Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is a strong supporter of collaborations to address health care needs in New Mexico, and implemented the Barbara Richardson "Para Tu Salud" Care Van program in January 2006 to help improve health outcomes for all New Mexicans.
The Care Van initiative is designed as a community partnership program. BCBSNM provides the Care Van at no cost to support the outreach efforts of appropriate partnering organizations. BCBSNM staffs the Care Van with a full-time coordinator who oversees the schedule, drives the van to clinics and service sites, and provides basic logistical support. The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) Public Health Division is the primary partner with BCBSNM, and will use the Care Van to improve outreach to underserved rural communities throughout the state.
The Care Van is a 29-foot van that was converted into a mobile health vehicle with three distinct stations:
- Inner room with an examination table and sliding doors for privacy
- Portable dental chair
- Satellite for Internet access in rural communities
This multipurpose vehicle was designed for maximum versatility in providing basic health services:
- Childhood immunizations and flu shots
- Healthy child assessments
- Basic dental screenings and dental sealants
- Health education resources
- Basic checkups
The prime focus for the Care Van is immunizations. A mobile satellite will facilitate the recently announced New Mexico Immunization Registry. As immunizations are provided, data can be immediately entered into the system via the satellite, ensuring speedy and accurate record keeping that will actively support New Mexico's drive to increase immunization rates throughout the state. Other DOH services will include clinics, school-based health projects, obesity programs, health studies and many more.
Scheduling the Care Van
Who can schedule the Care Van? The DOH, BCBSNM accounts, BCBSNM provider groups, and nonprofit community groups can request the Care Van to provide community health education and outreach services. Priority for scheduling the Care Van is given to DOH. To check the calendar and request the Care Van for an event or project, please email us.
Suitable requests include basic medical/dental services, community health education, and children's health initiatives. The request will be evaluated in accordance with BCBSNM criteria and a response will be sent within 5 working days. BCBSNM cannot provide any direct medical services; therefore, potential partners will be responsible for making arrangements for any medical services.
Contact Us
Contact BCBSNM by phone at (505) 816-4105 or email us us for requests or more information about the Care Van program.
