Albuquerque Oasis announced today that it received a $20,100 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) through its Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® initiative. Albuquerque Oasis’ commitment to promote healthy aging aligns with the vision of BCBSNM’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant program to help improve the health of children and their families in local communities.
Albuquerque Oasis has worked hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue offering virtual educational programs to their participants. Social isolation is a key risk factor for older adults, and the pandemic exacerbated that risk. Albuquerque Oasis shifted to an online platform, offering lectures and evidence-based movement/exercise classes, along with helping elementary children with their reading skills through the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring program.
“We are proud to be able to continue offering programs to Albuquerque Oasis members during this unprecedented time in our history. BCBSNM’s funding has allowed us to provide virtual/online Matter of Balance workshops to adults who have fallen or who have a fear of falling,” says Kathleen Raskob, executive director of Albuquerque Oasis. “This grant also covers a new Albuquerque Oasis program — low-cost foot care services to the public this fall. As we age, it can become more difficult to reach your feet, and this is an essential service for many older adults to maintain foot health.”
“BCBSNM is committed to supporting the health and wellness of older adults,” said Dr. Wei-Ann Bay, chief medical officer, BCBSNM. “By working with Albuquerque Oasis, we can continue to assist in providing seniors with programs that help increase mobility, reduce the risk of injury and promote independence so older adults can maintain active and full lives.”
The BCBSNM grant allows Albuquerque Oasis to offer a foot care clinic to the public, promoting foot health and addressing balance and falls issues. A medical professional will be offering toenail trimming services in a warm, welcoming, and private setting at the Albuquerque Oasis center on select dates now through December 2021. Additionally, the grant makes it possible for Albuquerque Oasis to meet the demand for its evidence-based health classes, specifically Matter of Balance in a virtual setting.
Healthy Kids, Healthy Families is a signature program of BCBSNM. The initiative focuses on engaging children and their families in understanding the importance of nutritious food, raising the level of physical activity, better managing chronic conditions and promoting safe environments. Likewise, Albuquerque Oasis works to promote healthy aging in the older adult population.
More information about Albuquerque Oasis programming can be found by visiting www.oasisabq.org or calling 505-884-4529.