Los Alamos County Health Council Meeting

The Los Alamos County Health Council met on October 6, 2026. The meeting featured presentations on regional emergency preparedness and domestic violence services, a discussion on council membership size, and updates on county health initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the August 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were submitted on non-agenda items. Several guests introduced themselves, including representatives from the Northeast Region ADRC, NMDOH, Esperanza Shelter, and the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils.

Discussion Items

• Emergency Preparedness Tabletop Exercise: Councilor Cecile Hemez reported on a collaborative exercise held on August 20, 2026, at Santo Domingo Pueblo, involving approximately 70 participants from several tribal nations. The exercise addressed concurrent wildfire, smoke, and extreme heat emergencies. Hemez stated participants found the exercise highly useful for identifying community strengths (traditional practices, community ties) and gaps (lack of local air quality monitors, notification systems). An air quality monitor was provided immediately to address one identified gap. Council Chair Hampton linked this work to potential local climate and health initiatives.
• Domestic Violence Awareness Presentation: Jan McCray, CEO of Esperanza Shelter, and Ranal Showden, VP of Operations, delivered a comprehensive presentation on domestic violence. Statistics presented included: 1 in 3 New Mexicans experience domestic violence, with rates rising to 1 in 2 for Native Americans; 75% of domestic violence homicides occur during separation; and family annihilation has increased by 90%. The presenters reported that in Los Alamos, there were 35 reported domestic violence incidents last fiscal year and 36 already this year, with significant underreporting acknowledged. McCray emphasized the shelter does not take action without survivor consent. A councilor expressed concern about local law enforcement response and victim-blaming. The council directed staff to draft a proposal recommending domestic violence training for county departments.
• Health Council Membership Reduction Proposal: Staff proposed reducing the Health Council's authorized membership from 15 to 11 members and standardizing appointment terms. Councilors expressed a need for more time to review the proposal and consider the upcoming November ballot amendments related to board composition. A motion to table the discussion and potential vote was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved unanimously.
• Emergency Preparedness: A full report on the tabletop exercise is expected. Climate and emergency preparedness will be considered for the 2027 work plan.
• Domestic Violence Services: The council directed staff to draft a proposal for domestic violence training for county departments and law enforcement.
• Board Structure: The proposal to reduce council membership and standardize terms was tabled to the November 2026 meeting by a unanimous vote.
• Council Updates: The council acknowledged its annual report, noting 5 of 18 comprehensive health plan action items completed and 8 in progress. Upcoming ballot amendments regarding board term limits and partisan composition requirements were reviewed.