The over-arching goal of the St. Joseph Community Health SE Heights Community Strengthening Initiatives is that of community health improvement through action on healthy public policy and planning.  SJCH employs numerous strategies to reach this goal including coalition building, acting as convener, and building collective leadership skills.  Current approaches and activities that support achievement of the goal of community health improvement include the following. Click here to view Health Profile.

v     Southeast Heights Health Coalition

Ø      Click here to view Capital Outlay Request Overview

This coalition began, in conjunction with the McCune Charitable Foundation, to work on community health planning after the neighborhood hospital was closed. It has evolved over time to address the various components of healthy communities and encompasses the social determinants of health – Employment, Safety, Housing, Education, and Access to Health Care.  Work now focuses on community identification of needs and priorities, community organizing, and leadership development.  The coalition meets on the 4^th Thursday of every month, 8:30-10:30 am. Click here to view Calendar of Events.

The Coalition has adopted a 2009 legislative agenda – “The Healthy Families in Healthy Neighborhoods” agenda - which includes designating the SE Heights as an International Neighborhoods District, an alley mural and pathway beautification pilot project, a streetscape and lighting improvement project as a “safe route to school,” as well as pedestrian and bus stop improvements next to the new University of New Mexico Hospitals clinic. The Coalition has also voted to support living wage legislation, and bills that support access to healthcare and food stamps. Click here to view 2008 Annual Report.

The Coalition has:

–     Been involved with the City of Albuquerque Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. SJCH organizers are promoting neighborhood association input in expansion of the redevelopment area to include an old Lovelace parking lot and Wilson Pool to promote healthy recreation.

–     Worked in partnership with University of New Mexico Hospitals on the location and plans for a SE Heights Clinic. Community voice, through the coalition, made an impact on the plans for the clinic and UNMH made plan modifications to incorporate community input.  Click here to view matrix of recommendations and click here to view ground breaking event photos and recent photos from community design workshop.

–     Been represented by Coalition members, including SJCH staff at the City of Albuquerque Environmental Planning Commission. Members have made public comments on the Great Streets Facility Plan. The goal of this work is to improve transit and walk-ability on Central Avenue.  Click here to view Streetscape.

–   Developed a SE Heights asset map.  SJCH plays a leadership role in the development of this work and has been creating the asset maps with assistance and training from the NM Department of Health.  Asset mapping is critical to understanding current community resources and planning appropriately. Asset maps developed to-date identifies churches, schools, food providers, parks, clinics, and bus stops. The maps are being used to educate city planners and residents. Click here to view maps.

v  Leadership Development

SJCH provides leadership development opportunities for community members, with the goal of assisting them in strengthening their voice through advocacy and involvement.  Community members learn how to interact with and become more involved in schools, the local political process, as well as learning other skills. 

v  Resource Organizing

SJCH staff is actively involved in community organizing work in the SE Heights.  A major initiative is working with an urban designer to hold a “community design workshop” with residents and neighborhood leaders in order to transform the ideas into workable project proposals and drawings for funders to consider.  Click here to view Community Design Workshop Posters & Plans.