Los Alamos Health Council develops roadmap for social services improvements

A significant focus on mental health and social services emerged during the recent Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board meeting, highlighting the urgent need for a cohesive approach to community support. The health council is actively working on a roadmap to identify and address social service needs, aiming to streamline existing resources and reduce redundancy among the numerous nonprofits in the area.

The council's initiative seeks to clarify what services are available and whether additional physical locations are necessary to meet community demands. The goal is to finalize logistics and service offerings by the end of summer, which could lead to a more organized and effective social service system in Los Alamos.

In addition to mental health discussions, the meeting also touched on the recent proclamation commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Cerro Grande Fire. The county is inviting community members to share their memories and experiences related to the fire, with a collection event scheduled for May 20.

Furthermore, updates from local council meetings revealed a substantial budget increase for mental and behavioral healthcare, with $280 million allocated to enhance infrastructure and access. While some legislative efforts, such as the Family Medical Leave Act, did not pass, the county secured funding for emergency operations and student services renovations.

The meeting underscored a commitment to improving community well-being through better coordination of social services and support for local businesses, marking a proactive step towards a healthier and more engaged Los Alamos County.