FASD Center for Excellence

Doña Ana County, New Mexico
Summary of the External Launch
November 23, 2002

A theme of pride in community, heritage, and the nation was interwoven throughout the Doña Ana County Partnership to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) kick-off events, represented by activities ranging from the presentation of colors by the Yucca Council Boy Scouts to the inclusion of mariachi music, ballet folklorico (an interpretive native dance), and an original song composed for the occasion, "America, Tapestry of Life." To provide accessibility for the whole community of Doña Ana County, the launch events took place concurrently in three different locations: Las Cruces, Hatch, and Anthony. The Ben Archer Health Center, the lead organization coordinating the launch with Angela Zamora acting as the key contact for the Partnership, was thrilled with the turnout. Approximately 100 individuals participated in a combination of community baby showers, Pregnant Pause parties, health fairs, and ceremonies held across the three locations. Following the launch, partners and community members were energized and ready to take action to prevent FASD.

A formal program was held in Las Cruces, the most urban of the three launch locations, with Kasandra Gandara of the Border Health Office serving as Mistress of Ceremonies. The program opened with the presentation of colors and a musical selection. Mary Alice Garay, Executive Director of the Ben Archer Health Center, welcomed attendees. Participants were then entertained by an 11-year old boy who sang mariachi music, a form of traditional Mexican folk music. Next on the program, a CSAP representative provided an overview of how the Partnership is addressing the issue of FASD and read a notice about upcoming training sessions. Members of the committee who have been assisting the Ben Archer Health Center to coordinate the local Partnership effort were then introduced and recognized for their involvement. The program concluded with a County Commissioner spokesperson reading a proclamation declaring November 2002 to be Doña Ana County Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention and Awareness Month. Media present for the program included an affiliate of PBS, KRWG News 22, and a FOX affiliate, KFOX Channel 8 News. Other media included "The Las Cruces Sun" and "The Round Up", New Mexico State University's school paper.

At the conclusion of the formal program in Las Cruces and each of the other locations, community members were invited to participate in baby showers, which included games with prizes, snacks, and cakes beautifully decorated with Mexican party favors. In Hatch and Anthony, community members also sampled different recipes for alcohol-free beverages as part of the Pregnant Pause parties. At each party, local doctors, community health educators, and/or high school students trained as peer educators also provided an "educational moment" where basic information about FASD was shared. In Hatch, State Representative Andy Nunez was also on hand to support the local Partnership and to draw attention to the issue of FASD. Dr. Enrique Martinez, Medical Director for the Ben Archer Health Center network of Medical Centers, also presented at the Hatch launch. Finally, Partnership materials were available to local partners and members of the target audience at ongoing health fairs. Across all three locations, participants were excited about the Partnership materials and looking forward to upcoming Partnership activities.