The primary functions of our program are to:

• Provide partial support for the placement of health professions students and residents performing clinical and community health experiences across the 17 southern counties in New Mexico.
  
  
• Provide school-based health career awareness programs for under-represented middle and high school students from around the state in an effort to increase the applicant pool for ethnic minorities, prepare them for a college education in a health profession, and ultimately place them in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs).
  
  
• Coordinate and co-sponsor continuing education and training programs across New Mexico to promote the retention of health professionals in the southern part of the state.
  
  
• Coordination and implementation of bilingual community health leadership trainings aimed at strengthening partnerships between health professionals and community groups and/or residents
  
  
• Providing environmental health and home safety education to families and communities throughout the New Mexico border region
  
  
• Plan and coordinate regional health conferences and workshops that offer continuing education opportunities for health professionals from around the SW region
  
  
• Development of a cadre of local bilingual trainers/peer educators around diabetes, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles