Mission Statement
The mission of the Office of School and Adolescent Health is to improve the health of all students and adolescents in New Mexico.
For more information
on our programs, projects, the “Head to Toe” conference, and technical assistance, please contact us.
The health and safety of New Mexico's youth is our priority.
Office of School and Adolescent Health (OSAH)
OSAH is the office of the New Mexico Department of Health that works to improve student and adolescent health through integrated school-based or school-linked health services. OSAH also engages in adolescent health promotion and disease prevention activities directly and through collaboration with public and private agencies across New Mexico. OSAH staff guide policy development on school and adolescent health issues and are involved in workforce development and training's for those providing services to New Mexico youth.
Specifically, OSAH provides on-going technical assistance and training to school health personnel and other partners on the following:
- Pandemic flu preparedness
- Chronic disease management
- Traumatic loss in the school or community
- Suicide prevention and response
- Asthma and diabetes support systems
- State immunization policy
- NM School Health Manual
The work of OSAH directly relates to several priorities that pertain to adolescents: youth suicide prevention, teen pregnancy, immunizations, healthier weight, teen dating violence and school-based health centers (SBHCs).
Vision:
- Universal access for students and adolescents to high-quality, integrated, prevention programs, primary care and behavioral health services.
- School-based health centers located in all schools interested and ready to implement one.
- The relationship between health and academic success acknowledged by all state and community partners.
- All students and adolescents in New Mexico with the rights to be safe, supported, and resilient; to pursue an education; and to contribute to their future.
Values:
- OSAH values inclusion and respect for diversity at all levels.
- OSAH values health equity and uses its influence in program and policy development to address improved access to care.
- OSAH values collaboration and partnership as a cornerstone to effective systems integration and development.
- OSAH values individual and organizational strengths and resiliency and pursues a “no failure policy” as it partners with youth, their families and the community.
- OSAH values the public health model and uses these tenets to guide its program and policy activities.
- OSAH values positive youth development and is dedicated to implementing youth-adult partnership models and approaches.
- OSAH values open communication and teamwork recognizing the importance of relationships to accomplish its goals.
- OSAH values unconditional positive regard and is committed to demonstrating the utmost respect when working with teens, youth and their families, internal and external partners.
- OSAH values a holistic approach reflected in its integrated approaches in all its programs
“Poor health can greatly reduce a young person’s ability to get the most from school or life. Our overall goal is to help students feel better, live better and learn better.”
-- Yolanda Cordova, MSW, School Health Director
Copyright 2009 New Mexico Department of Health - OSAH