HOPEmobile Providing Health Screenings and Education in New Mexico

I often blog about Project HOPE partnerships overseas that are making a difference in the lives of others. However, today, I want to tell you about a powerful partnership that is improving the health of people right here in the United States.

Recently, I attended a celebration in New Mexico for Project HOPE’s HOPEmobile, a 64-foot tractor trailer equipped with the latest health screening and telemedicine technologies that travels to rural and remote locations around the state.

The celebratory event took place at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque.

I was privileged to share the podium with HOPE partners Kevin Kandalaft, Executive Director of UnitedHealthcare New Mexico, and Dr. Arthur Kaufman, Chairman of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UNM.

Also participating in the event was New Mexico Health Secretary Dr. Catherine Torres. I was impressed by her words when she said, “Good health is a state of mind.”

That is exactly the message HOPE staff and volunteers on board the HOPEmobile deliver to New Mexico residents through our Habits for Life program. We are teaching people healthy habits related to diet and exercise and changing their state of mind to lead healthier and happier lives.

This incredible work is made possible through the leadership of UnitedHealthcare and the participation of the University of New Mexico and the state’s Department of Health.

Immediately after the celebration, the HOPEmobile loaded its lifesaving cargo and was on the road to another remote area to conduct more health screenings and provide more health education to residents and health care workers.

There are more minds to change and more healthy habits to teach. The work of HOPE and this powerful partnership continues in New Mexico.