The Catron County Health Advisory Council (CCHAC) was initiated in 1991 by the County Manager, primarily to recruit and retain primary health care providers to the area and to integrate public health and primary care services. From its inception, however, it has been active in assessment and planning for health care in the county as well as serving as an oversight committee for the Catron County Medical Center run by Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS). In 2001 PMS decided to appoint a regional guidance council and no longer use the CCHAC as its local oversight council. This coincided with the Council’s decision to expand its role and to apply for funding through the Improving Health Initiative. In early 2002 the Council revised its Bylaws to become a comprehensive community health council, changed its name to the Catron County Health Council (CCHC), and gave up direct oversight of the Medical Center. The Council was endorsed in 2002 by the Catron County Commission as the Comprehensive Community Health Council for Catron County. The Council is composed of volunteer members from the entire county, representing various communities and geographic areas, various agencies, programs and interests. In addition to community members, there are members from PMS, the US Forest Service, Emergency Medical Services, senior citizens, local business, the Reserve Area Schools, and the Village of Reserve. Based on the new role of the Council, new Bylaws, a revised mission, vision and purpose were developed. The Council currently has four focus areas—Eldercare, Maternal and Child Health, Communications, and Substance Abuse. Two community action teams have been established in the county under the direction of the Council—the Wellness and Health Access Team and the Substance Abuse Community Action Team. The Catron County Commission acts as the fiscal agent for the Health Council and receives regular reports and recommendations. In 2003 the Commission enlarged the mission of the Council to include the Community Maternal and Child Health Council roles and activities. Through the Improving Health Initiative, the Council has a full time coordinator/developer.

List of Catron County Health Council Accomplishments 2006

• Hired an Americorps Member.
• Established a website www.catroncountyhealthcouncil.com
• Held the 3rd annual Family Health Fair.
• Hosted the annual Forum.
• Collaborated to establish a SBHC in Quemado.
• Re-established a larger Health Council Office.
• Organized the Teen Health Council.
• Organized two Teen Health Fairs & a Career Day.
• Successfully distributed the newsletter “To Your Health”.
• Began the Meth Program in Catron County.
• Hosted the 1st Halloween Street Carnival.
• Received funding for the expansion of the clinic facility.

Click here to see health council accomplishments in past years.