NM LEND FAST Project

July 8, 2020

Purpose

Engaging and leveraging the alumni network is a key priority area for the New Mexico Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (NM LEND) program. As a network, former trainees have the potential to positively impact systems of care through advocacy, research and service delivery to a far greater degree than working as individuals in this sparsely populated state. At this time, a small percentage of former trainees are invited to contribute to LEND seminar activities, including participating in panel discussions and presenting didactics. In addition, the NM Center for Development and Disability UCEDD has hired more than twenty former trainees to work in clinical services, conduct research and provide training and technical assistance. Despite these efforts, there is no formal process to create, engage and leverage the statewide network of leaders who are committed to Maternal Child Health (MCH) values and competencies. Creating the NM Engaging and Leveraging Alumni Network project will specifically address this area of need in a key priority area for the NM LEND program.

Goal:

Former NM LEND and PPC Trainees will engage in an alumni network focused on promoting
MCH leadership competencies, thereby increasing the potential collective impact on the health and
well-being of children, youth and their families. The emphasis of the alumni network will be on:

• supporting growth of MCH competencies in NM communities,
• creating and engaging alumni networks to leverage their skills and passion for creating change in NM and other locations where the former trainees reside, and
• developing leadership and dissemination opportunities for current and former trainees.