Los Alamos County Health Council Meeting

Date: June 4, 2026 | Time: 12:08 PM (called to order) | Location: Hybrid – Municipal Building, Room 110 & Zoom

The Los Alamos County Health Council convened on June 4, 2026, with six members present (Councilors Richins, Strong, Muck, Phelps, White, and Hampton) and three absent (Councilors Jones, Riedel, and M Ibañez). The meeting featured a presentation on giftedness and neurodivergence, updates on council member activities, and reports from the Chair, Staff, and County Council Liaison. Key decisions included approval of the agenda and minutes, and a plan to launch a summer snack food drive.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cecile Hemez – identified as holding a Master in Public Health.
• Karen Brown – representing the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD).
• David Hampton – member of the public.
• Susan Williams – representing the First Born Program.
• Alison Watkins – representing the Los Alamos Family Council; described the Community Foundation’s grant-making process for health-related nonprofits (must be headquartered in Los Alamos and serve residents).

Presentations & Discussion Items

• Presentation by Mary Bloser – Teen & Parent Coach (Item 21684-26)

  • Mary Bloser, a former clinical social worker and parent of a twice-exceptional child, presented on giftedness and neurodivergence. She emphasized that giftedness is a form of neurodivergence, often accompanied by other conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia), and that gifted individuals are at risk for underachievement, mental health issues, and social isolation. She discussed the concept of overexcitabilities (psychomotor, sensual, intellectual, imaginational, emotional) and the importance of identification, parent support, and appropriate accommodations. She noted that testing can cost up to $3,000 and that many gifted youth are unidentified, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Discussion: Members commented on the overlap with neonatal abstinence syndrome, the need for equitable access to assessments, and the role of policy in funding testing and support. A new assessor, Erin McCarthy Shaw, was mentioned.

• Health Council Member Activities Update (Item 21686-26)

  • Barbara Phelps – reported attending the YMCA Gala, which raised substantial funds for the area. She also noted planning a field trip to the new Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Building.
  • Lisa Hampton (Chair) – reported on a Department of Public Utilities (DPU) presentation about a potential grant program for home energy upgrades (e.g., mini-splits, windows) that could be repaid via utility bills, which would benefit health by addressing social determinants.

Reports and Updates

• Chairman's Report (Item 21687-26) – Lisa Hampton

  • Discussed the DPU presentation on HVAC upgrades.
  • Mentioned the Alliance of Health Councils’ new statewide resource directory, ShareNM.org, which will be populated by organizations and includes events and initiatives.
  • Announced upcoming events: Social Services and Health Council will have a table at Pride Fest (June 12, 3–7 PM, Central Park Square).
  • Attended a Boards and Commissions Luncheon and a tour of the Santa Fe Food Depot warehouse.

• Staff Report (Item 21688-26) – Jessica Strong

  • Attended the National Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Court Conference in Albuquerque; New Mexico is a pilot state for AOT, with Judge Lidyard interested. Implementation challenges include transportation (e.g., travel to Santa Fe).
  • Attended the National Conference on Community Behavioral Health in Denver, focusing on the 988 crisis line and crisis response systems. Key takeaway: “no one-size-fits-all” – data-driven planning and stakeholder engagement are critical.
  • Proposed a summer snack food drive in response to library staff reports of continued food needs among children and teens. The drive would focus on 10 specific snack items (e.g., granola bars, fruit leathers, easy mac and cheese). The model follows a successful November 2025 drive that collected over 2,000 pounds of food. Members expressed interest; volunteers were sought.

• County Council Liaison Report (Item 21689-26) – Melanee Hand

  • Ordinance 755: Introduction of changes to standing boards and commissions to make it easier to retain members (e.g., less rigid term limits and political party requirements). Vote expected soon.
  • Workforce Housing: Approval of an MOU for a new housing development on County Parcel 8A (DP Road). The state granted $3 million for the project. A new website (via Dave Kruger) shows all county housing projects by phase.
  • Traffic Safety: Data from a seven-year period show one fatality per year, 1.4 pedestrian crashes per year (one-third the state rate), and bicycle crashes at 1.9 per year (higher than the state average of 0.9). Improvements include a new crosswalk at North Road and Urban/Permanent Urban Brian, and ADA improvements along Trinity Drive.
  • Inclusivity Board: Formation of a new inclusivity board (advisory before); seven members, recruitment to be announced.
  • Demolition: Three dilapidated buildings on county-owned land in White Rock (Long Drive) to be demolished.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Agenda – no changes.
• Approved Minutes – from the April 2, 2026 meeting (no corrections).
• Presentation: Information shared; handouts and links (including the G-word film and Erin McCarthy Shaw’s contact) to be distributed.
• Food Drive: Council agreed to proceed with a summer snack food drive; details to be circulated via email. Volunteers invited.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 6, 2026, at noon, hybrid format.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after approximately 90 minutes.