Mimbres, NM – The Mimbres Valley Health Action League (MVHAL) held its Annual Member Meeting on Sunday, April 30, and after a vote of the membership present, MVHAL now has a full complement of nine (9) directors of the board. MVHAL board officers include President Kate Brown, Vice President Susan Malter, Treasurer Michelle Sweetman, and Secretary Jennifer Sanders. Additional board members are Patricia de Naranjo, Paula Dow, Mark Faulk, Shane House, and Cheryl Howard.
Longtime board member Grace Williams retired from her treasurer’s position on the board, and MVHAL is deeply grateful for all that she has done and continues to do for the organization and Valley residents. We hope that Grace will continue to be an active and guiding force in MVHAL’s community enhancing efforts.
Also at the meeting, in addition to signing up for proposed committees, attendees also offered ideas for additional initiatives, including:
- Food Distribution
- HMS Mimbres Valley Clinic and other healthcare initiatives
- EMT and Ambulance service in the Valley
- San Lorenzo Elementary School Program
- Fundraising
- Social Media
- Website
- Membership
- Events
- Community Relations
- Harvest Festival
- Farmers’ Market
- Resource Guide
Anyone interested in being on one or more of the above proposed committees, and/or who has a suggestion for a committee not mentioned can send an email detailing their interests to info@mvhal.org.
Give Grandly
MVHAL is also among the 62 nonprofit organizations participating in the Grant County Community Foundation’s annual Give Grandly event. MVHAL will have a booth at the in-person “Giving Day,” which will be held at Main Street Plaza in Silver City on Saturday, May 6, from 9am – 2pm. A few generous folks have already donated via MVHAL’s Give Grandly webpage, MVHAL’s website, and have sent checks to:
MVHAL, P. O. Box 137, Mimbres, NM 88049
At the event on May 6, MVHAL will be accepting Give Grandly donations onsite in check or cash, and will continue to accept donations through Monday, May 22. We hope you’ll choose to support MVHAL’s efforts to enhance the lives of Mimbres Valley residents and residents of surrounding areas.
HMS Mimbres Valley Clinic
There are visible signs that the Mimbres Valley will have its new Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) clinic in the not-too-distant future. Earth was being moved today (Tuesday, May 2) at La Tienda del Sol, on the corner of Hwy 35 and San Francisco Street, the designated site of the new clinic. Marisa Shapiro and her staff are busy on Tuesdays, the one day per week we currently have healthcare in the Valley. You can make an appointment now by calling 575-536-3990.
HMS CEO Dr. Dan Otero presents at Mimbres Senior Center
Speaking of HMS, on Monday, June 12, 4pm, at HMS’ Mimbres Senior Center, Dr. Dan Otero, DBA, HMS CEO, will address the state of rural health in our communities and beyond. HMS will also provide a free screening of the award-winning PBS documentary, The Providers. The film highlights healthcare efforts in rural Northern New Mexico. The film was shot in Northern New Mexico, but it sheds brilliant light on our own healthcare challenges in the Mimbres Valley. This event presents a unique opportunity for the Mimbres Valley community and beyond.
MVHAL’s May 8 Board Meeting
MVHAL’s next board meeting is Monday, May 8 at 4pm at the Roundup Lodge in Mimbres (91 Acklin Rd). All are welcome to attend the meeting.
2023 Mimbres Valley Harvest Festival
Planning for the 2023 Mimbres Valley Harvest Festival has begun, and the first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24 at 4pm at the Roundup Lodge. Anyone interested in being a part of the Harvest Festival’s organizing committee should send an email to committee chair, Bill Overholt at harvestfest@mvhal.org or request further information at info@mvhal.org.
About MVHAL
MVHAL was established in 2002 with the help of Hildago Medical Service (HMS) and Valley residents interested in enhancing the quality of life for the people of the Mimbres Region (defined as the communities that lie along and around NM State Hwy 61 and 35) through locally-based programs that promote healthy food for all, community bonding, and improved access to health care—particularly for our elderly and very young. Learn more about MVHAL at https://mvhal.org/ and contact us at info@mvhal.org.