Workgroups
Workgroups are a key mechanism for accomplishing the New Mexico Cancer Council’s goals. Council members are encouraged to participate in at least one of the workgroups that address specific issues related to implementation of the New Mexico Cancer Plan. Membership in workgroups is open to NM Cancer Council members as well as the public. Current workgroups include:
Workgroups
Advocacy and Policy Workgroup
This workgroup identifies policy gaps that may inadvertently increase the cancer burden or increase the risk of cancer for New Mexicans, informs partners of state and federal legislative activities and advocacy opportunities related to cancer, and supports coalition-building efforts to address policy change. As a neutral, non-partisan workgroup of the New Mexico Cancer Council, the workgroup achieves its goals to reduce cancer risk factors and improve equitable access to screening, diagnosis, care, and treatment services for all New Mexicans by collecting and analyzing data and information; sharing information through webinars, policy briefs, and other materials; and providing opportunities for coalition-building across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Each year, the Workgroup will develop a workplan to identify specific policy priorities for the year.
For more information, contact
Angie Gomez Martelli at Angie.GomezMartelli@doh.nm.gov or Rob Grilley at rob.grilley@cancer.org.
Native American Workgroup
This workgroup guides the New Mexico Cancer Council on cancer-related issues affecting Native American communities and populations, and supports the New Mexico Cancer Plan’s goals to improve outcomes and services for cancer patients. Members work together to identify strengths and needs and increase awareness to reduce the burden of cancer through education, resource sharing, advocacy and improving patient care.
For more information, contact
Koby Blackwater at ktblackh20@gmail.com.
New Mexico Cancer Patient Navigation Network
The New Mexico Cancer Patient Navigation Network (NMCPNN) works collaboratively to further the goals of the New Mexico Cancer Plan and to align efforts with the American Cancer Society National Navigation Roundtable, Susan G. Komen, National Consortium of Breast Centers and the Oncology Nursing Society. The NMCPNN strives to provide clinical oncology nurse navigators, social work navigators and patient navigators with clear information regarding the Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice. This includes the knowledge and skills all professional navigators (regardless of licensing status, or a nurse, social worker or a patient navigator) should possess to deliver high-quality, competent and ethical services to people impacted by cancer. The NMCPNN is also a Local Navigator Network of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.
For more information on this workgroup, contact Elba L. Saavedra Ferrer at elsaave@salud.unm.edu or
Sandra E. Arellano at Sandra.Arellano@lovelace.com.
Rural Health Equity Workgroup
This workgroup is dedicated to reducing the cancer burden in rural and frontier communities across New Mexico. By promoting best practices and engaging directly with healthcare providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), hospitals and health plans, the workgroup ensures that critical resources and expertise reach the communities that need them most.
Through collaboration with community leaders, subject matter experts and rural voices, this workgroup strengthens partnerships that advance cancer-related priorities statewide. Its efforts focus on equity, access and innovation—ensuring that every community, regardless of geography, has the opportunity to benefit from high-quality cancer prevention, treatment and support services.
For more information, contact
Rachel Davis at rachel.davis@cancer.org.
Screening and Early Detection Workgroup
This workgroup aims to improve early diagnosis and access to care and treatment by promoting cancer screening for all eligible New Mexicans. We support the New Mexico Cancer Plan’s strategies to improve cancer screening rates through community outreach, provider education and partnerships with clinics, health systems and communities.
For more information, contact
Laura McGough at lauraj.mcgough@doh.nm.gov or Prajakta Adsul at padsul@salud.unm.edu.
Quality of Life Workgroup
(INACTIVE)
This workgroup aims to improve quality of life throughout the cancer trajectory by addressing the financial, emotional and physical stress associated with a cancer diagnosis. The Quality of Life workgroup has combined with the Albuquerque Cancer Coalition workgroup. The combined workgroup is currently on pause.
For more information, contact
Allison Hendricks-Smith at allison@pinkwarriorhouse.org.