The Las Cruces City Council was updated on, and discussed, the City’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, which is coordinated through the Las Cruces Fire Department (LCFD).
The program was created to help individuals who frequently call 911 to access health care without any acute life-threatening conditions. The City’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program has recognized that addressing individuals who highly utilize 911 is an essential strategy for managing the emergency response, healthcare costs, and providing City residents with a better quality of life.
Data provided to the Council showed that senior citizens on Medicare and Medicaid patients 65 years old and older are the primary users of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program. The program is the only personal caregiver service agency that does not charge residents to use the service.
The Council offered suggestions to refine and enhance the services provided by the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program.
The Council was also updated on the City’s Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP) during Monday’s work session. The purpose of the LEP is to enhance awareness of the need, and methods the City uses, to ensure LEP persons have meaningful access to federally assisted programs; ensure implementation of language access; and compliance with the requirements and regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
U.S. Census data has determined a large number of Doña Ana County residents speak a language other than English. The city government is committed to providing the necessary resources of interpreters or translators to communicate effectively and respectfully with LEP persons.
Approval will be sought from City administrators to expand services for LEP persons. Information about improved LEP services to be provided by the City would then be shared with residents.
Additionally, the Council discussed the terms of a settlement between the City of Las Cruces and the estate of Antonio Valenzuela. On July 17, 2020, the City entered into a settlement agreement with the estate of Antonio Valenzuela. As part of the agreement, the City agreed to present to City Council various policies it could consider in regard to the use of force by the Las Cruces Police Department.
The discussions between City Council, attorneys for the City, and LCPD administration regarding proposed policy changes can be viewed here by clicking on the camera icon on the right side of the webpage, or at YouTube.com.clctv20.