Health Related Advocacy

Equality New Mexico will Work Toward LGBTQ Liberation until queer And trans New Mexicans are represented everywhere decisions are being made. We aim to be a trusted partner, and to uplift the voices and leadership of our community in creating a reality of equity, full access, and sustainable wellness for LGBTQ New Mexicans. Equality New Mexico Provides the Statewide Movement Building, Trans Community Advocacy, Political Advocacy + Leadership Development, Community Wellness + Quality of Life; & Financial Sustainability. Interested parties can additionally call this toll free line: Toll free: (1-855-542-8766).

Elevate the Spectrum empowers communities to elevate individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through inclusion, advocacy, and friendship. We also host educational, inclusive events and programs for New Mexico’s Autism Community. Events Page: https://elevatethespectrum.org/events/

The Advisory Council on Quality supports people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (ACQ). They advise the New Mexico Department of Health on the systems guiding the provision of services and supports that assist people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) of all ages and their families to be fully included in New Mexico communities. The purpose of the ACQ is to provide advisory counsel to the Department about the needs of people with IDD, their families and support networks.

The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, education, and support. They are a collaborative network that seeks to create awareness, assure inclusion, and promote independence in individuals with Down syndrome.

The mission of Lexiam Heart Foundation is to provide support to children and families affected by Congenital Heart Defects (CHD), with priority given to families residing in New Mexico, through financial assistance, community resources to support education and emotional wellness, and to raise public awareness of Congenital Heart Defects.

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) interdisciplinary traineeship develops trainees' expertise in understanding, working in partnership with, and advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The training includes seminars on Fridays and additional activities throughout two semesters and uses evidence-based materials, case studies, problem-based learning, experiential activities and project activities. The interactive seminars are provided in conjunction with a two-day orientation, leadership and public policy workshops, required readings, assignments, book and journal club, webinars, family visits, and a capstone project that embeds leadership and research skills. Trainees can expect to spend 300 hours participating in LEND seminars and completing assignments and activities. The traineeship includes a stipend (dependent on federal grant funding). LEND accepts graduate students, family members of individuals with disabilities, self-advocate leaders and practicing professionals from many disciplines.

IDA is the oldest such organization in the U.S. serving individuals with dyslexia, their families, and professionals in the field. IDA focuses resources in four essential areas, Information & Referral Services, Research, Advocacy & Public Policy, Professional Development. IDA as an information provider and a world-wide publisher. In addition, they fund research on neurological, educational and developmental issues as they relate to dyslexia. IDA advocate for the rights of individuals with dyslexia both through the legal and Federal legislative systems.

Provides objective and credible information, advocacy and research for diabetes. Website offers education, legal rights, health insurance, tips for caregivers, etc. Provides camps for children with Type I diabetes and with or at risk of developing Type II diabetes.

Provide support, resources, education, and advocacy for those who are impacted by low vision and visual impairment.

Promotes quality of life for people with ostomies and continent diversions through information, support, advocacy, and collaboration. Hosts a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States. 

Provides ongoing peer-to-peer support, education, and advocacy to heart patients and their families. Local chapter locator available on website.

Services Include:

• peer support and education
• education resources
• hospital outreach
• CHD awareness
• community health education
• online community
• advocacy

Pursuing recognition, policy and solutions for the surging population of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism and related disorders.

Services Include:

• Education to the public
• Platform for policy discourse and services
• Education for policy makers
• Promote research
• Promote awareness and acceptance

Provides support for individuals with genetic aortic and vascular conditions, including Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.