JASON MITCHELL, MD. Chief Medial and Clinical Transformation Officer for Presbyterian Healthcare Services (Albuquerque)
On the top challenge
"At Presbyterian, we believe addressing social determinants of health is key to removing some of the barriers to care for our patients and members. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study, New Mexico has the highest percentage of residents served by Medicaid programs.
In the near future, we expect one in every two New Mexicans to be served by Medicaid. According to a recent report based on data from the National Survey of Children's Health, New Mexico has the highest rate (18 percent) of children suffering from adverse childhood experiences. In addition, one in six residents struggle with hunger and the state is tied with Arkansas for the second-highest rate of food insecurity among children, according to Feeding America. As a mission-based organization, we are dedicated to serving our state and view any challenge as an opportunity to innovate and deliver."
On the hospital's response
"We are currently piloting a program we call the Food Pharmacy at one of our hospital campuses. A patient or member gets a prescription for healthy food and can then visit our Food Pharmacy to get their prescription filled. Also, through an innovative partnership with the USDA, we provide free meals for children in five of our hospitals. To date we have provided over 18,000 meals to children throughout our state. Lastly, Presbyterian and other partners were awarded a three-year, $2.9 million federal grant focused on active living, healthy eating and linking clinical providers with community members. As part of this work, we support a farmer's market on wheels that brings healthy food to our communities, along with nutrition education and cooking classes for kids."