhood Multicultural Education Degree

■ Director Rachelle Card worked at various TLC locations before the directorship at Eastern in 2016; TLC supports her educational goal of a doctoral degree

■ Their curriculum uses New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines modified to ensure the success of every single child; they’ll soon

implement a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-endorsed and research-based curriculum

■ Most families are single-parent homes and there’s not a lot of support out there with housing for one-income homes with children

■ 99% of ECDC’s child enrollment is always state-funded

■ Families in the ID right now are wondering how to make ends meet between rent increases, rising grocery prices, and gas station spikes

■ Historically, society has viewed daycare as “babysitting,” which is not the case; ECDC helps their children develop a love of learning that can ensure their academic success through grade school and far beyond

EASTERN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 5100 Eastern Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 505.232.2883

FREE TO US, BUT NEVER FREE COVID-19’S

VACCINE WILL EVENTUALLY BE COMMERCIALIZED

Since the COVID-19 vaccine hit the streets, it’s been free to us. That’s because the vaccine was funded by the federal government. But that won’t last forever. The Biden Administration announced that the public health emergency is ending in May, and the COVID-19 vaccine will move to the private marketplace. Our contact at the New Mexico Department of Health says that the commercialization of the COVID-19 vaccine could happen in the fall.

Commercialization means that the COVID-19 vaccine will be handled by insurance companies, just like the flu shot. We’ll have to either get our COVID-19 shot covered through our health insurance plan, or pay for it ourselves. The out-of-pocket cost could be over a hundred dollars per dose. For those without prescription coverage, that pretty much translates to “I won’t be getting the vaccine.”

According to an article in Politico , the government is working on a plan to

stockpile vaccines for the most vulnerable; that is, people without insurance. A separate federal program would provide free vaccinations for uninsured kids. Adults, however, will feel the effects of the COVID vaccine commercialization. When or how this will happen is still unknown. No specifics have been announced, and Congress is done funding the pandemic response. COVID-19 isn’t going away. Health experts expect it to become endemic. That means it’s still around, but easier to control and treat, and kept in check with yearly booster shots. Keeping COVID-19 vaccines affordable to everyone, though, is critical to our public health.

NMBLC vaccine info Politico article

A LEGACY OF STRENGTH & PERSEVERANCE

THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE IN NORTH AMERICA RETURNS IN LATE APRIL

The annual Gathering of Nations, the biggest celebration of Native culture, song, and dance in North America, returns April 27–29. More than 700 tribes from the US, Canada, and Mexico will converge on Tingley Stadium at Expo NM. The in-person celebration was of course moved online in 2020 and 2021, especially with COVID-19 disproportionately affecting Indian Country. But the big show came roaring back last year with nearly 3,000 dancers, singers, and paraders participating.

With a loyal cadre of organizers, volunteers, friends, and family, the Gathering began unofficially in 1983 at the University of Albuquerque (now St. Pius X Catholic High School). It moved to the fairgrounds the next year but quickly outgrew the venue and spent the next 30 years at The Pit at UNM. When Expo NM expanded, including the spacious Stage 49, the world-famous party moved and included the Indian Traders Market, the food court, and the Teepee Village. Stage 49 will showcase traditional and contemporary Native music including artists who perform in rock, blues, reggae, hip hop, and country genres. This year’s packed lineup includes Common Kings, Native Roots, Nth Power, Shira Elias, and Mariachi Amigos.

The renowned Miss Indian World Pageant runs alongside the Gathering and has grown to become the largest and most prestigious cultural pageant for young indigenous women, age 18 to 25. The winners for years have served as cultural ambassadors committed to positive imaging and displaying “a profound knowledge of their tribe’s traditions, history, ancestors, and culture.”

Tashina Red Hawk has held the pageant title since last year. Her name means “Honors the Day Woman” and her lineage goes back to many “chiefs and women warriors” who left her a “legacy of strength and perseverance.” During her tenure, Tashina used her station to promote “cultural preservation, identity, and education.”

The Gathering specifically appeals to young people interested in learning more about their tribal traditions and the pow wow way, yet everyone is welcome to celebrate the monumental event, dubbed “the Mecca of Indian Country.” You can get your tickets to this cherished event using this QR:

This article was sourced from the official Gathering of Nations website, City of Albuquerque Gathering of Nations webpage, the Visit Albuquerque city page, Albuquerque Journal, Los Alamos Daily Post, and RodeoNews.com.

Roberto E. Rosales

Albuquerque Journal

Marla BroseAlbuquerque Journal

Zoey Harley

Kimberly Wallwork-HeinemanLos Alamos Daily Post

ROUNDHOUSE ROUNDUP REVISITED HOW NEW MEXICO HOUSING LEGISLATION FARED

The New Mexico legislative session closed March 18. Many bills addressing housing are stuck in committees. In Albuquerque, a bill to protect renters from a lack of information and excessive fees failed in the City Council. Here’s the Status of housing bills as of print time.

BILLS ADDRESSING THE UNHOUSED

HB 389 NO ID CARD FEE FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS

Sponsor: Rep. Raymundo Lara, D-Doña Ana

Gist: Remove fee for ID cards for those 75 years of age or unhoused.

Status: Passed

SB 139 SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

Sponsors: Sen. Nancy Rodriguez, D-Santa Fe

Gist: Appropriate $20,000,000 to provide unhoused persons with substance abuse treatment, behavioral health services, and housing.

Status: Passed

BILLS ADDRESSING RENT

HB 6 HOUSING AND RENT CHANGES

Sponsors: Rep. Angelica Rubio, D-Doña Ana; Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe; Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Bernalillo

Status: House Calendar AND

SB 411 HOUSING AND RENT CHANGES

Sponsor: Sen. Leo Jaramillo, D-Los Alamos

Gist: Increase time for renters to make up rent; prohibit owners from terminating a lease during a declared emergency.

Status: Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 99 RENT CONTROL PROHIBITIONS

Sponsors: Sen. Linda M. Lopez, D-Bernalillo; Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Bernalillo; Rep. Angelica Rubio, D-Doña Ana

Gist: Repeal the prohibition of rent control.

Status: Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee

SB 375 RENT INCREASES & AIR-CONDITIONING

Sponsor: Sen. Brenda G. McKenna, D-Bernalillo & Sandoval

Gist: Limit the amount of rent increase in twelve months; require landlords to maintain A/C; prohibit landlords from forcing out residents by interfering with the cooling system.

Status: Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee

BILLS ADDRESSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SB 140 NM HOUSING TRUST FUND

Sponsors: Sen. Nancy Rodriguez, D-Santa Fe; Rep. Cynthia Borrego, D-Bernalillo

Gist: Appropriate $48,000,000 to the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund.

Status: Senate Finance Committee

HB 414 CREATE HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Sponsors: Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Bernalillo; Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe; Rep. Pamelya Herndon, D-Bernalillo; Rep. Angelica Rubio, D-Doña Ana; Rep. Meredith A. Dixon, D-Bernalillo

Gist: Create a Housing Department.

Status: House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee

HB 425 ADDITIONAL HOUSING UNITS

Sponsors: Rep. Cynthia Borrego, D-Bernalillo; Rep. Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe

Gist: Allow additional units within a single-family zoning district.

Status: House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee

SB 333 MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSING AND ZONING

Sponsors: Sen. Antonio Maestas, D-Bernalillo

Gist: Provide additional accommodations for multigenerational housing.

Status: Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 495 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT OVERSIGHT

Sponsor: Sen. Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales, D-Los Alamos Gist: Appropriate $250,000 for oversight duties related to the Affordable Housing Act.

Status: Senate Finance Committee

BILLS ADDRESSING ALBUQUERQUE HOUSING

O-22-59 RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PERMIT ORDINANCE

Sponsor: Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn

Gist: Create a permitting system for residential properties and gather rental market data.

Status: In Committee

O-22-60 RESIDENTIAL TENANT PROTECTION ORDINANCE

Sponsor: Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn

Gist: Prevent unfair and deceptive rental practices and protect tenants and applicants from excessive and unreasonable fees.

Status: Failed, 4-5, For: Isaac Benton, Pat Davis, Tammy Fiebelkorn, Klarissa J. Peña. Against: Brook Bassan, Renee Grout, Trudy Jones, Dan Lewis.

Santa Fe Reporter article: “When Landlords Make the Laws”