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2008
Socorro County Health
Profile
Socorro County Options, Prevention and Education
A comprehensive health council
Ernest Pargas, President Nadine Ulibarri-Keller, Vice President
Carol Sullivan, Treasurer James Nettleton, Secretary
Bobbi Jo McIntire, Coordinator
Funded by New Mexico Department of Health
Fiscally Managed by Socorro Mental Health
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Our Community Partners
ARC of New Mexico - Socorro County
Boys and Girls Club
Literacy Volunteers of Socorro County
Magdalena Medical Center
New Mexico Department of Health
New Mexico Department of Labor
New Mexico GRADS
New Mexico Human Services Department
New Mecico Tech - Performing Arts Series
Puerto Seguro, Inc.
Socorro Baptist Temple
Socorro City Council
Socorro Community Health Center
Socorro Consolidated Schools
Socorro County DWI Program
Socorro General Hospital – Healthy Family Inititive
Socorro General Hospital – Heritage Program for Senior Adults
Socorro Mental Health, Inc.
Socorro Police Department
Socorro Senior Center
Socorro Storehouse
Wells Fargo
...and growing!
SCOPE Health Council 1200 Highway 60 West Socorro, NM 87801
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. 10
2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Council description ....................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Mission, Vision and Purpose of Council ...................................................................... 12
2.3 Definition of Health ...................................................................................................... 13
2.4 Purpose of Profile ......................................................................................................... 13
2.5 Profile development ...................................................................................................... 13
3 Community Description ........................................................................................................ 14
3.1 Geographic Description ................................................................................................ 14
3.2 Population Description.................................................................................................. 15
3.2.1 Population ............................................................................................................. 15
3.2.2 Gender ................................................................................................................... 16
3.2.3 Age ........................................................................................................................ 16
3.2.4 Gender by Age ...................................................................................................... 17
3.2.5 Race, ethnicity....................................................................................................... 18
3.2.6 Income................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.7 Income Inequality ................................................................................................. 21
3.2.8 Poverty .................................................................................................................. 22
3.2.9 Education .............................................................................................................. 23
3.2.9.1 National Rating ................................................................................................. 23
3.2.9.2 Graduation Rates ............................................................................................... 23
3.2.9.3 Dropout Rate ..................................................................................................... 23
3.2.10 Languages spoken ................................................................................................. 24
3.2.11 Employment and Industry ..................................................................................... 25
3.2.12 Other ..................................................................................................................... 26
3.2.12.1 Homelessness ................................................................................................ 26
3.2.12.2 Hunger......................................................................................................... 267
3.3 Community Assets and Wellness.................................................................................. 27
3.3.1 Physical ................................................................................................................. 27
3.3.2 Education .............................................................................................................. 28
3.3.2.1 School Districts ................................................................................................. 28
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
3.3.2.2 Preschool ........................................................................................................... 29
3.3.2.3 Home schooled.................................................................................................. 29
3.3.2.4 Post-Secondary Education ................................................................................ 29
3.3.2.5 Libraries ............................................................................................................ 30
3.3.3 Social/Arts............................................................................................................. 30
3.3.4 Individuals............................................................................................................. 30
3.3.5 Other ..................................................................................................................... 30
3.4 Interpretation of the information in the Community Description section..................... 30
4 Community Health Status ..................................................................................................... 30
4.1 Maternal child health indicators.................................................................................... 30
4.1.1 Total Births ........................................................................................................... 30
4.1.2 Births by Age ........................................................................................................ 31
4.1.3 Low birth weight ................................................................................................... 32
4.1.4 High birth weight .................................................................................................. 32
4.1.5 Births to teens ....................................................................................................... 33
4.1.6 Births to single mothers ........................................................................................ 35
4.1.7 Prenatal care level ................................................................................................. 35
4.1.8 Infant mortality ..................................................................................................... 36
4.2 Mortality – General ....................................................................................................... 36
4.2.1 Total Deaths .......................................................................................................... 36
4.2.2 General Mortality or Death Rate........................................................................... 37
4.2.3 Deaths by Gender .................................................................................................. 37
4.2.4 Deaths by Age Group............................................................................................ 37
4.2.5 Deaths by Race/Ethnicity...................................................................................... 38
4.3 Leading Causes of Death .............................................................................................. 40
4.4 Chronic Disease Indicators ........................................................................................... 40
4.4.1 Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) .................................................................... 40
4.4.2 Heart Disease ........................................................................................................ 40
4.4.3 Cancer (Malignant Neoplasms) ............................................................................ 41
4.4.4 Stroke (Cerebrovascular Diseases) ....................................................................... 43
4.4.5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ................................................ 43
4.4.6 Diabetes................................................................................................................. 43
4.4.7 Arthritis ................................................................................................................. 44
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.4.8 Asthma .................................................................................................................. 44
4.4.9 Disability ............................................................................................................... 44
4.4.10 Oral Health ............................................................................................................ 44
4.4.11 Other ..................................................................................................................... 45
4.5 Infectious Disease Indicators ........................................................................................ 45
4.5.1 Leading causes of infectious diseases ................................................................... 45
4.5.2 Influenza ............................................................................................................... 45
4.5.3 Pneumonia............................................................................................................. 45
4.5.4 Food-borne Infectious Diseases (Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella) 45
4.5.5 Hepatitis ................................................................................................................ 45
4.5.6 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) ................................................................................ 46
4.5.7 Tuberculosis .......................................................................................................... 46
4.5.8 Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis ....................... 46
4.5.9 Sexually Transmitted Diseases: HIV/AIDS.......................................................... 48
4.5.10 Other ..................................................................................................................... 48
4.6 Environmental Health Indicators .................................................................................. 49
4.6.1 Safe streets, neighborhoods, parks ........................................................................ 49
4.6.2 Food Safety ........................................................................................................... 49
4.6.3 Water Quality ........................................................................................................ 49
4.6.4 Air Quality (Indoor, Outdoor)............................................................................... 50
4.6.5 Lead....................................................................................................................... 50
4.6.6 Other ..................................................................................................................... 51
4.6.6.1 Environmental Health Forum ........................................................................... 51
4.6.6.2 Housing ........................................................................................................... 512
4.7 Injury, Violence, Substance Abuse Indicators .............................................................. 52
4.7.1 Violent Deaths (homicides, suicides, workplace, firearm-related, etc.) ............... 52
4.7.1.1 Homicide ........................................................................................................... 52
4.7.1.2 Suicide............................................................................................................... 52
4.7.1.3 Weapons, Violence and Youth ......................................................................... 53
4.7.2 Abuse/neglect or violence (child, elderly, domestic violence) ............................. 53
4.7.2.1 Child Abuse ...................................................................................................... 53
4.7.2.2 Elder Abuse ....................................................................................................... 54
4.7.2.3 Domestic Violence ............................................................................................ 54
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.7.3 Unintentional injury .............................................................................................. 56
4.7.4 Substance Abuse ................................................................................................... 56
4.7.4.1 Alcohol .............................................................................................................. 56
4.7.4.2 Tobacco ............................................................................................................. 57
4.7.4.3 Illicit Drugs ....................................................................................................... 57
4.8 Risk, Resiliency Indicators: .......................................................................................... 57
4.8.1 Youth Resiliency Factors ...................................................................................... 57
4.9 Interpretation of Community Health Status Information .............................................. 58
5 Health-related Services: Capacity, Access and Use (Utilization) ......................................... 58
5.1 Capacity: What services exist for whom ...................................................................... 58
5.1.1 Maternal Child Health (MCH) .............................................................................. 58
5.1.1.1 Access to Care................................................................................................... 58
5.1.1.2 Services and MCH plans ................................................................................... 58
5.1.1.3 County Funding ................................................................................................ 59
5.1.2 Dental Health ........................................................................................................ 59
5.1.3 Infrastructure ......................................................................................................... 59
5.1.3.1 Public Safety ..................................................................................................... 59
5.1.3.2 Communication ................................................................................................. 60
5.1.4 Health and Community Resources........................................................................ 60
5.1.4.1 Access to Health Care ....................................................................................... 60
5.1.4.2 Transportation ................................................................................................... 60
5.1.4.3 Licensed Health Professionals .......................................................................... 61
5.1.4.4 Medical Specialties ........................................................................................... 61
5.1.4.5 Resource Directory ........................................................................................... 62
5.1.4.6 SCOPE Community Partners ............................................................................ 62
5.1.4.7 Community nonprofit organizations ................................................................. 68
5.1.4.8 Public Health and Social Services .................................................................... 69
5.2 Access: what influences access to services for different groups .................................. 70
5.3 Utilization: who utilizes these existing services ........................................................... 70
6 Health Disparities.................................................................................................................. 70
7 Summary of Profile Highlights & Overall Interpretation ..................................................... 70
7.1 What Issues Strongly Impact Health of County Population ......................................... 70
7.1.1 Mental Health........................................................................................................ 70
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
7.2 Important health priorities in Socorro County .............................................................. 71
7.3 Explanation or discussion, from council’s perspective................................................. 71
References Cited.......................................................................................................................... 72
Appendix A: Explanation of Per Capita Income ..................................................................... 75
Appendix B: Local American Cancer Society Medical Information ..................................... 76
Appendix C: Simplified SCOPE Resource Guide.................................................................... 79
Appendix D: Community Satisfaction Survey ......................................................................... 85
List of Tables
Table 1: Socorro County 2005 Population Estimates by Age and Race/Ethnicity………….. ….16
Table 2: Age breakdown of Alamo Residents ……………………………………….…………17
Table 3: Socorro County Nativity and Citizenship …………………………………...…………18
Table 4: Alamo Reservation Race Distribution, 2000 …………………………………..………19
Table 5: 1999 Income for Alamo Reservation Residents ……………………………………….21
Table 6: Estimated Number of Percent and People in Poverty, 2004 ……………..…………… 22
Table 7: Alamo Reservation Poverty Level………………………………………………….….22
Table 8: Socorro County Food Stamps and TANF Cases ………………………………………22
Table 9: Socorro County 2004-2005 School District Dropout Rates ……………..…………….23
Table 10: Languages Spoken Socorro County ……………………………………….………….24
Table 11: Socorro County Population speaking English less than "very well" ………….….…..24
Table 12: US Census 2003 Business Quickfacts Socorro County ………………………………25
Table 13: New Mexico Department of Labor Employment 2006 Quarter 1 ………………..…..25
Table 14: New Mexico Department of Labor Socorro County 2006 Quarter 2 Employment ….26
Table 15: Alamo Community School Profile, 2000 ……………………………………….……29
Table 16: Socorro County Home Schooled Students …………………………………………...29
Table 17: Socorro County Resident Live Births by Age of Mother, 1995 and 2005 ……….…..31
Table 18: Socorro County Resident Live Births to Mothers <20 Years of Age, 2005 ………….31
Table 19: Socorro County Percent Low Birth Weights, 2000 – 2005 …………………...…….. 32
Table 20: Socorro County Percent High Birthweight, 1994-2005.…………………………..….32
Table 21: Socorro County Adequacy of Prenatal Care 2000-2004.………………………...…..36
Table 22: Socorro County Resident Infant Deaths, 2000-2005……………………….…………36
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 23: Socorro County Number of Deaths by Sex, 2005…………………………………….37
Table 24: Socorro County Morality Rates Among Non-Hispanic White Males, 1995-2004
Aggregated …………………………………………………………………………....38
Table 25: Socorro County Cancer Morality Rates Among Hispanic Males, 1995-2004
Aggregated …………………………………………………………………………....38
Table 26: Socorro County Cancer Morality Rates Among Non-Hispanic White Females,
1995-2004 Aggregated ………………………………………………………………..39
Table 27: Socorro County Cancer Morality Rates Among Hispanic Females, 1995-2004
Aggregated ……………………………………………………………………………39
Table 28: Leading Causes of Death, 2005 ………………………………………………………40
Table 29: Number and Rate of Death from Heart Disease, 2005………………………………..40
Table 30: Cancer Among Non-Hispanic White Males Number and Incidence Rate, 1995-2004
Aggregate ……………………………………………………………………………...41
Table 31: Cancer Among Hispanic Males Number and Incidence Rate, 1995-2004 Aggregate 41
Table 32: Cancer Among Non-Hispanic White Females Number and Incidence Rate, 1995-2004
Aggregate ……………………………………………………………………………...42
Table 33: Cancer Among Hispanic Females Number and Incidence Rate, 1995-2004 Aggregate
………………………………………………………………………………………….42
Table 34: Rate of Asthma Hospital Discharges by Age Group, 1999-2003 Average …………..44
Table 35: Socorro County Food-borne Infectious Diseases, 2005 ……………………………...45
Table 36: Socorro County Hepatitis Rates, 2005 ……………………………………..…………45
Table 37: Socorro County Pertussis Rates, 2005 ………………………………………………..46
Table 38: Socorro County Tuberculosis Cases by Rate, 2005 ……………………………..……46
Table 39: Socorro County Watersheds and Reported Issues ………………………...………….49
Table 40: Child Maltreatment Cases, Quarter 1 SFY08…………………………………………53
Table 41: Socorro County Adult Abuse Cases 2002 ……………………………………………54
Table 42: Socorro County Domestic Violence Rates per 1000, 2001-2005 …………………….54
Table 43: Percent Socorro County Domestic Violence Cases Involving Weapons Use, 2001-2005
………………………………………………………………………………………...55
Table 44: Percent Socorro County Domestic Violence Cases With Injury, 2001-2005 ……...…55
Table 45: Victims of Alcohol-involved Crashes, 2004 …………………………………………56
Table 46: Alcohol-involved Crashes and DWI Convictions, 2004………………….. …………56
Table 47: Socorro County Emergency Medical Services 2003 ….……………………………...59
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
List of Figures
Figure 1: Detailed map of Socorro County, New Mexico …………………...….. …………….14
Figure 2: Age breakdown of Socorro County 2005 Population ……………………………..….17
Figure 3: 2005 Age and Gender Distribution Socorro County ………………………...………..18
Figure 4: 2004 Population Distribution by All Ages By Race ………………………………….19
Figure 5: Per Capita Personal Income Socorro County 2000-2005 ……………………………..20
Figure 6: Annual Average Wage-Salary Per Job Socorro County 2000-2005 ………...………..21
Figure 7: Socorro County and New Mexico Crude Birth Rates 2000-2005 …………...………..30
Figure 8: Socorro County Resident Live Births to Mothers Age 15-17, 2000 – 2005 ………….33
Figure 9: Socorro County Percent Resident Live Births to Single Mothers, 2000 – 2004 ...……35
Figure 10: Age-Adjusted Death Rates, 2000-2004 ..…………………………………….………37
Figure 11: Socorro County Reported Chlamydia Cases, 2000-2005 ……………...……………46
Figure 12: Socorro County Cases of Chlamydia for Males and Females, 2000-2005 …….……47
Figure 13: Socorro County Rate of Gonorrhea, 2000-2005 ……………………………….……47
Figure 14: Socorro County Reported Gonorrhea Cases, 1999-2005 ……………..……………..48
Figure 15: Socorro County Percent of Children Tested with Blood Lead Levels 1994-2000 …..50
Figure 16: Percent Socorro County Domestic Violence Cases Involving Alcohol/Drug Use,
2001-2005 …………………………………………………………………………...55
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
1 Executive Summary
Socorro County Options, Prevention and Education (SCOPE) is a comprehensive community
health council, funded by a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health, and fiscally
managed by Socorro Mental Health. Currently, there are 21 community partners in the
SCOPE membership, which welcomes participation from residents and any community
agency. Over the past year SCOPE has sponsored many activities relating to teen pregnancy,
substance abuse, and obesity/diabetes.
This Health Profile serves to summarize Socorro County health data and to identify current
priorities for SCOPE. The majority of health data cited and discussed within this document
has been obtained from secondary sources; however, the results from the 2007 Community
Satisfaction Survey were also made available. Although many efforts were made to update
data, wherever possible, the most current data available on the Alamo Reservation residents
is from the 2000 US Census.
Socorro County covers over 4,200,000 acres in central New Mexico and contains 2.7% of the
county roads in New Mexico. Socorro County was estimated to have 18,148 people in 2005,
with 55.1% urban residents and 44.9% rural residents giving a population density of 2.7
people per square mile. This vastness creates much travel time for residents traveling to
work, medical services, and recreation. Many residents on the County border elect to utilize
other county’s services as they are proximally closer than the established services in Socorro
County.
Between 1990 and 2004 there has been a constant increase in the total personal income in
Socorro County. This is also true of the per capita personal income and annual average wage
for Socorro County and New Mexico. However, Socorro County residents have averaged
less than New Mexico residents over the last 15 years. In 2004, it is estimated that 23.6% of
County residents live in poverty.
Currently, the Socorro Consolidated Schools and Magdalena Municipal School District
average a 98% graduation rate for the 2005-2006 school year. However, the Alamo Navajo
Community School had a 39% graduation rate for 1999-2000 school year. Socorro
Consolidated Schools served 45.5% of its students free lunches and 8.9% price reduced
lunches from 2005-2006.
Socorro County has many assets. Many parks are located in the City of Socorro, as well as a
public swimming pool which is open during the summer. There are many outdoor areas for
biking, camping, and bird watching. The Public Library and New Mexico Tech Library are
available for general use. There are also over 25 different churches are located throughout
the County.
Crude birth rates from 2000-2005 for Socorro County ranged from 7.5 – 14.4. This is
roughly half that of New Mexico’s (ranging from 15.0-14.6). Teen birth rates range from
28.5 to 41.7 births per 1000 15-17 year old females between 2000 and 2005 in Socorro
County. The 2005 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) indicates that over 55% of
Socorro County students reported never having sexual intercourse, while 11% of students
who reported having intercourse, also reported having two or more sex partners in the last 12
months. Nearly 11% of Socorro sexually active students reported they had not used a
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
method to prevent pregnancy or they were not sure whether they had used protection with
their last intercourse.
During 2005, there were 156 deaths in the county, 52% were male, 48% were female, and
7.52% were infants. The top three leading causes of death for Socorro County in 2004 and
2005 were: Malignant neoplasms (cancer), diseases of the heart, and accidents due to
unintentional injuries. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among Socorro County
males and breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer for Socorro County females.
Communicable or infectious disease rates within counties are indicative of population health
status. In 2005, incidence of food-borne Campylobacter and Salmonella illness rates in
Socorro County were respectively 4X and 2X higher than those in New Mexico. Socorro
Hepatitis A infections were nearly 7X higher; Pertussis (whooping cough); Chlamydia, and
Gonorrhea infection rates were half as high; and AIDS infection rates were one third as high
as New Mexico rates.. Shigella, Acute Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Syphilis were not
reported for Socorro in 2005.
From the 2007 Community Satisfaction Survey, Socorro County residents feel the
neighborhoods and parks are safe, but there are not enough biking lanes or biking paths in the
County. Currently, there are no air monitoring stations for Socorro County. None of the
watersheds in Socorro County are vulnerable to pollutants.
In 2005, Socorro County was ranked 8th in the State for domestic violence with a rate of 13.1
per 1000 compared to the State’s rate of 15.6. Between 2001 and 2005, more than 40% of
domestic violence cases involved alcohol and/or drug use, only 11-17% involved weapons,
and 60-91% resulted in injury.
The 2005 YRRS indicated that 45% of Socorro County students had their first alcoholic
drink before the age of 13, and 68.3% of those who drink usually do so at home or another
person’s home. More Socorro County residents smoke than New Mexicans, 25.8%
compared to 22.3%. Eighteen percent of students reported initiating marijuana use at age 12
or younger in 2005 compared to 25% in 2001.
Many agencies and organizations in Socorro County are committed to improve the health of
Socorro County residents. Funding has been sought through Federal, State and County
sources as well as through private donations. More health services have been extended to
Northern Socorro County residents. The City of Socorro has implemented public
transportation within the city limits.
After review of the data at hand, the SCOPE membership determined the priorities for
Socorro County should be: Fitness and Nutrition, Substance Abuse, Teen Pregnancy and
Access to Care in Northern Socorro County. The 2007 Socorro County Health Plan further
identifies activities that will address these issues, bring awareness, and education to Socorro
County residents.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
2 Introduction
2.1 Council description
Socorro County Options, Prevention and Education (SCOPE) became a comprehensive
community health council in February 2001. The New Mexico Department of Health
began funding SCOPE for the fiscal year of 2002 with $20,000. Since then the funding
has increased to $121,000 for the fiscal year of 2007. This is the first time that an award
was given for direct services in the amount of $50,000. Currently, Socorro Mental
Health, Inc. has been awarded the position of fiscal agent for SCOPE.
SCOPE members, listed on page 2, represent diverse community organizations,
healthcare providers, government agencies, and individuals working together to improve
the well-being of community residents. There is also collaboration with agencies outside
of SCOPE. This also initiates invitations to outside agencies to upcoming SCOPE
meetings and events. Work of the council is conducted through the main body,
committees, and two Sub-councils: Mayor’s Drug Task Force and Healthy Family
Initiative, which meet separately. The council consists of an elected executive board and
approximately thirty members who meet on the third Thursday of the month from 11:30
a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but is open to everyone. The meeting locations are hosted by members
and changes on a quarterly basis. Currently, SCOPE is working to increase participation
from the faith-based community as our definition of health includes spiritual well-being.
This year SCOPE has collaborated with Congressman Pearce’s office to hold a Meth
Summit for the community. The local Wal-Mart Supercenter donated toys for the Alcohol
Awareness Fiesta held in the City of Socorro. Terra Luna Counseling’s licensed alcohol
and substance abuse counselor participated in the Prescription Drug Seminar. The
University of New Mexico’s Casa Program provided a Spanish speaker and materials in
Spanish for the Veguita Alcohol Awareness Fiesta. SCOPE participated in the Family
Funfest organized by New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in Socorro.
2.2 Mission, Vision and Purpose of Council
SCOPE’s vision is:
Socorro County, a safe and healthy community.
SCOPE’s mission is:
to work together
to provide a method for community health decision making,
to identify and prioritize health and safety needs,
to establish and plan strategies for community health goals
for the improvement of the health and quality of life in families and individuals of
Socorro County.
SCOPE, the council, provides the administrative tools to carry out the vision and mission
stated above. The meetings are designed to provide educational opportunities on health
related topics, allow reporting of current activities of partner organizations and ensure
community needs, gaps, and duplications are identified. During the February 2007
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
SCOPE meeting the data in this profile was presented to the Council. Hence the
priorities for 2008 were determined.
2.3 Definition of Health
Health is defined by SCOPE as:
Health is more than the physical well-being of individuals, or the mere absence of
disease or infirmity; health refers to the social, economic, emotional, cultural and
spiritual well-being of a community.
2.4 Purpose of Profile
SCOPE has compiled and published the information contained in this health profile
through a New Mexico state funded grant with the support and encouragement of its
fiscal agent, Socorro Mental Health, Inc. (SMH) and the New Mexico Department of
Health (NMDOH), Public Health Division (PHD), Improving Health Initiative (IHI).
The health profile reports county-specific health status indicator and demographic data
collected from state and federal organizations. The review and interpretation of this data
is meant to offer insight to the health and well being of Socorro County residents. It also
reflects the community’s resources, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps. It is also meant to
aid the SCOPE council in determining its health priorities. The profile can also provide
insight into possible factors affecting the community’s wellness to the general public and
organizations that provide services to Socorro County residents.
This profile is an evolving document which will be published and distributed to Socorro
County residents and professionals to fulfill our mission. This profile, along with our
2007 Socorro County Health Plan, creates a working base for our SCOPE executive
board, SCOPE council, and Sub-Councils to provide the best possible service to all
stakeholders in Socorro County, to create project priorities for the council, and to avoid
duplication of services among community partners.
2.5 Profile development
The information contained in this profile was collected, collated and interpreted primarily
by the salaried SCOPE Coordinator Bobbi Jo McIntire. The 2005 Socorro County Health
Profile was used as a template for collecting the 2007 profile information; then revised in
format to follow the Community Health Assessment & Planning Guidebook Version 2.0
released November 2006 by the NM Department of Health.
The data in this profile was collected from a variety of secondary data sources: the
Internet, New Mexico state/Federal/nonprofit organization publications, and SCOPE
Community Partners. Primary data came from the SCOPE Community Satisfaction
Survey for 2007, and reflects the local community health needs that were not otherwise
known or available. Interpretation of the data was not conducted by a trained statistician
and therefore quotation by readers should be undertaken with caution.
This data would have been much harder to collect without the public information
disseminated at the state and federal levels. In particular, the New Mexico state agencies
and the New Mexico Department of Health (NM DOH) reports have been the most useful
in identifying Socorro County specific data. SCOPE partners were also willing to supply
data that was available to them. New Mexico DOH, Region 5 epidemiologist, Janet
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Flores and NMDOH Health Information Librarian, Gay Romero were invaluable assets in
providing access to information and in their feedback comments as the profile evolved.
3 Community Description
3.1 Geographic Description
As stated in the 2002 Socorro County Chamber of Commerce’s Socorro County Visitor’s
Guide, Socorro County is the third largest county in the state of New Mexico. It is
located in the central part of the state and covers 4,240,640 acres. Federal entities own
the largest share of the land at 54.7% (2,318,458 acres), followed by private ownership at
29.4% (1,247,637 acres), then State ownership at 14.4% (609,517 acres), and lastly, the
Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation encompasses 65,028 acres (1.5%).
As depicted in Figure 1 below, Interstate 25 (I-25) is the primary north-south corridor
running parallel to the City of Socorro, the county seat. Highway US 60 West junctions
in Socorro and passes West through the Village of Magdalena and continues into
Arizona. Highway US 60 East begins on I-25, twenty-five miles North of Socorro, and
continues into Texas. Highway US 380 East begins at the I-25 exit at San Antonio
continuing into Texas.
Figure 1: Detailed map of Socorro County, New Mexico
Source: http://www.socorro-nm.com/images/socorrocounty2.pdf
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Travel time to any type of service (work, medical, recreation) in Socorro County is much
higher than in urban areas. Residents in Alamo and the Village of Magdalena have to
travel 30 to 90 minutes to the City of Socorro. San Acacia residents travel up to 30
minutes to the City of Socorro for services. For residents of the county’s borders, in
many instances it is easier for them to procure services in other counties because they are
demographically closer. Many Veguita residents choose to travel the 12 miles to Belen
in Valencia County rather than the 40 miles to the City of Socorro.
According to the 2004 New Mexico Department of Transportation Facts and Figures
report Socorro County cities, municipalities, and county maintenance departments are
responsible for 1,336 miles of road out of 49,985 statewide non federal or state roads (p.
24). Thus, Socorro County has 2.7% of the total county miles reported in New Mexico.
3.2 Population Description
3.2.1 Population
The 2000 US Census data lists the population of Socorro County at 18,078. In 2005, the
US Census data estimates a population of 18,148; Indicating that the county grew 22.4%
from 1990 to 2000. The City of Socorro with a population of 8,900 is the county seat. It
is the most densely populated city or municipality in the county (El Defensor Chieftain,
2005). The biggest concentrated populations live in the City of Socorro and in the
Village of Magdalena. The County population is estimated to be 55.1% urban and the
remaining 44.9% are rural residents. According to the 2000 US Census the Native
American population reported for the Alamo Navajo Chapter was 2,072. The 2005
population estimates can be seen in Table 1, which also includes the breakdown of age
and race/ethnicity for Socorro County.
The defining features of Socorro County’s population include the following:
Very low population density – 2.7 people per square mile versus that for New
Mexico of 15.8 people per square mile.
Very high level of poverty – An estimated 23.6% of county residents of all
ages live in poverty.
Relatively young median age of 32.4 reported by the 2000 US Census.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 1: Socorro County 2005 Population Estimates by Age and Race/Ethnicity
ONE RACE
American Native Two or
Age Total
Indian / Hawaiian / More
Group White Black Asian Population
Native Other Pacific Races
American Islander
Total 15,181 204 2,243 311 10 199 18,148
<5 812 16 237 9 1 15 1,090
5 to 9 899 20 192 11 0 27 1,149
10 to 14 1,005 26 242 5 0 24 1,302
15 to 19 1,438 17 227 11 0 21 1,714
20 to 24 1,396 24 239 69 2 31 1,761
25 to 29 1,008 15 172 69 3 21 1,288
30 to 34 711 15 127 38 1 8 900
35 to 39 809 8 158 37 2 10 1,024
40 to 44 1,024 13 152 20 0 11 1,220
45 to 49 1,156 7 128 11 0 9 1,311
50 to 54 1,121 13 102 12 0 9 1,257
55 to 59 1,005 9 72 5 1 9 1,101
60 to 64 806 13 53 3 0 3 878
65 to 69 665 4 55 2 0 1 727
70 to 74 517 1 37 3 0 0 558
75 to 79 346 1 20 3 0 0 370
80 to 84 270 0 18 1 0 0 289
85+ 193 2 12 2 0 0 209
Source: http://www.unm.edu/~bber/demo/tot2005.xls
3.2.2 Gender
According to the 2005 population estimate, Socorro County has a total population of
18,148 with 9,199 males (50.7%) and 8,949 females (49.3%) as shown below in
Figure 3.
For the Alamo Reservation, the 2000 US Census reported a total population of 2,702
with 984 males (47.5%) and 1,088 females (53.5%) as shown below in Table 2.
3.2.3 Age
The 2005 population estimates published by the Bureau of Business and Economic
Research (BBER), University of New Mexico lists the age breakdown in Figure 2.
The 2000 Census for New Mexico lists the median age as 34.6 ranking the state 11th
lowest in the nation. For Socorro the median age is 32.4 ranking the county 6th among
all the state counties based on the 2002 Analysis of Selected Indicators of Health and
Well Being in Socorro County.
From the estimated population of Socorro County, 29.0% of the population is under
19 years old. This large youth population does impact the services provided to
Socorro County residents as there are many services and non-profit organizations that
service this population (see Appendix for Socorro County Resource Guide).
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 2: Age breakdown of Socorro County 2005 Population
2005 Population Estimates By Age Group
2,000
1,500
Population
1,000
500
0
<5 5 to 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 to 30 to 35 to 40 to 45 to 50 to 55 to 60 to 65 to 70 to 75 to 80 to 85+
9 14 19 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59 64 69 74 79 84
Years of Age
Source: http://www.unm.edu/~bber/demo/tot2005.xls
For the Alamo Reservation, the 2000 Census shows the age breakdown in Table 2.
This table indicates that the median age of an Alamo resident is 24 and 43.8% of the
population is under the age of 19. No information is available to the author at this
time to explain this disparity in ages and the impact it has on its community.
Table 2: Age breakdown of Alamo Residents
Source: http://alamo.nndes.org/cms/kunde/rts/alamonndesorg/docs/429411100-09-29-2004-08-31-33o.pdf
3.2.4 Gender by Age
The 2000 US Census data is presented below in Figure 3 with additional details by
age and gender. Figure 2 is the estimated population by age in 2005 provided by
BBER. . Both sets of data show the gender breakdown is approximately the same
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
across all age distributions. However, at the age of 80+ more females are alive than
males.
Figure 3: 2005 Age and Gender Distribution Socorro County
Socorro County Age Distribution 2005
80-84
70-74
60-64
50-54
40-44
30-34
20-24
10-14
Under 5
1200.0 1000.0 800.0 600.0 400.0 200.0 0.0 200.0 400.0 600.0 800.0 1000.0
Popluation
Males Females
Source: http://www.unm.edu/~bber/demo/tot2005.xls
3.2.5 Race, ethnicity
Socorro County’s nativity and citizenship according to the Social Science Data
Analysis Network based on data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census :
Table 3: Socorro County Nativity and Citizenship
1990 2000
Percent of Percent of
population population
Total Native Population 93.6 94.5
Born in US 93 93.9
Born in NM 63.6 64.2
Born Other State 29.4 29.7
Born Outside US .6 .6
Total Foreign Born Population 6.4 5.5
Naturalized 1.6 1.3
Non-Naturalized 4.8 4.2
Source: Social Science Data Analysis Network
This data indicates that the majority of the population for Socorro County was born in
New Mexico. This contributes to a sense of community and a continuation of native
traditions in the diverse cultures that live within the county.
In 2000 the US Census changed definitions for the determination of race. Hence it is
not valid to compare the US Census 2000 data to prior data. Based on the Census, the
current race distributions can be found in Figure 4.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 4: 2004 Population Distributions by All Ages by Race
Population Dristribution All Ages By Race 2004 Population
Estimates
Percent of Population 90%
80%
70%
60%
50% Socorro County
40% New Mexico
30%
20%
10%
0%
White Black American Asian Native Persons Persons White
persons persons Indian persons Hawaiian reporting of persons,
and and Other two or Hispanic not
Alaska Pacific more or Latino Hispanic
Native Islander races origin
persons
Source: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html
Based on Table 3 and Figure 4, Socorro County contains a diverse population up to a
point. There are many races living in the County, but proportionally in 2000, the
Hispanic population is 12th highest among the 33 counties and White overall is the
highest percentage at 62.9%. Only 4.3% reported identifying with more than one
race. Although the Asian population comprises only 1.1% of the population, Socorro
County has the 5th highest concentration of Asians in the state. African Americans
comprise less than 1% of the county population, a small presence by National
standards. All of the reported populations in 2000 are proportional to the estimated
populations for 2005.
On the Alamo Reservation the 2000 Race distribution is given in Table 4. This
information indicates that on the reservation, 95.9% of the population is among the
American Indian/Alaska Native or Combination with Other Race.
Table 4: Alamo Reservation Race Distribution, 2000
Source: http://alamo.nndes.org/cms/kunde/rts/alamonndesorg/docs/429411100-09-29-2004-08-31-33o.pdf
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
3.2.6 Income
The Bureau of Economic Analysis released the following information on Socorro
County in their Bearfacts (2004):
In 2004 Socorro had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $20,186. This PCPI
ranked 24th in the state and was 77 percent of the state average, $26,184, and 61
percent of the national average, $33,050. The 2004 PCPI reflected an increase of
9.9 percent from 2003. The 2003-2004 state change was 5.2 percent and the
national change was 5.0 percent. In 1994 the PCPI of Socorro was $13,030 and
ranked 26th in the state. The 1994-2004 average annual growth rate of PCPI was
4.5 percent. The average annual growth rate for the state was 4.0 percent and for
the nation was 4.1 percent.
According to the UNM BBER Economic Data, per capita personal income for
Socorro County in 2004 was $20,186, only 77.1% of New Mexico per capita personal
income. New Mexico’s per capita income of $27,912 gives it a rank of 45 among the
50 states. The numbers in Figure 6, below, were obtained from the US Census
Bureau. Note that New Mexico’s and Socorro County’s per capita income reported
by the US Census Bureau differs substantially from that reported by US Department
of Commerce for the same year. See Appendix A for an explanation of the disparity
in these figures.
The following two graphs also confirm that Socorro County income is significantly
below the New Mexico state average. The effects on the community are discussed in
Section 3.2.8.
Figure 5: Per Capita Personal Income 2000-2005
Per Capita Personal Income, 2000-2005
$30,000
$25,000
Socorro County
$20,000
New Mexico
$15,000
$10,000
2000 r/ 2001 r/ 2002 r/ 2003 r/ 2004 r/ 2005 p/
Year
r/: Revised; p/: Preliminary
Source Figures 4: http://www.unm.edu/~bber/econ/co-pci.xls
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 6: Annual Average Wage/Salary Per Job Socorro County 2000-2005
Annual Average Wage/Salary Per Job
$35,000
$30,000
Socorro Co.
$25,000
New Mexico
$20,000
$15,000
2000 2001 2002 2003 r/ 2004 r/ 2005 p/
Year
r/: Revised; p/: Preliminary
Source Figure 5: http://www.unm.edu/~bber/econ/co-wag.xls
For the residents of Alamo, the income level is even lower (see Table 5). This is in
part due to Socorro being 57 miles away and a very limited number of employment
opportunities on the reservation.
Table 5: 1999 Income for Alamo Reservation Residents
Income in 1999 Number Percent (%)
Households 511 100
Median household income $19,306 (X)
Families 442 100
Median family income $18,646 (X)
Per capita income $6,528 (X)
Median earnings:
Male full-time, year-round $25,000 (X)
Female full-time, year-round $26,875 (X)
Poverty Status in 1999
Families in poverty 236 53.4
Persons in poverty 1,205 55.7
Source: http://alamo.nndes.org/cms/kunde/rts/alamonndesorg/docs/429411100-09-29-2004-08-31-33o.pdf
3.2.7 Income Inequality
According to the simple income inequality index (provided by Thomas Scharmen,
Region 1 & 3 Epidemiologist for New Mexico), the families in the richest quintile in
Socorro County earn 18.3 times more than the families in the poorest quintile in
Socorro County. Hence, 20% of the families making the most in Socorro County
make 18.3 times more than 20% of the families making the least.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
3.2.8 Poverty
Socorro County’s poverty level is significantly higher than that of New Mexico
(Table 6). According to the US Census Income and Poverty 2004 estimate model,
23.6% of county residents of all ages live in poverty, including 33.9% of children
under the age of 18.
Table 6: Estimated Number of Percent and People in Poverty, 2004
All People in Poverty (2004) Children ages 0-17 in Poverty (2004)
90% Confidence Interval of 90% Confidence Interval of
Estimate Estimate
Percent Percent
Lower Upper Lower Upper
Bound Bound Bound Bound
New
16.7 16 18 23.8 22 26
Mexico
Socorro
23.6 18 29 33.9 25 43
Co.
Source: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/PovertyRates/PovListpct.asp?ST=NM&view=Percent
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research
Service, New Mexico’s unemployment rate has decreased .9% from 1998 to 2005,
while Socorro County’s unemployment rate decreased by 1.8%, twice that of the
state’s during the same period. With a median household income of $26,622, it falls
below the state’s median household income of $37,838.
For the families on the Alamo Reservation, the numbers are significantly worse.
They report 53.4% of families live in poverty and 55.7% of individuals.
Table 7: Alamo Reservation Poverty Level
Source: http://alamo.nndes.org/cms/kunde/rts/alamonndesorg/docs/429411100-09-29-2004-08-31-33o.pdf
Table 8: Socorro County Food Stamps and TANF Cases
Food Stamps Cases TANF Cash Assistance Cases
Dec Dec % change Dec Dec % change
2005 2006 Year 2005 2006 Year
Socorro 1211 1167 -3.6 214 201 -6.1
Catron 124 133 7.3 20 16 -20.0
Navajo 292 301 3.1 6 2 -66.7
Source: http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd/files/MSR1-2007.pdf
With the lower level of per capita income, as discussed above, Socorro County
residents do have income inequality with the rest of New Mexico residents.
According to the New Mexico Health Policy Commission 2007 Quick Facts, as of
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
October 2006, 13.96% of Socorro County residents are enrolled in Part A and/or Part
B Medicare. As of June 2006, 25.52% residents of Socorro County were enrolled in
Medicaid and 59.61% of children under 21 were enrolled. The Socorro County New
Mexico Human Services Department, Income Support Division, services Socorro
County, Catron County and the Alamo Navajo Reservation. Table 8, above, provides
information on Food Stamps and TANF Cash Assistance Cases for Socorro County.
In September 2007, Socorro County is ranked third in New Mexico for residents
receiving Food Stamps, with a rate of 19.3%. Socorro County also ranked 10th in
New Mexico for TANF recipients, with a rate of 2.4%. It is also important to note
that the lack of Alamo TANF cases is due to the Navajo Nation administering their
own program, whose numbers are not included here.
3.2.9 Education
3.2.9.1 National Rating
According to the findings of the Education State Rankings in 2006-2007, New
Mexico is ranked number 43; moving up seven spots from the last ranking, of 50,
from 2002 to 2004. This ranking is based on a survey done by Morgan Quitno Press
of the public school systems in all 50 states, with number one being the highest score.
States were graded on a variety of factors based on how they compare to the national
average. These included such positive attributes as per-pupil expenditures, public
high school graduation rates, average class size, student reading and math
proficiency, and pupil-teacher ratios. States received negative points for high dropout
rates and physical violence.
3.2.9.2 Graduation Rates
According to the Department of Education website, the Socorro Consolidated School
District served 126 seniors during the 2004-2005 school year, 96.0% graduated. Of
those graduates, 59.3% enrolled in two and four year institutions. In 2005-2006 the
Magdalena School District served 444 students. Of the 29 seniors enrolled during the
2004-2005 school year, 100% graduated. According to the 2000 US Census, the
Alamo Navajo Community School served 193 high school students. Of the seniors,
39% graduated, with a significant number of residents who have dropped out of
school. This could be a contributing factor to the increased poverty level.
3.2.9.3 Dropout Rate
Table 9: Socorro County 2004-2005 School District Dropout Rates
Membership Dropouts Membership Dropouts
Grade 7 & 8 Grade 7 & 8 Grade 7 & 8 Grade 9-12 Grade 9-12 Grade 9-12
Combined Combined Dropout Rate Combined Combined Dropout Rate
Socorro
Consolidated
Schools 951 17 1.80% 616 16 2.60%
Magdalena
Municipal
School
District 191 2 1.00% 121 2 1.70%
New Mexico 150,125 5488 3.70% 98182 4955 5.00%
Source: http://www.ped.state.nm.us/div/ais/data/dl/04-05-DropoutReport.pdf
23
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
The reported dropout rates for Socorro County are lower than the New Mexico State
Average. No information is available as to the factors explaining this outcome.
3.2.10 Languages spoken
According to Social Science Data Analysis Network, in 2000, in Socorro County
14.5% of persons older than 5 years spoke English less than ―Very Well.‖*** This
percentage is considerably higher than the U.S. rate of 8.1% and the New Mexico rate
of 11.9%. A SCOPE Community Partner, Literacy Volunteers of America, provides
ESL (English as a Second Language) tutoring to community residents.
Table 10: Languages Spoken Socorro County
1990 % 2000 %
Only English 54.2 57.7
Spanish 34.6 32.2
Other Indo-European* 1.2 1.3
Asian Language** 1.3 .7
Other 8.7 8.1
*"Other Indo-European" excludes English and Spanish. "Indo-European" is not synonymous with "European." French, German,
Hindi, and Persian are all classified as Indo-European. Hungarian, on the other hand, is lumped into "Other Language."
** "Asian Language" includes languages indigenous to Asia and Pacific islands areas that are not also Indo-European languages.
Chinese, Japanese, Telugu, and Hawaiian are all classified here.
***Ability to speak English "very well" is based on the self-assessment of those responding to Census questions, not on a test of
language ability.
Source: http://www.censusscope.org/us/s35/c53/chart_language.html
Table 11: Socorro County Population speaking English less than "very well"
Language Spoken at home 1990 2000
number number
Spanish 1,198 1,439
Other Indo-European* 59 12
Asian Language** 81 47
Other Language 859 952
Total Population Age 5+ 13,587 16,854
*"Other Indo-European" excludes English and Spanish. "Indo-European" is not synonymous with "European." French, German,
Hindi, and Persian are all classified as Indo-European. Hungarian, on the other hand, is lumped into "Other Language."
** "Asian Language" includes languages indigenous to Asia and Pacific islands areas that are not also Indo-European languages.
Chinese, Japanese, Telugu, and Hawaiian are all classified here.
***Ability to speak English "very well" is based on the self-assessment of those responding to Census questions, not on a test of
language ability.
Source: Social Science Data Network Website, based on 1990 and 2000 Census data. http://www.censusscope.org/
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
3.2.11 Employment and Industry
Socorro County had an unemployment rate of 3.5% in September 2006 according to the
New Mexico Department of Labor. In the New Mexico Department of Labor quarterly
report for the second quarter of 2006, the economy of Socorro County is largely based on
accommodation and food service jobs. There are many opportunities in the
accommodation and food services industry with 29 restaurant options and 13
hotels/motels, two of which were opened in 2007 in Socorro County.
Table 12: US Census 2003 Business Quickfacts Socorro County
Business QuickFacts Socorro County New Mexico
Private nonfarm establishments, 2003 267 43,568
Private nonfarm employment, 2003 2,697 571,381
Private nonfarm employment, percent change 2000-2003 5.7% 4.0%
Nonemployer establishments, 2003 818 107,751
Manufacturers shipments, 2002 ($1000) NA 10,168,130
Retail sales, 2002 ($1000) 76,722 18,328,637
Retail sales per capita, 2002 $4,270 $9,880
Minority-owned firms, percent of total, 1997 28.4% 28.5%
Women-owned firms, percent of total, 1997 22.3% 29.4%
Housing units authorized by building permits, 2004 4 12,555
Federal spending, 2004 ($1000) 172,182 19,863,967
Source: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html
Table 13: New Mexico Department of Labor Employment 2006 Quarter 1
New Mexico
Socorro (Avg:Selected New Mexico
QWI Quick Facts Socorro (Q1) (Avg:Selected
+ 3 Prior qtrs) (Q1)
+ 3 Prior qtrs)
Total_Employment 5,029 5,026 753,330 749,633
Net_Job_Flows -388 -115 -55,144 -11,782
Job_Creation 284 253 50,583 52,344
New_Hires 722 826 157,016 165,684
Separations 1,384 1,130 247,157 210,159
Turnover 15.30% 11.40% 16.90% 14.00%
Avg_Monthly_Earnings $2,572.00 $2,853.50 $2,890.00 $2,900.00
Avg_New_Hire_Earnings $1,494.00 $1,665.75 $1,978.00 $1,905.50
Source: http://www.dol.state.nm.us/lehd/newmexico.html
From Table 13, there were not a significant number of jobs created in the first quarter
of 2006. Those that were created had a higher percentage of turnover for the general
workforce.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 14: New Mexico Department of Labor Socorro County 2006 Quarter 2 Employment
2nd Qtr. 2006 (April,May,June) Quarterly Census of Employment And Wages Sector (2 digit) data for
Socorro County , Aggregate of all types
Averag
NAIC Emp. Emp. Emp.
Average Average e
S Industry Mont Month Month
Establishments Employment Weekly
Code h1 2 3
Wage
Agriculture, Forestry,
11 Fishing & Hunting 11 118 126 125 123 $454
21 Mining *** *** *** *** *** ***
22 Utilities *** *** *** *** *** ***
23 Construction 30 112 113 122 116 $433
31 Manufacturing 14 174 173 171 173 $595
42 Wholesale Trade *** *** *** *** *** ***
44 Retail Trade 41 509 524 518 517 $375
Transportation and
48 Warehousing 10 157 151 153 154 $539
51 Information 8 49 51 49 50 $431
52 Finance and Insurance 11 118 118 111 116 $465
Real Estate and Rental
53 and Leasing 11 38 38 40 39 $323
Professional and
54 Technical Services 33 478 477 471 475 $903
Management of
Companies and
55 Enterprises *** *** *** *** *** ***
Administrative and Waste
56 Services *** *** *** *** *** ***
61 Educational Services *** *** *** *** *** ***
Health Care and Social
62 Assistance 33 563 560 574 566 $593
Arts, Entertainment, and
71 Recreation *** *** *** *** *** ***
Accommodation and
72 Food Services 36 622 612 621 618 $209
Other Services, Ex.
81 Public Admin 17 44 47 46 46 $389
92 Public Administration 37 487 488 499 491 $864
Note: Asterisks indicate non-disclosable data
Source:
http://laser.state.nm.us/analyzer/ind202.asp?SuperSector=&detailtype=detailrecord&cat=IND&session=IND202&
subsession=99&geo=3504000053&areaname=Socorro+County++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++&tableused=INDUSTRY&defaultcode=&rollgeo=&roll=False&time=20060202&currsubsessavail=
&sgltime=0&siclevel=3&templvl=2&naicslvl=3&detaillvl=&searchtype=NAICS&naicscode=72,%2056,%2011,
%2071,%2023,%2061,%2052,%2062,%2051,%2055,%2031,%2021,%2081,%2054,%2092,%2053,%2044,%2048
,%2022,%2042
3.2.12 Other
3.2.12.1 Homelessness
Homeless people in New Mexico include families with children, people who are
working at low-wage or part-time jobs, people suffering from mental illness, those
with substance abuse problems, migrant workers, runaway or throwaway teens,
victims of domestic violence, disabled people, and veterans. Some of the factors
contributing to homelessness are major illnesses and disabilities, domestic violence,
mental illness and addictions.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
While the number of homeless persons in Socorro County is not currently available,
homelessness is recognized as an increasing problem in our county. A statewide
coalition on homelessness has been created and it is hoped that local statistics will be
available in the future as well as state and county plans for acting in response to the
suffering of those without adequate and safe shelter. As of 2001 various churches and
Puerto Seguro offer some relief to the homeless in Socorro County. In 2002, Puerto
Seguro helped 73 local single individuals, 44 transients, 1 battered family, 2 house
fire families, 29 veterans, and 76 other local families, including 150 children. The
first half of 2007 Puerto Seguro had 505 clients, 26 were children. They serviced 52
homeless and 36 transients. With over 2500 client visits, Puerto Seguro served over
2000 hot meals, clients took over 650 showers and did over 400 loads of laundry.
3.2.12.2 Hunger
New Mexico ranks among the seven highest in food insecurity and hunger according
to October 31, 2005 government figures from Brandeis University.
The study, Household Food Security in the United States, 2004, was conducted by the
university's Center on Hunger and Poverty at the Heller Graduate School. The study
revealed that 15.8% of New Mexicans are food insecure, which means households
that do not have enough to eat, or don't know where their next meal will come from.
This is up from 15.1% three years ago when the first study was conducted. The rate
of actual hunger, or lack of food, resulting from food insecurity is 4.9% state
residents experiencing hunger each year.
While there are no County statistics available for hunger, Socorro County’s
significantly higher poverty level indicates that the rate of hunger may be greater than
the state rate. The local food pantry, Socorro Storehouse, does not currently collect
data, but they are working on implementing a system soon. According to the Data
Collection and Reporting Bureau, 45.5% of students in the Socorro Consolidated
School District received free lunches during the 2005-2006 school year and 8.9%
received price reduced lunches.
3.3 Community Assets and Wellness
Socorro County has a diverse mix of towns with one major city and one major
village. The small towns with populations of several hundred have little community
infrastructure and few assets.
3.3.1 Physical
The City of Socorro maintains a city gym and activities facility and several city parks
with playgrounds. Clark Field contains public walking/running tracks, both paved
and cement trails, a skate park and a covered pavilion with picnic tables and cook out
grills. Sedillo Park is the largest and is situated across from Parkview Elementary
School and the Boys and Girls Club. It also has a covered pavilion with picnic tables
and cook out grills; has Soccer fields and Baseball Diamonds, and is situated adjacent
to the public swimming pool and tennis courts which were renovated between
Spring 2007 and Spring 2008.
New Mexico Tech University also maintains athletic fields, a pool and gym to which
Socorro residents may have access for minimal fees.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
The majority of streets are paved within the city and most main roads have sidewalks
and pedestrian crosswalks with access for the disabled.
The City of Socorro and the surrounding areas are enjoyed by mountain bikers,
runners, astronomers, hikers, campers, rock climbers, birders, geologists, rock
hounds, and photographers as they partake in the recreational opportunities presented
in the county. Socorro County has many wildlife areas that include the Sevilleta
National Wildlife Refuge, Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge and the Cibola
National Forest. Socorro County is also home to the Trinity Site where the first
Atomic Bomb experiments were conducted during WWII and the Very Large Array
(VLA), the world’s largest array of radio telescopes monitoring outer space.
3.3.2 Education
3.3.2.1 School Districts
Socorro County has three school districts, Socorro Consolidated, Magdalena
Municipal and Alamo Navajo Community Schools. The Veguita area at the north
central area of the county is served by the Belen School District in Valencia County.
The following are Socorro Consolidated School District schools, their grade levels
and New Mexico Department of Education ratings as of 2006.
Cottonwood Valley Charter K-8 Meets Standards
Midway Elementary K-5 Meets Standards
Parkview Elementary K-3 Probationary
San Antonio Elementary K-5 Meets Standards
Zimmerly Elementary 4-5 School Improvement I
R.S. Sarracino Middle School 6-8 School Improvement I
Socorro High School 9-12 School Improvement II
Aim High Alternative School 9-12 Meets Standards
The Socorro Consolidated School District serves the City of Socorro and outlying
areas of Lemitar, Luis Lopez, Polvedera, and San Antonio. According to the
Department of Education website, the Socorro Consolidated School District served
2,013 students in the 2005-2006 school year and averaged 14.2 students per teacher.
However, anecdotal reports indicate there may be, in some cases, in excess of 20
children per teacher. The state average is 15.0 students per teacher.
The following are Magdalena Municipal School District schools, their grade levels
and New Mexico Department of Education ratings for 2006:
Magdalena Elementary School Pre-K-5 Restructuring II
Magdalena Middle School 6-8 School Improvement I
Magdalena High School 9-12 Meets Standards
According to the Department of Education website, in the 2005-2006 school year,
Magdalena Municipal School District averaged 10.5 students per teacher compared to
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
the state average of 15.0. In 2005-2006 the Magdalena School District served 444
students.
Table 15: Alamo Community School Profile, 2000
Source: http://alamo.nndes.org/cms/kunde/rts/alamonndesorg/docs/429411100-09-29-2004-08-31-33o.pdf
Alamo has one K-12 nonpublic school, Alamo Navajo Community School. Data for
the school is outlined in Table 15.
3.3.2.2 Preschool
Even Start and Socorro Cooperative Nursery School provide preschool services in the
City of Socorro. Head start provides services to the City of Socorro and Veguita. See
Section 5.1.4.8 for more details.
3.3.2.3 Home schooled
According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, Table 16 shows the
number of home schooled students reported for the 1995 to 2005 school years.
Socorro has stayed the same. However, Magdalena has shown a significant drop in
home schooled students.
Table 16: Socorro County Home Schooled Students
94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05
Socorro 56 35 49 49 51 51 54 59 42 41 65
Magdalena 21 19 18 12 12 15 18 19 7 5 2
New Mexico 5337 6174 6666 6642 6083 6732 5858 6487 5669 6243 5582
Source: http://www.ped.state.nm.us/div/ais/data/fs/20/home.school.PDF
3.3.2.4 Post-Secondary Education
The following offer post-secondary education in Socorro County:
• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
• New Mexico Tech Community College
• Eastern New Mexico U/Tech Prep
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• UNM-Socorro Campus
3.3.2.5 Libraries
The Socorro Public Library and New Mexico Tech Library are open to the public for
leisure and research. Computers are available for internet use and creating or
working on school or work documents. Meeting rooms are also available for private
groups or public events. A public library is also available for residents in the Village
of Magdalena.
3.3.3 Social/Arts
For City of Socorro and Village of Magdalena residents, ample social activities are
available. One movie theater operates in the City of Socorro showing first run
movies. Both towns offer local, live theatre productions on regular basis. The civic
organizations are listed in the Socorro Resource Guide, see Appendix C. However,
for the rural residents, there are fewer opportunities for entertainment.
3.3.4 Individuals
Socorro County embraces its history and noted community leaders are honored in a
variety of styles. The naming of local events and local modern edifices are used to
pay tribute to notable citizens. The Socorro Historical Society has a large collection
of archival historical documents and photos, many of which are on display around
Socorro County.
3.3.5 Other
There is a wide offering of faiths throughout Socorro County as over 25 different
churches are available for residents to choose from. Twenty are located in the City of
Socorro. There are two in Peralta and in Magdalena and one in Veguita and in
Polvadera. Many offer services several times a week and welcome visitors.
3.4 Interpretation of the information in the Community Description
section
Narratives and interpretation of the data presented occurs in each section to assist the
reader as they see the information.
4 Community Health Status
4.1 Maternal child health indicators
4.1.1 Total Births
Figure 7: Socorro County and New Mexico Crude Birth Rates 2000-2005
Socorro Co. & NM Crude Birth Rates, 2000-2005
16.0
Births per 1000 population
14.6
NM Crude
15.0 14.8 14.9 14.8 14.9 14.4
14.0 Birth Rates
12.0
10.0 Socorro
8.7 8.6 Co.Crude
8.0 7.5 7.7 7.5 Birth Rates
6.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Sources: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics, NCHS Population Estimates 2000-03; UNM BBER, 2004, 2005
30
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 7 shows that from 2000 to 2004, the crude birth rates for Socorro County were
nearly half of the crude birth rates for New Mexico. However, crude birth rates for
Socorro County increased significantly from 2004 to 2005.
4.1.2 Births by Age
Table 17: Socorro County Resident Live Births by Age of Mother, 1995 and 2005
Socorro County Resident Births
by Age of Mother, 1995 and
2005
Age 1995 2005
15-19 69 52
20-24 79 82
25-29 47 67
30-34 37 36
35-39 16 20
40-44 3 5
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics
Table 17 and Table 18 show that Socorro County prevention, education and
intervention programs relating to teen pregnancy have significantly impacted the rate
of women in the age group of 15-24. See Section 4.1.5 for a detailed discussion on
teen births and the impact on the community.
Table 18: Socorro County Resident Live Births to Mothers <20 Years of Age, 2005
2005 Socorro County Resident Births to Mothers Under 20 Years of Age
Age 2005 Births 2005 Female Population Birth Rates
14 1 141 7.1
15 2 158 12.7
16 6 142 42.1
17 10 151 66.2
18 15 145 103.3
19 19 184 103.4
Total 53 922 57.5
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics, 2005; UNM BBER, 2005
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.1.3 Low birth weight
Table 19: Socorro County Percent Low Birth Weights, 2000 - 2005
Percent Socorro Co. Low Birth Weight (<2500 gm.)
2000-2005
Year
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
% NM Low Birthweight 8.0 7.9 8.0 8.4 8.2 8.5
% Socorro Co. Low Birthweight 10.0 8.3 4.3 6.0 8.4 12.4
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics, 2000-2005; NCHS Population Estimates 2000-03; UNM BBER,
2004, 2005
During a six year period, Socorro County had a higher percent of low birth weight
babies than New Mexico except in 2002 and 2003. This is most likely because many
women do not have insurance to cover the costs of prenatal care. A set of twins can
also change this number drastically. Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as an infant
weight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 lbs) at the time of delivery. Birth weight is one
of the most important factors in determining the survival and health of an infant. Low
birth weight is a public health problem since infants born with LBW have increased
infant mortality, morbidity, incidence of learning disabilities, and medical costs.
It’s estimated that 35% of the total nationwide health care costs for infants during the
first year of life are spent on LBW infants, approximately 7% of the births. Although
survival among LBW infants has improved considerably in recent years, those that
survive often have long-term health and developmental problems. The long-term
prognosis for LBW children depends greatly on the severity of their initial condition,
as well as the medical services provided shortly after birth. Children with LBW are
more likely than children with normal birth weight to have attention disorders,
developmental impairments, breathing problems (e.g., asthma), and learning
disabilities. All categories of LBW children are more likely to be enrolled in special
education classes than normal birth weight children, and half of all children who were
very LBW are enrolled in special education classes.
4.1.4 High birth weight
Table 20: Socorro County Percent High Birthweight, 1994-2005
Percent Socorro Co. High Birth Weight (>4000gm.),
1994 - 2005
1994-1996 1997-1999 2000-2002 2004 2005
3.30% 4.50% 4.90% 6.50% 4.90%
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics,1994-2005.
From the table above, Socorro County has had a steady percentage of high birth
weight babies.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.1.5 Births to teens
Figure 8: Socorro County Resident Live Births to Mothers Age 15-17, 2000 - 2005
Birth Rates for Socorro Co. & NM 15-17 y.o. Females,
2000-2005
Births per 1000 females 15-17 y.o.
45
41.7
40.3 NM Teen Birth
40 39.7 39.9 Rates (15-17
y.o.females)
38.0 37.3 37.4
36.1 35.7
35 Socorro Co.Teen
32.8 Birth Rates (15-
17y.o. females)
30 31.4
28.5
25
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics,2000-2005; NCHS Population Estimates 2000-03; UNM BBER,
2004, 2005.
Figure 8 shows the variability in the younger teen birth rate in Socorro County
compared to the steady decrease in the New Mexico state rate over six years.
According to the 2003 NM DOH publication, The Economic Impact of Teenage
Childbearing in New Mexico, forming a family as a teenager has a large negative
impact on one’s own earnings and those of the spouses, if married, compared to
women who delay childbirth. These families receive considerably more public
assistance compared to older parents. Published research reveals that nearly all this
negative impact is due to factors other than childbirth, that describe the socio-
economic conditions that lead teenage women to get pregnant and form families. The
gross difference between the economic outcome for households headed by teenage
parents and those headed by women who delay childbirth until age 20 or 21 is
estimated at $75,000 to $200,000 less over a lifetime.
Public assistance to families formed by teenagers in New Mexico creates a gross
burden to taxpayers of nearly $524 - $651 million dollars annually over the burden
created by families formed by women who delay childbirth. Taxpayers could avoid
about one-third of this burden if teenage women delayed childbirth, but the influence
of all the underlying socio-economic factors must be offset to realize the full tax
savings measured. The majority of tax savings would go to New Mexico taxpayers.
While the teenage parents and taxpayers are important constituents to identify
separately in the analysis, the overall impact of families formed by teenagers falls on
society as a whole. The gross gain in economic well-being if teenagers were to delay
parenting until at least age 20 or 21 is over $500 million annually. Reducing teenage
childbirth in New Mexico to zero, but not addressing the underlying socio-economic
factors related to teenage pregnancy and childbirth would realize an annual gain to
society of $216 million. The majority of these gains would accrue to New Mexico
residents.
33
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Parenting is always a challenging task and requires community support in many
forms. Teen mothers and their children often face the challenges of limited access to
education, jobs, safe housing and childcare. While there are County programs to
support the health, well-being and development of teen mothers and their children,
the need for further support and prevention remains high. Healthy Family Initiative
and New Mexico GRADS are active in Socorro and have implemented several
strategies, including a very effective risk avoidance program, to reduce the teen
pregnancy rate.
According to the Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS), administered to Socorro
County high school students in the fall of 2003 and 2005:
Respondents were asked how old they were when they had sexual intercourse the
first time. Their responses are as follows:
2003 2005
• Never 52.2% 55.1%
• 11 years or younger 10.2% 7.8%
• 12 years old 3.9% 2.4%
• 13 years old 6.5% 5.0%
• 14 years old 10.2% 10.7%
• 15 years old 7.2% 9.7%
• 16 years old 7.4% 5.5%
• 17 years or older 2.2% 3.8%
This shows that almost 3% of Socorro County students have not had sexual
intercourse in 2005 than in 2003. Only three age groups, 14, 15, and 17 year olds,
had increased their sexual activity.
The report also indicated that 11.3% of the YRRS respondents said they had had
sexual intercourse with 2 or more people in the 12 months preceding the survey;
showing a decrease of 1.5% from the 2003 YRRS results. Further breaking down the
question, 3.6% indicated that they had had sexual intercourse with 5 or more people
in the 12 months preceding the survey; showing a decrease of 7.0% from the 2003
YRRS results.
The YRRS asked which method the respondent or their partner used to prevent
pregnancy the last time they had sexual intercourse. Respondents replied 6.5% ―No
Method‖ and 4.1% ―Not Sure;‖ showing a 6.2% decrease and 0.9% increase,
respectively, from 2003 to 2005.
While some teen parents may not view adolescent pregnancy as an interruption to
health, data is abundant to support the concerns of national and global communities
regarding teen pregnancy. Teen mothers have more limited opportunities for
education and employment, which increases the probability that they and their
children will live in poverty. The need for information regarding puberty, disease
prevention, and general sexual health, and for older adolescents, knowledge of and
34
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
access to contraceptive methods for those choosing to become sexually active
remains high. Based on the data and anecdotal evidence, the SCOPE Council has
name Teen Pregnancy as one of their priorities.
4.1.6 Births to single mothers
Figure 9: Socorro County Percent Resident Live Births to Single Mothers, 2000 - 2004
Percent of Births to Single Mothers in Socorro Co.& NM, 2000-2004
60
59.6
59.1
57.5 % NM
58.1 Births to
Percent of all County Births
Single
Mothers
55
55
52.5
52.5 %
Socorro
50 Co.
49.1 Births to
48.5 Single
Mothers
47.5 46.9
46.3
45.6
45
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics, NCHS Population Estimates 2000-03 UNM BBER, 2004
Figure 9 indicated that the percent of births to single mothers in Socorro County have
decreased over five years, while the percent of births to single mothers in New
Mexico are slowly rising.
According to the Heritage Foundation website, the elevated health risks of children in
single-parent homes, relative to children in intact families, can be attributed to
elevated poverty rates in such households; the child poverty rate in such homes is
more than five times the rate for children in two-parent families. Yet, even after
adjusting for poverty and race, children who live with single mothers have
approximately 50 percent greater likelihood of having poor/fair health status than
children living in two-parent families.
According to Kids Count, poor children are more likely to grow up to become teen or
single parents, and teen or single parents are more likely to raise their own children in
poverty. Socorro County’s high percentage of births to single parents is both one of
the causes of, and one of the effects of the County’s high poverty rate.
4.1.7 Prenatal care level
The table below indicates that more Socorro County women than New Mexico
women get early prenatal care and fewer get late prenatal care than New Mexico
women.
35
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 21: Socorro County Adequacy of Prenatal Care 2000-2004
Percent Prenatal Care Levels, 2000-2004
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Hi
Socorro Co. 56.5 57.1 59.7 57.6 55.9
New Mexico 51.4 52.3 51.6 51 49.6
Mid
Socorro Co. 26.4 32.5 29.4 25.8 29.1
New Mexico 29.6 30.2 30.6 30.7 30
Lo/No
Socorro Co. 11.9 9.6 9.5 11.1 7.7
New Mexico 13.1 11.3 12.1 12.5 10.7
Source: NM Vital Records & Health Statistics, 2000-2004; NCHS Population Estimates 2000-03; UNM BBER,
2004
4.1.8 Infant mortality
Table 22: Socorro County Resident Infant Deaths, 2000-2005
Resident Infant Deaths, Neonatal, and Postneonatal Mortality Rates, 2000-2005
2000-2004 2005 2000-2004 2000-2004
Total Infant Total Infant Neonatal Postneonatal
Deaths Deaths (Under 28 (28 Days to
(Under 1 Year) (Under 1 Year) Days) Under 1 Year)
Socorro County 1.90% 7.52% 1.90% 0.00%
New Mexico 6.10% 6.21% 3.80% 2.40%
Source: http://www.health.state.nm.us/pdf/2004AnnualReport.pdf
Socorro County has a lower infant mortality rate than New Mexico, which can be
due, in part, to the higher rate of prenatal care for Socorro County women than New
Mexican women, Section 4.1.7.
4.2 Mortality – General
4.2.1 Total Deaths
According to the 2005 Vital Statistics Summary from the Bureau of Vital Records and
Health Statistics there were 156 deaths in Socorro County and 14,866 deaths in New
Mexico (See Table 23). Figure 11 indicates that there is a higher death rate for
Socorro County than for New Mexico as a whole.
In addition, there is also a higher population of uninsured or underinsured residents in
New Mexico that could contribute to either a lack of detection of medical problems or
a diagnosis during a later stage of the disease increasing the chance of a fatality.
Finally, according to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer rates are significantly
higher for Native Americans. This should be of concern for Socorro County as it
does have a significant Native American population.
36
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 10: Age-Adjusted Death Rates, 2000 - 2004
Age-Adjusted Death Rates, 2000 - 2004
1000
Deaths/100,000 Population
950
900
Socorro Co.
850
New Mexico
800
750
700
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Year
Source: New Mexico Selected Health Statistics Annual Report: 2004
4.2.2 General Mortality or Death Rate
Chronic diseases (diseases of the heart, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower
respiratory diseases, cerebro-vascular diseases, and influenza and pneumonia)
account for the top five leading causes of death. The death rate is higher than the
birth rate for Socorro County. With a relatively stable overall population, any
population growth would be due to the migration of people from outside the county.
4.2.3 Deaths by Gender
Table 23: Socorro County Number of Deaths by Sex, 2005
Number of Deaths, 2005
Males Females Total
Socorro
County 81 75 156
New Mexico 7824 7042 14866
Source: Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, http://www.health.state.nm.us/pdf/05_monograph.pdf
Roughly 52% of the deaths in Socorro County in 2005 were males and 48% were
females. However, throughout New Mexico, 44% of the deaths were male and 56%
were females. This is an 8% difference between Socorro County and New Mexico.
4.2.4 Deaths by Age Group
Not reporting at this time.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.2.5 Deaths by Race/Ethnicity
Table 24: Cancer Morality Among Non-Hispanic White Males Number and Incidence Rate,
1995-2004 Aggregated
Cancer Mortality Among Non-Hispanic White Males Number and Incidence
Rate, 1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 77 216.8 9858 218.2
Prostate 6 20.9 1243 30.2
Lung and Bronchus 20 52.4 2799 60
Colon and Rectum 11 29.2 920 20.3
Urinary Bladder 3 7.5 303 6.9
Myeloma 0 - 194 4.2
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 6 17.4 394 8.7
Leukemia 4 12.4 446 10.1
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 3 10.3 277 6
Pancreas 4 13.2 500 10.7
Stomach 0 - 199 4.4
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct 0 - 266 5.8
Esophagus 1 2.2 349 7.4
Brain and Other Nervous System 1 2.7 271 5.9
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
Table 25: Cancer Mortality Among Hispanic Males Number and Incidence Rate, 1995-2004
Aggregated
Cancer Mortality Among Hispanic Males Number and Incidence Rate
1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 65 238.5 4224 203.4
Prostate 14 59.6 519 29.9
Lung and Bronchus 15 51.6 855 41.5
Colon and Rectum 12 41.9 508 24.6
Urinary Bladder 1 2.7 81 4.5
Myeloma 0 - 95 -
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 0 - 155 7.1
Leukemia 3 11.4 160 6.7
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 0 - 140 6.2
Pancreas 2 8 257 12.1
Stomach 3 12.2 249 12
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct 6 20.1 279 12.4
Esophagus 2 7.6 115 5.3
Brain and Other Nervous System 1 2.7 108 4.3
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
38
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 26: Cancer Mortality Among Non-Hispanic White Females Number and Incidence Rate,
1995-2004 Aggregated
Cancer Mortality Among Non-Hispanic White Females Number and Incidence
Rate, 1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 65 157.1 8887 153
Breast 12 30 1502 26.7
Lung and Bronchus 19 45.2 2174 37.3
Colon and Rectum 5 12.2 851 14.2
Uterus 5 12.5 198 3.4
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 2 4.8 360 6.1
Ovary 0 - 491 8.5
Leukemia 1 2.4 303 5.3
Pancreas 2 4.7 507 8.5
Cervix Uteri 1 3.6 109 2
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 2 4.9 136 2.3
Stomach 0 - 125 2.1
Brain and Other Nervous System 0 - 204 3.8
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct 2 4.6 181 3.1
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
Table 27: Cancer Mortality Among Hispanic Females Number and Incidence Rate, 1995-2004
Aggregated
Cancer Mortality Among Hispanic Females Number and Incidence Rate
1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 55 151.6 3718 137.7
Breast 12 34.7 604 21.4
Lung and Bronchus 9 25.8 541 20.5
Colon and Rectum 5 13.3 402 15.2
Uterus 2 6.3 96 3.5
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 3 8.7 134 5
Ovary 2 5.2 200 7.3
Leukemia 2 4.5 124 4.4
Pancreas 2 5.2 251 9.6
Cervix Uteri 0 - 92 3.2
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 0 - 102 3.8
Stomach 2 5 176 6.7
Brain and Other Nervous System 1 2.5 76 2.6
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct 1 3.2 152 5.8
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
Table 24 and Table 25 show the cancer morality rates among men in Socorro County
and New Mexico. Tables 26 and 27 show the cancer morality rates among women in
Socorro County and New Mexico. Lung and bronchus cancer accounts for the
highest morality rate for both non-Hispanic white males and Hispanic males of
Socorro County. While lung and bronchus cancer accounts for the highest morality
39
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
rate for non-Hispanic white females in Socorro County, breast cancer mortality rates
are highest for Socorro County Hispanic females.
4.3 Leading Causes of Death
Table 28: Leading Causes of Death, 2005
Leading Causes of Death, Numbers of Deaths, 2005
New Mexico Socorro County
Diseases of heart 3376 32
Malignant neoplasms 3145 36
Accidents (unintentional
injuries) 1192 18
Chronic lower respiratory
diseases 866 6
Cerebro-vascular
disease 625 7
Diabetes 623 5
Influenza & pneumonia 351 1
Alzheimer's disease 345 6
Intentional self-harm
(suicide) 341 2
Chronic liver disease &
cirrhosis 286 4
Nephritis, nephrotic
syndrome & nephrosis 248 1
Essential (primary)
hypertension &
hypertensive disease 169 4
Parkinson's disease 153 3
Assault (homicide) 151 1
Septicemia 130 2
Total Deaths 14866 156
Source: 2005 Vital Statistics Summary, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics;
http://www.health.state.nm.us/pdf/05_monograph.pdf
Tables 28 show disease of the heart, malignant neoplasms, and accidents
(unintentional injuries) were the top three causes of death in Socorro County for
2005. This is the same as in 2004.
4.4 Chronic Disease Indicators
4.4.1 Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL)
Not reporting at this time.
4.4.2 Heart Disease
According to Table 29, Socorro County had 32 deaths caused by heart disease in
2005. The rate for Socorro County is much higher that for the State.
Table 29: Number and Rate of Death from Heart Diseases, 2005
Number and Rate of Death from Heart
Diseases, 2005
Number Rate
Males 17 224.2
Socorro
County Females 15 169.9
Total 32 202.8
Males 1788 218
New Mexico Females 1588 143.2
Total 3376 176.8
Source: New Mexico Selected Health Statistics Annual Report, 2005
40
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.4.3 Cancer (Malignant Neoplasms)
Table 30: Cancer Among Non-Hispanic White Males Number and Incidence Rate, 1995 -2004
Aggregate
Cancer Among Non-Hispanic White Males Number and Incidence Rate,
1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 194 503.7 25360 537.8
Prostate 59 148.3 7994 164.3
Lung and Bronchus 30 78.5 3370 71
Colon and Rectum 22 53.1 2461 52.4
Urinary Bladder 14 35.1 1630 35
Melanoma 11 27.2 1518 33.2
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 8 25.7 946 20.5
Leukemia 9 27.7 872 19.3
Oral Cavity and Pharynx 6 14.7 850 17.7
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 5 13.1 671 14.1
Pancreas 3 10.3 547 11.5
Stomach 1 4.8 330 7.2
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct 2 5.1 283 6
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
Table 31: Cancer Among Hispanic Males Number and Incidence Rate, 1995 -2004 Aggregate
Cancer Incidence Among Hispanic Males Number and Incidence Rate
1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 126 416.7 9931 432.3
Prostate 47 155.2 3048 137.2
Lung and Bronchus 16 57.3 1009 47.7
Colon and Rectum 19 59.6 1207 54
Urinary Bladder 4 15.7 376 18
Melanoma 1 2.4 82 3.2
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 2 5.3 369 14.9
Leukemia 4 15 298 11.2
Oral Cavity and Pharynx 5 16.3 268 10.9
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 1 2.7 446 18.1
Pancreas 2 8 281 12.9
Stomach 2 7.7 347 15.8
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct 4 11.5 257 14.8
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
Table 30 and Table 31 show that prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed for
both non-Hispanic White and Hispanic males in Socorro County during the period
1995-2004. To address this issue, the Prostate Health and Awareness Group held the
first prostate health fair in the City of Socorro in early Spring 2005. They also attend
community events such as the Family Funfest to provide information and awareness.
41
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 32: Cancer Among Non-Hispanic White Females Number and Incidence Rate, 1995 -2004
Aggregate
Cancer Among Non-Hispanic White Females Number and
Incidence Rate, 1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 146 356.3 22644 414.4
Breast 43 102.4 7448 137
Lung and Bronchus 17 41.2 2710 47
Colon and Rectum 13 31.1 2183 37.6
Melanoma 5 14.2 1071 21.9
Uterus 12 27.1 1187 21.4
Thyroid 13 33 727 15.9
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 7 16.7 847 15.3
Ovary 2 5.8 756 13.9
Leukemia 4 10.5 600 11.3
Urinary Bladder 5 13 570 9.8
Pancreas 1 2.4 512 8.7
Cervix Uteri 3 8 386 8.2
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 3 7.2 371 6.7
Stomach 2 4.7 182 3.2
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
Table 33: Cancer Among Hispanic Females Number and Incidence Rate, 1995 -2004 Aggregate
Cancer Among Hispanic Females Number and Incidence Rate,
1995-2004 Aggregate
Socorro County New Mexico
Site Number Rate Number Rate
All Cancers 108 295.4 8700 303.7
Breast 29 81 2702 92.6
Lung and Bronchus 10 27.6 641 23.9
Colon and Rectum 6 14.3 926 34.1
Melanoma 1 3 140 4.5
Uterus 6 16.6 445 15.3
Thyroid 6 16.7 403 12.6
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 4 10.7 294 10.5
Ovary 3 7.6 324 11.2
Leukemia 2 5.8 225 7.2
Urinary Bladder 1 3 129 4.9
Pancreas 2 5.2 266 9.9
Cervix Uteri 6 16.2 317 10.1
Kidney and Renal Pelvis 4 11.6 282 10
Stomach 2 5 243 9
Source: New Mexico Tumor Registry, Charles Wiggins, Director
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Table 32 and 33 show that breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis for both non-
Hispanic white and Hispanic females in Socorro County. An active breast cancer
awareness program is not available in Socorro County.
The county does have an active American Cancer Society that holds community
events regarding cancer awareness and prevention. In the early summer, the group
has an annual Relay for Life event which typically raises about $20,000 and involves
community members from a diverse background.
4.4.4 Stroke (Cerebrovascular Diseases)
In 2004 Cerebrovascular disease was the sixth leading cause of death in Socorro
County, however, in 2005 stroke was ranked as the fourth leading cause of death.
4.4.5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
According to the MedicineNet website, ―chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is comprised primarily of two related diseases - chronic bronchitis and
emphysema. In both diseases, there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through
the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and
progressive over time.‖ In 2005, chronic lower respiratory disease ranked fourth in
the leading causes of death in Socorro County. See Sections 4.4.3, 4.4.8 and 4.6.4 for
more regarding causes and influences of COPD for Socorro County residents.
4.4.6 Diabetes
Table 29 shows that diabetes was the fourth leading cause of death in 2004 and the
seventh in 2005 for Socorro County. Both obesity and diabetes are becoming
significant health problems, not just in Socorro County, but nationwide. Obesity is a
risk factor for diabetes as well as many other health issues. In 2004, the CDC
(http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/scientific.htm#diabetes) estimates that, given current
trends, just over 52% of all Hispanic females born in 2000 will develop diabetes at
some point in their lives. This is an estimate of significant concern, given the
County’s large Hispanic population. The CDC estimates for males and females are as
follows:
• Males – 1 in 3 chance
• Females – 2 in 5 chance
The 2003 NM DOH Socorro County Health Profile lists at least 9.5% of the adult
population with Diabetes. The 2003 Selected Health Behaviors and Conditions of
New Mexicans report a 9.7% diagnosed response rate for Diabetes. Currently there
are two diabetic educators for the county.
According to YRRS data, Socorro County students reported:
2001 2003 2005
Not adequate or no physical activity 50.5% 58.1% 48.2%
Overweight or obese 18.7% 24.1% 23.1%
Both are under the New Mexico students as a whole for 2005, 51.5% and 26.6%
respectively.
43
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.4.7 Arthritis
According to the New Mexico Department of Health Strategic Arthritis Plan 2000-
2005, there were an estimated 2,510 cases of arthritis in Socorro County in 2000. It is
estimated that by 2020 that number will have reached 3,668
(http://www.arthritisnm.org/documents/arthritis_plan.pdf, p.4). The Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Selected Survey (BRFSS) for
Socorro County asked adults if they had been diagnosed with arthritis and 19.3% said
―yes‖ with a 95% confidence rate. This seems to support the estimates listed in the
NMDOH Arthritis Plan.
4.4.8 Asthma
Table 34 indicates the average rate of asthma hospital discharges by age group. The
American Lung Association reports that in 2002 Socorro County had 404 cases of
pediatric asthma and 1,034 cases of adult asthma.
Table 34: Rate of Asthma Hospital Discharges by Age Group, 1999-2003 Average
Rate of Asthma Hospital Discharges by Age Group,
1999-2003 Average
0-4 5 - 14 15 - 34 35 - 64 65+ All
Years Years Years Years Years Ages
Socorro
County 14.4 14.2 2.2 9.7 7 8.3
New Mexico 28.9 13.9 4.5 7.3 12.4 9.6
Source: 2006 Asthma Burden Report Revised
4.4.9 Disability
There are several areas of disability for Socorro County residents and they vary
among the diverse populations. The U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts estimates 3,591
disabled residents ages 5+ living in Socorro County
(http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html). There are several agencies
and services available to these populations: Socorro Mental Health Casa de
Esperanza, Community Means All People, Tresco, Independent Living Resource
Center, Workforce Connection of New Mexico, Presbyterian Heritage Program and
the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. See Section 5.1 for some additional
details. In particular though, employment has been one of the greatest challenges the
disabled face in Socorro. Specifically, the challenges are:
General stigma and discrimination
Lack of work experience
Limited job opportunities
Lack of understanding of disability benefits and entitlements
Lack of support from family and friends
4.4.10 Oral Health
Socorro County is not a medically underserved area for dentists when considering the
number of dentists per population density. However, it is known that all of the
dentists practice within the City of Socorro, so rural residents have much further to
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
travel for treatment. Strides have been made in providing mobile services to Northern
Socorro County. Since the need has been shown, the Blue Cross Blue Shield dental
van has visited the Veguita area several times this year. No information is currently
available on the numbers of children or adults who regularly visit the dentists.
4.4.11 Other
Currently, there are several services available for mental and behavioral health. Such
services may be attained through Socorro Mental Health, Terra Luna Counseling, and
the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office (See Section 5.1.4.8).
4.5 Infectious Disease Indicators
4.5.1 Leading causes of infectious diseases
Not reporting at this time.
4.5.2 Influenza
Not reporting at this time.
4.5.3 Pneumonia
Not reporting at this time.
4.5.4 Food-borne Infectious Diseases (Campylobacter, Salmonella, E.
coli, Shigella)
Table 35 shows the rate for Campylobacter infection in Socorro County is almost four
times higher than that for New Mexico; the rate for Salmonella infection is almost
two times higher than that for New Mexico. No Shigella cases were reported in
Socorro County in 2005.
Table 35: Socorro County Food-borne Infectious Diseases, 2005
Socorro County New Mexico
Infectious Disease Rate per Rate per
Number 100,000 Number 100,000
of Cases population of Cases population
Campylobacteriosis 10 54.4 358 13.8
Salmonnellosis 4 21.8 251 13
Shigellosis 0 - 137 7.1
Source: New Mexico Department of Health: http://www.health.state.nm.us/epi/hdata.html
4.5.5 Hepatitis
Overall, the rate of Hepatitis A is almost 7 times higher in Socorro County than for
New Mexico and no cases of Acute Hepatitis B were reported in Socorro County for
2005.
Table 36: Socorro County Hepatitis Rates, 2005
Socorro County New Mexico
Infectious Disease Rate per Rate per
Number 100,000 Number 100,000
of Cases population of Cases population
Hepatitis A 2 10.9 28 1.5
Acute Hepatitis B 0 - 20 1
Source: New Mexico Department of Health: http://www.health.state.nm.us/epi/hdata.html
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.5.6 Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Table 37: Socorro County Pertussis Rates, 2005
Socorro County New Mexico
Infectious Number Rate per Number Rate per
Disease of 100,000 of 100,000
Cases population Cases population
Pertussis 1 5.4 196 10.2
Source: New Mexico Department of Health: http://www.health.state.nm.us/epi/hdata.html
From Table 37 the rate of Pertussis in Socorro County is half of that for New Mexico
for 2005.
4.5.7 Tuberculosis
Table 38: Socorro County Tuberculosis Cases by Rate, 2005
Tuberculosis Cases by Rate 2005
Population TB Cases Case Rate
Socorro
County 19802 0 0
NM 1970982 39 1.98
USA 296410404 14093 4.8
Source DOH website: http://www.health.state.nm.us/PHD/Infectious_Diseases/TB/2005TBcaserates.pdf
From Table 38, in 2005 there were no reported cases of Tuberculosis in Socorro
County. This can be due to an active effort by local employers to do TB testing as an
employment screening and the lower population density in the county.
4.5.8 Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis
Figure 11: Socorro County Chlamydia Infection Rates, 2000-2005
Chlamydia Rates, Socorro County, 2000-2005
600
Cases /100,000 population
500
400 USA
300 NM
200 Socorro Co.
100
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Year
Source: NM DOH: http://www.health.state.nm.us/std/pdf/ChlamydiaCasesAgeSexCounty.pdf
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 12: Socorro County Cases of Chlamydia for Males and Females, 2000-2005
Cases of Chlamydia
45
40
Number of Cases
35
30
25 Females
20 Males
15
10
5
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Years
Source: NM DOH: http://www.health.state.nm.us/std/pdf/ChlamydiaCasesAgeSexCounty.pdf
Figure 11 shows the rate of reported cases of Chlamydia per 100,000 population in
Socorro County, New Mexico and the United States from 2000-2005. In each year,
Socorro County had lower rates compared to New Mexico and the United States.
However, all three rates have increased from 1999 to 2005. Figure 12 shows the
number of male and female Chlamydia cases reported in Socorro County. The
number of female cases exceeds the number of male cases by nearly 5:1.
Figure 13: Socorro County Rate of Gonorrhea, 2000-2005
Rate of Gonorrhea, 2000-2005
140
120
Rate/100,000
100
US
80
NM
60
Socorro Co.
40
20
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Year
Source: NM DOH: http://www.health.state.nm.us/std/pdf/GonorrheaCasesbyAgeSexCounty.pdf
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 14: Socorro County Reported Gonorrhea Cases, 1999-2005
Reported Cases of Gonorrhea, 1999-2005
7
Number of Cases
6
5
4 Females
3 Males
2
1
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Year
Source: NM DOH: http://www.health.state.nm.us/std/pdf/GonorrheaCasesbyAgeSexCounty.pdf
Figure 13 shows the Gonorrhea infection rates in Socorro County, New Mexico and
the United States from 2000-2005. In each year, Socorro County rates were well
below those of New Mexico and the United States. While the rate is relatively steady
for Socorro County, New Mexico’s rate is slowly rising and the United States’ is
slowly decreasing. Figure 14 shows the number of male and female Gonorrhea cases
reported in Socorro County. There have not been more than six female and two male
cases of Gonorrhea reported per year in Socorro County in the last seven years.
The information in Figures 11-14 may reflect a lower occurrence of STD screening
combined with a generalized low condom use among sexually active teens, as
reported on the 2003 and 2005 YRRS. Other explanations for the underreporting may
include that diagnosis and treatment of infected Socorro County residents may occur
outside the county or a lack of access to diagnosis and treatment services. According
to the New Mexico Department of Health there have been no reported cases of
Syphilis in Socorro County.
4.5.9 Sexually Transmitted Diseases: HIV/AIDS
According to the New Mexico HIV/AIDS Annual Report:2005
(http://www.health.state.nm.us/epi/pdf/HIV_Annual_Surv_Report_2005.pdf) there
were 20 new cases of HIV and 18 new cases of AIDS in the Southwest Region of
New Mexico. This region includes Torrance, Catron, Socorro, Lincoln, Grant, Sierra,
Hidalgo, Luna, Doña Ana and Otero County.
4.5.10 Other
The Socorro County Commissioners passed an enhanced animal control ordinance in
Spring 2005 to deal with a large population of dogs that had been interfering with
pedestrian, cycling and motor traffic in the county. These incidents are of much
greater threat than rabies as they contribute to unintentional injuries to both youths
and adults.
In 2004, two cases of West Nile Virus were reported to the Centers for Disease
Control by Seminarians for Socorro County. Between 2003 and 2006, five Human
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
West Nile cases were reported. In part, this can be attributed to a vigorous spraying
of water habitats within the county to reduce the mosquito population.
4.6 Environmental Health Indicators
4.6.1 Safe streets, neighborhoods, parks
The SCOPE Community Satisfaction Survey for 2007 revealed that 89.9% of Socorro
County residents feel they live in a safe neighborhood and 54.3% feel the community
has playgrounds that are safe, well lit and in good repair. Just under 70% feel there is
not enough access for persons with disabilities, such as curb cuts, safe sidewalks, or
audible traffic signals. This could be do to how the communities in the County are
laid out. The City of Socorro is the only community with stop lights. The City of
Socorro and Magdalena are the only communities that have sidewalks. Only 4.7% of
Socorro County residents feel there are enough biking lanes in the streets for bike
traffic and 13.6% felt there were enough biking paths in the community.
4.6.2 Food Safety
Socorro County had one food inspector who covered both Socorro County and parts
of Valencia County. He left the position in Spring 2005 and it is unknown if the
replacement will reside in Socorro County. The 2005 New Mexico Department of
Health Food-borne reports does show a large number of food-borne illnesses reported
for the county (See Section 4.5.4).
4.6.3 Water Quality
Table 39: Socorro County Watersheds and Reported Issues
Watershed Watershed Characterization Category
Caballo Less Serious Water Quality Problems - Low Vulnerability
Elephant Butte Reservoir More Serious Water Quality Problems - Low Vulnerability
Jornada Del Muerto Insufficient Data
Plains Of San Agustin Insufficient Data
Rio Grande-Albuquerque More Serious Water Quality Problems - Low Vulnerability
Rio Puerco More Serious Water Quality Problems - Low Vulnerability
Rio Salado Insufficient Data
Tularosa Valley Insufficient Data
Western Estancia Insufficient Data
Source: http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/water/watersheds-in-
region.tcl?fips_county_code=35053&type=iwi
According to the EPA Scorecard (www.scorecard.org), the Clean Water Act requires
surface water quality to be high enough to support fish and wildlife populations,
protect drinking water sources, and allow for human recreation. Nationwide, 36% of
rivers and streams, 39% of lakes and reservoirs, and 38% of estuaries are not
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
supporting at least one of these uses. Many more waterways are either threatened by
degradation, or lack the data required to assess their condition.
Socorro County contains a portion of 9 watersheds: Caballo, Elephant Butte
Reservoir, Jornada Del Muerto, Plains of San Augustin, Rio Grande, Rio Puerco, Rio
Salado, Tularosa Valley and Western Estancia.
4.6.4 Air Quality (Indoor, Outdoor)
The EPA Scorecard does not have an air monitoring station for Socorro County. No
data is available showing Air Quality in Socorro to be poor. Recently, the 2007 New
Mexico Legislative session passed the Clean Indoor Air Act, which takes effect on
June 15, 2007. All but two restaurants have been smoke free since local City efforts
in 2002.
4.6.5 Lead
According to the EPA Scorecard (www.scorecard.org), the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) considers lead poisoning one of the foremost environmental health
threats to children in the U.S. In 2004, almost a half million children - 2.2% of all
pre-schoolers - have enough lead in their blood to reduce intelligence and attention
span, cause learning disabilities, and permanently damage a child's brain and nervous
system. Childhood lead poisoning is completely preventable. Most children are
poisoned by lead in and around their home when they are exposed to harmful levels
of lead-contaminated dust, deteriorated lead-based paint, and lead-contaminated soil.
The two key risk factors linked to elevated blood lead levels in children are living in
older housing and living in a low income household.
Figure 15: Socorro County Percent of Children Tested with Blood Lead Levels 1994-2000
Source: 2003 New Mexico Socorro County Health Profile – NM DOH.
http://dohewbs2.health.state.nm.us/VitalRec/County%20Profiles/SocorroProfile.pdf
According to the NM Department of Health 2003 Socorro County Profile, 22.1% of
houses in Socorro County were built prior to 1950. According to the EPA Scorecard,
Socorro County ranks 14th in New Mexico for the number of households with
potential lead hazards having 340 homes at risk.
The NM DOH 2003 Socorro County Health Profile lists six children testing positive
for high blood levels and one in 2002 out of approximately the 5.2% of children
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
tested. With a serious decline in testing and screening no conclusions can be drawn if
elevated blood lead levels are of significant health concern.
4.6.6 Other
4.6.6.1 Environmental Health Forum
An Environmental Health Forum was publicly advertised and held on February 19,
2004 in the City of Socorro Council Chambers. Twenty Socorro County residents
attended the Forum. Zip codes represented were; 87801, 87828, and 87832.
The attendees were given a written survey to complete prior to discussion. The
survey asked attendees to ―Check which of the listed environmental factors are most
important to you.‖ Below are the six issues that received the most checkmarks.
Issue Number of checks
Alcohol and Drug Abuse 14
Drought 11
Disease (rabies, plague, west nile) 10
Radiological materials 10
Domestic Violence 10
Poverty 10
After completion of the written survey, the attendees brainstormed factors that affect
Environmental Health in Socorro County. They were then given five votes each and
asked to choose the most important factors. The top five issues are as follows:
Trash/Debris – This includes trash and litter on public and private property, trash
burning, lack of community recycling program, abandoned and inoperative cars, tire
and other hazardous materials disposal, and landfill issues, such as sanitation,
unsightliness and cost.
Poverty/Culture of Poverty - "The culture of poverty" refers to the behaviors and
beliefs often held by people living in generational poverty. Generational poverty
refers to a situation of poverty that a family lives continually in this state, as opposed
to the "situational" poverty experienced by newly arrived immigrants or refugees, or
families going through a life change like divorce. Note: Attendees expressed their
belief that poverty/culture of poverty is related and may be the root cause of some of
the other environmental health issues, such as litter and illicit drugs.
Explosions – This includes concerns about EMRTC (Energetic Materials Research
and Testing Center) and White Sands explosives testing, including planned ―Bunker
Buster‖ testing using Cesium, shock and vibration, spent uranium cleanup and
follow-up, and possible radiological and/or chemical pollution of air and ground.
Drugs – This includes concerns about Meth labs and availability of illegal or illicit
drugs.
Pesticides/Herbicides – This includes concerns about crop dusters, pesticide and
herbicide overuse, and effect on air and water quality. Note: Attendees expressed a
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
desire for creative solutions to insect/invasive plant control, i.e. bats, birds and fish
for mosquito control.
The same written survey was also completed by 50 attendees at the Alamo Adult Find
on April 21, 2004. The survey asked attendees to ―Check which of the listed
environmental factors are most important to you.‖ Below are the six issues that
received the most checkmarks. Area codes represented were; 87825, 87801, and
87823.
Issue Number of checks
Alcohol and Drug Abuse 35
Cigarette Smoke 31
Violence and Crime 29
Smoke from burning (Wood, trash, weeds) 26
Suicide 25
Animals (Rodents, snakes, coyotes) 25
4.6.6.2 Housing
According to the 2000 US Census, there are 7,808 housing units in Socorro County.
Of those, 35.8% are mobile homes. The homeownership rate of 71.1% is comparable
to the New Mexico rate of 70.0%. The comparable rate of homeownership may be
due to the stability of the population, in that 94.5% of the 2000 population is native to
Socorro County.
• 2.7% lack complete plumbing facilities
• 2.1% lack complete kitchen facilities
• 9.6% lack telephone service
The number of new housing units authorized by building permits in 2000 was only 8
in Socorro County.
4.7 Injury, Violence, Substance Abuse Indicators
4.7.1 Violent Deaths (homicides, suicides, workplace, firearm-related,
etc.)
4.7.1.1 Homicide
New Mexico has a high rate of homicide deaths. In 1999-2001 the State’s age
adjusted homicide rate was 8.5 per 100,000 population, considerably higher than the
national rate of 5.9. For the same time period, Socorro County had a lower rate of
homicide than the state as a whole. During the period of 1999-2001, the County’s
age adjusted homicide rate was 7.6. In 2005, Table 30, indicates that homicide was
the 13th leading cause of death in Socorro County with one homicide in 2005.
4.7.1.2 Suicide
In terms of deaths, suicide is a worse problem than homicide in both New Mexico and
Socorro County. Table 29 indicates that Socorro County had six suicides in 2004
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
making it the 5th leading cause of death that year and Table 30 indicates two suicides
in 2005 making it the 10th leading cause of death in Socorro County that year.
According to the 2005 YRRS, Socorro County high school students responded that
during the 12 months preceding the survey:
• 20.2% seriously considered attempting suicide.
• 16.9% made a plan about how they would commit suicide.
• 6.4% attempted suicide at least one time.
The first two percentages are above the State’s by just over 1%. However, the
attempted suicide rate is 6% under the State’s percentage.
4.7.1.3 Weapons, Violence and Youth
According to the 2005 YRRS, Socorro County high school students responded that:
Alarmingly, 71.4% could get a firearm from their home.
During the 30 days preceding the survey:
• 34.5% of respondents had carried a weapon such as a gun, knife, or
club.
• 18.6% of respondents had carried a gun.
• 8.5% of respondents had carried a weapon on school property.
During the 30 days preceding the survey:
• 5.1% of respondents did not go to school on at least one occasion
because they felt they would unsafe at school or on the way to or
from school.
The responses indicate higher rates than were reported in 2001 and 2003 YRRS, but
cannot be used to predict trends. One causal relationship for increased gun use might
be the increased threat of terrorist attacks following those of September, 2001.
4.7.2 Abuse/neglect or violence (child, elderly, domestic violence)
4.7.2.1 Child Abuse
In the first quarter of 2008 there were 24 substantiated cases of child abuse/neglect in
Socorro County. Eight were physical abuse and one was sexual abuse. A
substantiated case means that through the course of the investigation, the social
worker determined that the child(ren) who is the subject of the report has been
determined to have been the victim of abuse and/or neglect. In other words the
allegations are true. An unsubstantiated investigation indicates that the investigator
was unable to determine that the allegation(s) was true.
Table 40: Child Maltreatment Cases, Quarter 1 SFY 08
Child Maltreatment Cases, Quarter 1 SFY 08
Substantiated Unsubstantiated Total
Socorro Co. 24 85 109
New Mexico 2346 7757 10103
Source: http://www.cyfd.org/psprofiles/Region5_Q1_08_%20PS_Cty_Prof.pdf
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.7.2.2 Elder Abuse
Table 41: Socorro County Adult Abuse Cases 2002
Source: 2003 New Mexico Socorro County Health Profile – NM DOH.
http://dohewbs2.health.state.nm.us/VitalRec/County%20Profiles/SocorroProfile.pdf
In 2000 there were 11 substantiated cases of adult abuse/neglect/exploitation in
Socorro County (2002 Socorro County Health Profile, NM DOH). In 2002 there
were 17 substantiated cases (2003 Socorro County Health Profile, NM DOH). No
new data is available.
4.7.2.3 Domestic Violence
The Socorro County data collected in the Incidence and Nature of Domestic Violence
In New Mexico VI: An Analysis of 2005 Data From The New Mexico Interpersonal
Violence Data Central Repository was based on reports from the Socorro City Police
Department, Socorro County Sheriff Department and El Puente del Socorro. Table
42 indicates a steady rate of domestic violence for both Socorro County and New
Mexico. In 2005, Socorro County ranked 8th in New Mexico for Domestic Violence.
Table 42: Socorro County Domestic Violence Rates per 1000, 2001-2005
Domestic Violence Rates Per 1000, 2001-2005
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Socorro County 10.4 10.1 9.9 5.7* 13.1
New Mexico 15.5 15.8 14.7 15.3 15.6
*Incomplete reporting
Source: Incidence and Nature of Domestic Violence In New Mexico VI, July 2006
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Figure 16: Percent Socorro County Domestic Violence Cases Involving Alcohol/Drug Use,
2001-2005
Percent Domestic Violence Cases Involving
Alcohol/Drug Use, 2001-2005
60
50
Percent (%) 40
Socorro County
30
New Mexico
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Note: The Socorro County Sheriff’s Office and Socorro Police Department did not report alcohol/drug data in 2005.
Source: Incidence and Nature of Domestic Violence In New Mexico VI, July 2006
Between 2001 and 2005 40-60% of domestic violence cases in Socorro County
involved alcohol and/or drug use. This is higher than the 25-35% of New Mexico
domestic violence cases.
Table 43: Percent Socorro County Domestic Violence Cases Involving Weapons Use, 2001-2005
Percent Domestic Violence Cases Involving Weapons Use,
2001-2005
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Socorro County 16 11* 12* 17 **
New Mexico 36 36 38 39 38
* No data from Socorro County Sheriff’s Office **No data from Socorro Police Department
Source: Incidence and Nature of Domestic Violence In New Mexico VI, July 2006
Table 44: Percent Socorro County Domestic Violence Cases With Injury, 2001-2005
Percent Domestic Violence Cases With Injury,
2001-2005
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
36*
Socorro County 74 60* 78* 91 **
New Mexico 31 27 26 32 28
* No data from Socorro County Sheriff’s Office **No data from Socorro Police Department
Source: Incidence and Nature of Domestic Violence In New Mexico VI, July 2006
Although there is not complete data between 2001 and 2005 regarding the percent of
domestic violence cases involving weapons use, the years with complete data indicate
that it is much lower in Socorro County than in all of New Mexico (See Table 43).
However, from Table 44, even though there was no data reported by the Socorro
County Sheriff’s Office or Socorro Police Department for many of the years, the
percent of domestic violence cases with injury for Socorro County is much higher
than for New Mexico.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.7.3 Unintentional injury
According to Tables 29 and 30, unintentional injuries were the 3rd leading cause of
death for 2004 and 2005 (See Section 4.3).
4.7.4 Substance Abuse
4.7.4.1 Alcohol
The 2005 YRRS data for Socorro County shows:
45% of youth reported having their first drink before the age of 13
68.3% of students who drink usually drink at home or another person’s home
New Mexico ranks as one of the leading states for per capita alcohol consumption and
is also one of the leading states for alcohol-related problems such as alcohol-involved
fatal crashes, cirrhosis, and alcohol-related deaths. Table 45 indicates that only 21 of
the 79 people in alcohol-involved crashes in Socorro County in 2004, or less than
27%, were sober. This suggests that only four of the 17 Socorro County teen auto
crash victims were sober.
Table 45: Victims of Alcohol-involved Crashes, 2004
Victims of Alcohol-involved Crashes, 2004
People in Crashes
Total Sober Under 18
Socorro
County 79 21 17
New Mexico 7776 2991 1762
Source: Driving While Impaired New Mexico, 2004
From Table 46, there were 111 DWI convictions in Socorro County in 2004 with a
DWI conviction rate of 9.7convictions per 1,000 licensed drivers, which was
comparable to New Mexico’s. The Socorro County DWI Program completes an
Alcohol and Drug Evaluation on each individual that is convicted of a DWI in
Socorro County; the results show that 75% of these individuals need some sort of
treatment for alcohol and/or drug abuse.
Table 46: Alcohol-involved Crashes and DWI Convictions, 2004
Socorro County and NM Alcohol-involved Crashes and DWI Convictions, 2004
Crashes Rates
% of % of Severe 2004
Alcohol all Alcohol all People People DWI Alcohol DWI Licensed
Fatal Fatal Injury Injury Killed Injured Conviction Crashes Conviction Drivers
Socorro
County 4 33 12 11 4 23 111 1.4 9.7 11471
New
Mexico 176 40 1588 9 219 2576 12639 1.4 9.8 1289089
Source: Driving While Impaired New Mexico, 2004
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
4.7.4.2 Tobacco
According to the Adults and Tobacco in New Mexico: 2005 Report, 25.8% of Socorro
County residents smoke compared to the 22.3% of New Mexicans that smoke.
According to the 2005 YRRS, Socorro County high school student responded in the
following manner:
26% reported they were less than twelve years of age when they smoked a
whole cigarette for the first time.
During the 30 days preceding the survey:
68.6% reported they had tried cigarette smoking.
15.2% reported they had used chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip.
6.9% reported they had smoked cigarettes on school property.
21.4% reported they currently smoked.
Socorro County has three Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control (TUPAC) grant
funded programs that deal extensively with Tobacco education, prevention and
intervention. See 5.1.4.6 for more details.
4.7.4.3 Illicit Drugs
During 2000, New Mexico led the nation in drug-related death. The New Mexico
drug death rate was twice as high as the national rate. According to the 2001, 2003
and 2005 Socorro County YRRS, administered to Socorro County high school
students in the fall of 2001, 2003, 2005, respectively:
2001 2003 2005
Had initiated marijuana use at twelve years or younger 25% 30% 18%
Felt that community adults would think it was only ―a
little bit wrong‖ or ―not wrong at all‖ ―for someone your
age to use marijuana.‖ 20% 41.1% NA
Felt that it would be ―very easy‖ to get marijuana 48% 45.9% 52.9%
Consistently since 2001, local students have felt it was ―very easy‖ to get marijuana,
and local community assessments do indicate that illicit drugs are an issue for
Socorro County. Based on the data and anecdotal evidence, the SCOPE Council has
name Substance Abuse as one of their priorities.
4.8 Risk, Resiliency Indicators:
4.8.1 Youth Resiliency Factors
According to the 2005 YRRS, Socorro County high school students reported that
the following were ―pretty much true‖ or ―very true‖:
• 81.7% reported they had a parent or other adult at home who was
interested in their school work.
• 68.7% reported they had a parent or other adult who talks to the student
about his/her problems.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• 70.9% reported they had a parent or other adult at home who listens to the
student when he/she has something to say.
• 86.9% reported they had a parent or other adult at home who expects
him/her to follow the rules.
• 85.7% reported they had a parent or other adult at home who believes that
the student will be a success.
• 89.7% reported they had a parent or other adult at home who always wants
the student to do his/her best.
• 77.2% reported they had a parent or other adult who knows where the
student is and who he/she is with.
• 81.4% reported their family has clear rules about drug and alcohol use.
• 82.4% reported their family has clear rules and standards for his/her
behavior.
Although these percentages are high, there was an average drop of more than 6%
between 2003 and 2005.
4.9 Interpretation of Community Health Status Information
From the data presented in this profile and the Socorro County Community Satisfaction
Survey for 2007, the SCOPE council has identified four health and social categories to list as
priorities: Teen Pregnancy, Substance Abuse, Fitness and Nutrition, and Access to
Healthcare in Northern Socorro County. How these health priorities are being addressed will
be detailed in the companion to this document: 2009 Socorro County Health Plan.
5 Health-related Services: Capacity, Access and Use
(Utilization)
5.1 Capacity: What services exist for whom
5.1.1 Maternal Child Health (MCH)
5.1.1.1 Access to Care
According to the results of the 2001 MCH Needs Assessment conducted in Socorro
County. In January of 2001, costs, insufficient number of MCH providers, and
transportation were identified as major factors that affected accessibility to local
MCH services. In the results of the Socorro County Community Satisfaction Survey
for 2006, lack of access to needed dental care was ranked 8th, lack of access to needed
health care was ranked 11th, and transportation needs was ranked 12th out of 21. The
need for local pregnancy care services was ranked 20th. There are no gaps in locally
available MCH physician specialties. As of August 2007, the Socorro Community
Health Center has one physician on staff able to provide obstetric and gynecological
care to County residents. There is also one practicing midwife in Socorro County.
There is a severe physician shortage in Socorro County.
5.1.1.2 Services and MCH plans
Socorro County MCH, now known as Healthy Family Initiative (HFI), has
historically filled the gap in helping to provide perinatal and case management care
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
for uninsured persons ineligible for Medicaid using funding from New Mexico
Department of Health. Currently, Socorro County HFI has received grant funding
through the SCOPE Health Council fiscal year 2007 to continue their work.
5.1.1.3 County Funding
In the past, Socorro County has provided $400.00 each for twelve pregnancies per
year not covered by Medicaid or other insurance, a total of $4,800.00 per year.
Between FY 05 and FY 07, Socorro County experienced fiscal crisis and could not
provide any monies to MCH services for Medicaid ineligible clients. Funding for
FY08 was requested in Spring 2007.
5.1.2 Dental Health
Socorro County is not listed as an underserved area for dentistry. However, all four
of the dentists in Socorro County practice in the City of Socorro. Only one accepts
Medicaid.
5.1.3 Infrastructure
5.1.3.1 Public Safety
a) Law Enforcement
The Socorro Police Department has budgeted for 19 full-time patrol officers. Due to
attrition and turnover, only 14 of these positions are staffed. According to Municipal
Technical Advisory Service, the nationwide average for police staffing is 2.4 officers
per 1000 population. Using this average, the minimum staffing level in the City of
Socorro with a population of 8,877 should be 21 full time patrol officers.
b) Fire and EMS
The 2003 NM DOH Socorro County Health Profile lists the following Fire and EMS
personnel (p.43)
Table 47: Socorro County Emergency Medical Services 2003
Source: 2003 New Mexico Socorro County Health Profile – NM DOH.
http://dohewbs2.health.state.nm.us/VitalRec/County%20Profiles/SocorroProfile.pdf
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
The City of Socorro has a full time Emergency Medical Service staff and residents in
this area can easily reach a hospital in a medical emergency within the one hour
critical window that increases the chance of survival during crisis. For residents
beyond this city limit, the travel time to emergency care is significantly higher and
could be considered a gap area.
5.1.3.2 Communication
Socorro County has one radio station, KMXQ, and has clear reception for many
Albuquerque stations. KMXQ has original local programming and a segment called
―Keeping You Informed‖ (KYI) for local organizations to discuss current events. It
has a community information television channel available to cable viewers through
Comcast. County newspapers include the Magdalena Mountain Mail and the El
Defensor Chieftain, both published twice per week and available on the internet.
Steppin' Out is an arts and events periodical. The New Mexico Tech campus
produces a campus newsletter titled Scope, (not to be confused with Socorro County
Options, Prevention and Education, SCOPE).
5.1.4 Health and Community Resources
5.1.4.1 Access to Health Care
With a population density of 2.7 persons per square mile, Socorro County is classified
as a frontier county by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.
Population density is an important determinant of the health status of populations and
individuals for several interrelated reasons. Low population density results in longer
distances and travel times and may limit access to certain services. The average travel
time and mileage to a primary care provider in New Mexico was 14.5 minutes/6.6
miles in urban Bernalillo County in contrast to 29.9minutes/25.2 miles in rural
Socorro County.
Exacerbating this is the virtual absence of public transportation in the County’s rural
areas. Also in the rural areas of the County, adverse individual and family economic
conditions further reduce access to medical services to those uninsured and unable to
pay for these services.
5.1.4.2 Transportation
Socorro County has no public transportation. However, the City of Socorro has
started city public transportation. Currently, they have one operational van, and have
purchased a second. The low population density makes travel to medical services
difficult for many residents. The following are transportation providers, health care
providers and community partners who provide limited transportation services to
qualified members of the community:
• Albuquerque Cab Company/Safe Ride New Mexico - Does not accept
Medicaid. Fee in 2005 was $4.20 for the first mile and $2.00 per mile
thereafter. Round trip to Albuquerque is approximately $330.00.
• Socorro Taxi Service - Offers reduced fee transportation to clients with full
coverage through Lovelace Health Systems and is considered Medicaid
eligible. Transportation cost in 2005 was $1.59 per mile.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• Socorro Mental Health - Offers free transportation to its clients for in-house
programs.
• Socorro Senior Center - Offers free transportation to Socorro County senior
citizens to dental appointments, doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and
pharmacy pick up and Senior Center lunches or activities.
• American Cancer Society - Offers rides to Albuquerque at no charge for cancer
patients in need of treatment.
• City of Socorro Van - Offers rides within city limit Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fee of $0.50 and $0.25 for seniors
and Students is charged. 24-Hour notice is required.
• Socorro General Hospital, Heritage Program for Senior Adults - offers wheel
chair accessible van transportation for patient’s enrolled in their structured
outpatient behavioral health program.
5.1.4.3 Licensed Health Professionals
In 2005, Socorro County had the following licensed professionals:
• Medical doctors 13
• Medical doctor residents 1
• Physician’s assistants 3
• Nurses (RN & LPN) 81
• Certified Nurse Midwives 1
• Pharmacist 6
• Dentists 4
Active Emergency Medical Services Personnel in 2003:
• First Responders 15
• Dispatchers 0
• Dispatcher Instructors 0
• EMTs -Basic 30
• EMTs -Intermediate 29
• EMTs -Paramedic 3
Note: There may be personnel with current active licenses at more than one level.
The appendix contains a compilation of services conducted by the local American
Cancer Society.
5.1.4.4 Medical Specialties
The following is a list of medical specialists practicing in Socorro County in 2006.
For all other specialty medical care needs, residents must travel outside Socorro
County.
61
Anesthesiology - 2 Optometry - 1
Chiropractic - 1 Pediatrics - 2
Emergency Medicine - 2 Physical Therapy - 4
Family Practice - 8 Podiatry - 2
Gynecology - 1 Psychiatry (Adults) - 3
Obstetrics - 3 Surgery - 1
5.1.4.5 Resource Directory
See Appendix C
5.1.4.6 SCOPE Community Partners
The following groups and organizations have joined together for the common goal of
improving the health and welfare of the citizens of Socorro County:
New Mexico Graduation, Reality and Dual-role Skills (NM GRADS)
The Mission of the New Mexico GRADS System is to strengthen teenage families
and reduce risk-taking behaviors among all served youth.
NM GRADS began in 1989 as a self replicating, self sustaining drop-out recovery
and recruitment program for teen parents. NM GRADS has grown into a
comprehensive network, which serves 37 school districts across New Mexico,
community and faith-based initiatives, and juvenile justice facilities, providing an
array of services including:
• Provide funding to school districts for three years to establish school-based
intervention programs for pregnant and parenting teens, which include case
management.
• Pregnancy Prevention programs based on the 8 federal guidelines for abstinence
education, which can be modified by districts to include more comprehensive
birth control information depending on the district’s policy.
• Facilitation for Childcare Center set-up, continuing annual support, and CCC staff
development at GRADS sites.
• Career Readiness programs for teen parents to facilitate career planning and
attainment of national certification in non-traditional career paths as funding
allows.
• GRADS Dads fatherhood programs in school, community, faith based and
juvenile justice facility settings.
• Provide education to teens to promote Youth Leadership and Peer Mentoring to
reduce risk-taking behaviors among youth and community wide.
• Teacher training for GRADS and Prevention teachers, and Fatherhood program
Coordinator/Facilitators, as well as ongoing professional development for all
components at least twice a year, which provide college credit.
Performance Measures include:
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• Improving the outcomes of high-risk pregnancies, decreasing low birth weight
babies among teens served.
• Reducing out-of-wedlock births and repeat pregnancies among teens served.
• Encouraging the formation of and strengthen two-parent families of teens served.
• Providing on-site childcare to facilitate school attendance and graduation.
• Providing teen parents with career exploration activities to enhance employability,
and provide opportunities for them to earn college credit and or certification in
various high tech careers.
• Collaborating with UNM CAASA and the ARC of New Mexico (Advocates for
Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families) to develop regional
trainings and resources to foster youth leadership and peer mentoring while
reducing risk taking behaviors among youth.
Literacy Volunteers of Socorro County
Literacy Volunteers of Socorro County (LVSC) is a literacy provider that gives adults
and their families the opportunity to acquire skills to be effective in their roles as
members of their families, communities, and workplaces. They provide student-
focused tutoring, one-to-one, or in small groups, at no charge to the student. Their
mission is to change lives through literacy.
They offer:
• ESL (English as a second language)
• Pre-GED
• Basic reading tutoring
• Vocational computer classes
• Family literacy services
• Citizenship Classes
LVSC has 25 tutors and 108 student
• A group of adults come from Tresco and Socorro Mental Health each
Tuesday for tutoring.
• LVSC has computer classes all year. Call our office to sign-up!
• An LVSC volunteer has been going to Alamo each month to talk with parents
about reading to their children, playing and singing with their children, and
being involved in their children’s education. LVSC always gives free
children’s books.
• LVSC helped with the RIF (Reading is Fundamental)program in October.
• Each year LVSC holds a community Christmas party through the Family
Literacy Program.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Puerto Seguro, Inc.
Offers homeless or nearly homeless people a safe place for a short time to clean up,
wash and receive clothing, get something to eat, and receive linkage to many services
in the area, such as help with housing, utilities, employment, rehabilitation
counseling. Services are provided at no charge. In 2002, Puerto Seguro helped 73
local single individuals, 44 transients, 1 battered family, 2 house fire families, 29
veterans, and 76 other local families, including 150 children.
Socorro County DWI Program
Socorro County DWI Program – Non-profit Grant funded program which oversees
99% of all DWI cases for Socorro County. This program has a strong focus on
substance abuse treatment and prevention. Funding is provided for treatment and
intervention to both Socorro Mental Health and Terra Luna Counseling. Prevention
programs funded are Teen Court, JAVELIN, and ―Protecting You, Protecting Me‖
which are implemented in Socorro and Magdalena School Districts. If you or any
one you know has a substance abuse problem (i.e., alcohol, drugs, meth, etc.) we can
provide resources and/or referrals to aid in recovery.
Socorro General Hospital’s Healthy Family Initiative (Formally MCH)
Socorro General Hospital HFI is committed to the health and well-being of families
in Socorro County. Through community collaboration they are able to provide, both
directly and indirectly, a variety of services.
• Bilingual perinatal case management to Socorro County residents
• Adolescent Risk Avoidance
• Transportation services (Limited)
• Parenting education and support through thirty six months
• Low cost child safety seat education and seats
• Tobacco Prevention Education and local classes
• Statewide Youth Coalition Activities
• Yearly Family Retreat
• Sun Safety Education
• Youth Advocacy
HFI reported impact on Healthy Family Initiative in 2006 is as follows:
• HFI case managed clients, 100% up-to-date on immunizations, 95% breastfed
at least seven months, 100% enrolled under Medicaid, 85% of mothers
contracepting, and Ages and Stages through 36 months.
• Decreased teen birth rates since 2000 of 26.8%
• Socorro County mothers have a higher level of prenatal care than mothers in
other parts of state (PRAMS data)
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• Over 144 clients and families served directly through bilingual case manager
• Over 16,000 individuals impacted through HFI educational opportunities
• Over 965 individuals impacted by transportation services
Socorro General Hospital's HFI program has been working on teen pregnancy
prevention since 1994 through a comprehensive community approach involving
parents, students, schools, community, and faith community. The program emphasis
is goal setting, healthy relationships, refusal skills, choices and consequences, and life
promoting skills. Their program starts in the Second grade and are in 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th
and 11th grades in Socorro, 2nd , 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th in Magdalena, 6th , 8th , & 11th in
Alamo with reinforcing assemblies for all middle and high school students prior to
prom and homecoming. Parents are the primary educators and HFI has programs to
reach parents.
Socorro Community Health Center
The Socorro Community Health Center, operated by Presbyterian Medical Services
(PMS) opened in the Fall of 2004. Detailed information is not available at this
writing for the number of patients seen since opening or the impact on private health
care providers.
Socorro Mental Health, Inc. (SMH)
Socorro Mental Health, Inc. (SMH) is the local community mental health center that
serves residents of all of Socorro County. SMH is committed to promoting the
emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, physical and spiritual wellbeing of
individuals and families in this area. SMH has been established in this community
since 1991 and continually seeks ways to improve services to community members.
Their vision is ―Offering compassionate services for effective living and healthy
families. The mission of SMH is to provide behavioral health services and to support
community efforts leading to healthier lifestyles in a changing world.
SMH provides the following services:
• Counseling
• Adult and children case management services
• Alcohol, drug and tobacco use prevention programs
• Mid-Level Family Preservation Services
• Casa de Esperanza day program for those adults in the community who have been
identified with a chronic mental illness, such as major depression, schizophrenia
and bi-polar disorder.
• Children’s Services includes not only individual and family counseling with
assessment and medication management possibilities but also a very active
Children Case Management Team that takes a family approach in assisting with
the basic needs of children, to include housing, clothes, linkage with other social
and medical services and school advocacy.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• Children’s Respite Program where parents of children with a behavioral health
diagnosis are given a chance to catch their breath while their children are
provided with a caring adult who provides one-to-one and small group
recreational programming over an extended time period, thus helping children
develop long-term positive relationships with adults and other children in addition
to the reprieve given to parents.
• Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control (TUPAC) Program at Socorro Mental
Health focuses on four initiatives. It provides tobacco cessation services through
classes, individual counseling, and pharmacotherapy to adults in Socorro County.
It works to eliminate the tobacco disparity among the Alamo Navajo Reservation
through educating about secondhand smoke, spit tobacco, and cessation at
community events. It provides technical assistance for tobacco brief interventions
to health care providers in Socorro County by providing training, materials,
pharmacotherapy, and reimbursement. Lastly, it works to eliminate the tobacco
disparity among the mentally ill and substance-abusing populations in Socorro
County by providing education and cessation sessions to therapeutic groups
meeting at Socorro Mental Health.
• Driving While Impaired Local Grant (DWILG) Program has expanded to include
a more family-based treatment approach by providing a full six-month outpatient
program of services for alcohol and drug dependent individuals. They have
launched a Children of Alcoholics Group, where children of those adults enrolled
in this program attend either a latency-age group or a pre-teen/teen group where
they can begin to explore and understand the dynamics of the alcoholic family.
Socorro Mental Health’s aim through this program is to help all the family,
including the alcoholic parent, identify how the unhealthy survival skills
necessary to survive in the alcoholic family always will present special challenges
to their children’s future relationships in the areas of emotions, control,
boundaries, intimacy, conflict and commitment.
• Children of Alcoholics Group
• Twenty-four hour response for those individuals calling into the local 911 line
with a mental health emergency. In Fiscal Year 2003, SMH responded to
approximately four hundred emergency calls.
Throughout FY 2003, Socorro Mental Health provided ongoing support to several of
the SCOPE committees. In addition to taking on the SCOPE grant as fiduciary agent
and hiring and housing a new SCOPE Coordinator, SMH also sent consistent
representation to the SCOPE Substance Abuse Core Team.
As a treatment center, SMH admits over 140 new individuals every quarter.
Socorro Storehouse
Socorro Storehouse is a food pantry that:
• Provides food for over 60 families per week, on average
• Distributed over 150,000 pounds of food to clients in 2006
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• Is an Emergency Food, Commodities & Senior Helpings Food Distribution Site
open Thursdays from Noon – 2 PM
• Volunteer based, Storehouse relies on donations and financial support of the
community
• Established in 2003 as a collaborative effort by local churches and concerned
citizens
• Can purchase food from Roadrunner Food Bank at the cost of $0.18/lb.
• Located at 519 S. California, phone number 838-1500
• On-site director: Valerie Key Board Officers: Randall Westfall, Rosie Tripp,
Nadine Ulibarri-Keller, Gloria Tacker
Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control (TUPAC) at Socorro General Hospital
In 2003, TUPAC at SGH accomplished the following:
• Spearheaded an educational initiative to support a proposed Clean Indoor Air
Resolution in Socorro, brought the issue to the forefront in the city (1st Quarter
Jul–Sep 02 and 2nd Quarter Oct–Dec 02)
• Developed, received TUPAC approval and arranged for distribution of New Mom
Packets, including EPA’s Smoke Free, pledge cards (3rd Quarter Jan-Mar 03)
• Smoke Free Dining Guide for Socorro submitted, approved and disseminated.
• Advertisements in local papers recognized smoke free restaurants (3rd Quarter
Jan-Mar 03)
• Spearheaded initiative for district-wide tobacco and smoke free policies on all
school campuses (4th Quarter Mar-Jun 03)
• Assisted in the establishment of the community-based coalition named Clean
Indoor Air for Socorro (CIA/FS)
• Presented complete prevention curriculum: 1734 contacts with elementary school
students, 2490 contacts with middle school students in classrooms, and 888
contacts in high school classrooms (1st through 4th Quarter Jul 02 – Jun 03)
• 57 stories on the topic of eliminating exposure to ETS published in 2 local
newspapers; and one statewide newspaper placed 14 counter-advertisements and
10 articles on youth advocacy initiatives in the 2 local papers (1st through 4th
Quarter: Jul 02 – Jun 03).
• Baseline questionnaire developed and administered as pre-post tests to 92 4th
grade students. Students will be tested again in two years as sixth graders (1st
Quarter Jul-Sep 02 and 4th Quarter Apr-Jun 03)
• Administered New Mexico Youth Tobacco Survey to 150 students in Socorro and
Magdalena schools.
• Socorro merchant youth ID check completed for the sale of tobacco - 65% of the
merchants were in full compliance (2nd Quarter Oct-Dec 02)
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
• Third annual Family Retreat with 59 middle school students and their parents
attending (4th Quarter Apr-Jun 03)
5.1.4.7 Community nonprofit organizations
El Puente
Shelter for victims of domestic violence. No data available on the number of calls or
program participants.
GRADS
See SCOPE Community Partners.
Habitat for Humanity International, Inc
Local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. An International, nonprofit, ecumenical
Christian ministry building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with
people in need of adequate shelter. This organization is no longer active since Socorro
County does not have the resources to sustain the unit with the needed resources of
volunteers and money.
Head Start
The Head Start Program is free and made available to low-income families with
children between the ages of three and five. At least 10% of enrollment is reserved for
children with disabilities.
Literacy Volunteers of Socorro County
See SCOPE Community Partners.
Puerto Seguro, Inc.
See SCOPE Community Partners.
Socorro County DWI Program
See SCOPE Community Partners.
Socorro Mental Health, Inc.
See SCOPE Community Partners.
Socorro Storehouse
See SCOPE Community Partners.
W.O.W – Women on Wellness.
A non-profit organization sustained through monthly member dues. The focus of the
members is to bring educational sessions on health topics to community members on
a no fee basis. Programs were conducted in early 2005.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
5.1.4.8 Public Health and Social Services
Income Support Division
Administers programs to benefit low income residents. Programs include: Food
Stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance,
Medicaid, Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Public Health Office
New Mexico Department of Health office offering pregnancy testing and counseling,
birth control information and services, AIDs prevention information and services,
immunizations, family planning, STD testing, TB testing, and health education and
wellness promotion.
Families First
Department of Health program that provides assistance with Medicaid application for
children and pregnant women, care coordination services as determined by families
(Salud Managed Care Organization), Ages and Stages Questionnaire (developmental
screening for children), collaboration with other community resources and services,
and home visits focused on prenatal wellness and child health
WIC
Department of Health program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young
children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. WIC provides the
community with nutrition education, counseling, nutritious foods, and assistance with
access to health care that is provided to low-income women, infants, and children
through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program.
Career Center
New Mexico Department of Labor office that provides career counseling, job
referrals, lists of State, Federal and Private jobs, Work Search Skills Workshop,
Resource Center, WorkKeys Assessment, and Labor Market Information. It also
offers the following Assistance Programs; Unemployment Insurance Claims,
Customer Service Line, Work Experience, On-The-Job Training, Classroom Training,
Alien Labor Certification, Apprenticeship Program, Federal Bonding, Migrant
Seasonal Farm workers, TAA and NAFTA Programs, and Veteran Services.
Juvenile Community Corrections (JCC)
Referrals are made from the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office (JPPO) after
adjudication. The referrals then are approved by the Local Selection Panel (LSP).
The JCC Program offers extra supervision, which can go to the extent of electronic
monitors. On average a client is in the JCC Program 5.5 months and includes three
phases: Phase I lasts 60 days with clients checking three times a week, Phase II lasts
45 days with clients checking in twice a month, and Phase III lasts 60 days with
clients checking in once a month. Clients must make each check in and pass a drug
test to move from each Phase of the program.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
5.2 Access: what influences access to services for different groups
There are several factors that influence whether different populations access health care
services. There is a large low income population in Socorro County. This affects
whether they have health insurance and reliable transportation. Many of the residents in
Northern Socorro County are illegal aliens and do not speak English, qualify for
government benefits or have a steady job. Many Native American residents have to
travel from the Alamo Reservation to Magdalena or Socorro to work. This requires
reliable transportation, which many do not have. This also cuts into their income as gas
prices keep rising and are at an all time high.
There is a clinic on the Alamo Navajo Reservation that houses a dentist, optometrist,
pharmacy, therapists, and physician. Some Native American residents travel to
Magdalena to utilize the local medical clinic. Others travel to Socorro for the same
services. Many residents in Northern Socorro County travel into Valencia and Bernalillo
County for services. Within the City of Socorro many services are available; providers
make referrals to specialists outside of the City when needed. When residents can
feasibly make it to any service provider they receive the help that is needed
5.3 Utilization: who utilizes these existing services
A clear picture of utilization is not readily available. The local clinics and hospital
collect client utilization data, however they have not made it available to us.
6 Health Disparities
Currently, there is no county-specific data available for Socorro County regarding health
disparities. The New Mexico Department of Health has published the Racial and Ethnic
Health Disparities Report Card for New Mexico in August 2006. As the percent of races in
Socorro County is similar to that of New Mexico, see Figure 4, this report card could be
indicative of Socorro County. However, since there are many other differences between
Socorro County and New Mexico, this is not recommended. A focused look at health
disparities in Socorro County needs to be done to completely understand the impact is has on
Socorro County residents.
7 Summary of Profile Highlights & Overall Interpretation
7.1 What Issues Strongly Impact Health of County Population
7.1.1 Mental Health
According to the 1998 - 2000 BRFSS data 31.5% of Socorro County residents are in
poor mental health (>= 5 days in the month preceding the survey of stress,
depression, or problems with emotions). This is considerably greater than the New
Mexico rate of 20.7%. The authors of the analysis also queried the Hospital Inpatient
Discharge Database (HIDD) from 1996 to 2000, and found that psychoses accounted
for 63% of all mental health-related hospital discharges of Socorro County residents.
Neurosis accounted for 18% of all discharges, the majority of which were depressive
neurosis. Between 1996 and 2000, the percentage of mental health discharges
belonging to the psychoses category increased from 57% to 81%. At the same time,
the percentage of neurosis discharges decreased from 17% in 1996 to 4% in 2000,
although it increased to as high as 38% in 1997.
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SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
7.2 Important health priorities in Socorro County
In February 2007, the Executive Board of SCOPE met to review the data that has
been updated and collected for this Health Profile. It was determined that the same
priorities will continue as previously set, as community needs persist in these areas.
March 2007, the Executive Board presented their findings to the SCOPE
membership. The following were agreed to be the most serious health issues in
Socorro County:
• Teen Pregnancy
• Nutrition and Fitness
• Substance Abuse
• Access to Health Care in Northern Socorro County
Although not named as a health priority, domestic violence in Socorro County also
needs to be addressed in this community.
7.3 Explanation or discussion, from council’s perspective
Socorro County is the third largest county in New Mexico which contains a diverse
population with a unique set of characteristics and needs. The role of SCOPE is to
identify gaps in services and work collaboratively among the council members to remove
barriers to overcome these gaps. The council has a well defined listing of priorities,
which are supported by a multitude of data sets and has the initial capacity to carry out
programs to work the priorities identified. Assets of the council include a relatively
stable base of core volunteers who are committed to carrying out the organization’s
vision and mission and technical assistance from several New Mexico Department of
Health employees.
A key component to the success of the initial progress made by the council is continued
funding from the State of New Mexico. Ongoing data gathering, monitoring of services,
conducting community assessments and attending trainings or meetings requires a
significant number of resources. Without continued funding, some of these services
would need to be curtailed or eliminated because most of the community agency partners
operate their respective programs solely on soft-money funding.
March 31, 2008 71
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
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New Mexico Health Policy Commission. The New Mexico Community Health Data - Interactive
Maps. http://hpc.state.nm.us/website/
New Mexico Health Policy Commission (2007). 2007 Quick Facts. [Electronic Version]
http://hpc.state.nm.us/QuickFacts/quickfacts2007.pdf
March 31, 2008 73
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
New Mexico Public Education Department (2007). School District Report Card for 2005-2006
School Year. [Electronic Version]
http://164.64.166.16/doc_joomla/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=26&func=s
tartdown&id=4017
Office of New Mexico Vital Records and Health Statistics. (2003). 2003 New Mexico County
Health Profiles. [Electronic Version].
http://dohewbs2.health.state.nm.us/VitalRec/County%20Profiles/SocorroProfile.pdf
Padilla JL, Mueller M, Baum S. Adults and Tobacco in New Mexico: 2005 Report. Chronic
Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, New Mexico Department of Health,
Albuquerque, NM, August 2005.
Social Science Data Network website: http://www.ssdan.net/
Socorro Chamber of Commerce. (2002). Socorro County Visitor’s Guide. New Mexico:
Socorro.
Socorro Chamber of Commerce. (2004). Socorro County Area Information. [Electronic Source].
http://www.socorro-nm.com/AreaInfo.htm
State Center for Health Statistics. (2004). New Mexico Selected Health Statistics Annual Report
for 2002. Santa Fe, New Mexico: New Mexico Department of Health.
State of New Mexico Human Services Department (December 2006). Monthly Statistical
Report. [Electronic Version] http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd/files/MSR1-2007.pdf
United States Census Bureau. (various). Socorro County Quickfacts. [Electronic Source]
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html.
UNM BBER. 2002 Analysis of Selected Indicators of Health and Well-being in Socorro County
United States Department of Agriculture (2005). Household Food Security in the United States,
2004. [ Electronic Version] http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err11/err11.pdf
Voices for Children (2003). Bare Bones Budget. [Electronic Version]
http://www.nmvoices.org/attachments/bbbfullreport.pdf
March 31, 2008 74
SCOPE Socorro County Health Profile 2008
Appendix A: Explanation of Per Capita Income
Explanation of Difference in Per Capita Income Figures
Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI)
• Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
• Frequency: Annual for counties; quarterly for the states and the U.S.
• Time series: 1929 forward for U.S. and states; 1969 forward for counties and MSAs
• The sum of wage and salary disbursements and other labor income; proprietors' income
with inventory and capital consumption adjustments; rental income of persons with
capital consumption adjustment; personal dividend income; personal interest income; and
transfer payments to persons, less personal contributions for social insurance. These
measures include incomes of individuals, nonprofit institutions that primarily serve
individuals, private noninsured welfare funds and private trust funds. Proprietors' income
is treated in its entirety as received by individuals. Life insurance carriers and noninsured
pension plans are not counted as persons, but their income and savings are credited to
persons.
Per Capita Income
• Source: U.S. Census Bureau
• Frequency: Every 10 years
• Time series: Every Census since 1790
• Consists of cash and its equivalents received by individuals. It is the sum of the amounts
reported separately for wage or salary income; net self-employment income; interest,
dividends, or net rental or royalty income or income from estates and trusts; social
security or railroad retirement income; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); public
assistance or welfare payments; retirement, survivor or disability pensions; and all other
income. It excludes: capital gains, money received from the sale of property (unless the
recipient was engaged in the business of selling such property); the value of income in
kind from food stamps, public housing subsidies, medical care, employer contributions
for individuals, withdrawal of bank deposits; money borrowed; tax refunds; exchange of
money between relatives living in the same household; and gifts and lump-sum
inheritances, insurance payments and other types of lump-sum receipts.
This information was excerpted from Per Capita Income Confusion for Counties, Carol O.
Rogers, Associate Director, Indiana Business Research Center, Kelley School of Business,
Indiana University
March 31, 2008 75
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Appendix B: Local American Cancer Society Medical Information
HOSPITAL NAME: Socorro General Hospital
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1009 (West Highway 60),
Socorro, NM 87801
CONTACT NAME & Veronica Pound, Director of Nurses,
PHONE NUMBER (505) 835-1140
LOCATION IN Southwest side of Socorro
COMMUNITY (area,
town, city):
TYPE OF HOSPITAL Private, not for profit, general acute
(i.e., Private for Profit, care
State, University affiliate,
etc.)
POPULATION SERVED Socorro County (population about
(i.e., Does the hospital 15,000); yes; yes, but not primarily
provide indigent care, (30% Medicare and 30% Medicaid)
does the hospital
primarily serve an older
population, etc.?)
Does the hospital have a Hospital uses the Univ. of New
tumor registry? Mexico Hospital tumor registry.
If yes, registrar’s name Gloria Nieves, (505) 835-8750
and contact number:
CANCER SCREENING
(i.e., FOBT, PSA,
mammogram)
Breast Cancer: Yes X No
Prostate Cancer: Yes No X (These are
Colorectal Cancer: Yes No X done in
Cervical Cancer: Yes No X the doctors’
Skin Cancer: Yes No X offices.)
CANCER TREATMENT
Radiation Therapy: Yes No X
Chemotherapy: Yes No X
Surgery: Yes No X
Other: Yes No
OTHER INFORMATION: —
March 31, 2008 76
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CANCER EDUCATION
Provide Literature: Yes No X
Seminars: Yes No X
Awareness Campaigns: Yes No X
Other: Yes No X
If yes, please obtain detailed
information for Part II
CANCER PATIENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
Support Groups: Yes X No
Transportation: Yes No X
Other Services: Yes No X
If yes, please obtain detailed
information for Part II
CANCER RELATED
COLLABORATIONS
With ACS: Yes X No
With State Health Dept.: Yes X No
With Other Hospital/Clinic: Yes X No
With Other Organization: Yes No X
If yes, please obtain detailed (With ACS, offer facilities
information for Part II for screenings at no cost)
NAME: Dr. Ravi Bhasker Dr. Eileen Comstock Dr. Juan Julio Dr. Leslie Johnson
Hernandez-
Pombo
TYPE OF PRACTICE: Family Practice Family Practice Surgeon (general Pediatrics
surgery)
ADDRESS: 200 Neel Ave. NW 1204 U.S. Highway P.O. 1009, 1204 U.S. Highway
Socorro, NM 87801 60, Socorro, NM Socorro, NM 60, Socorro, NM
87801 87801 87801
CONTACT NAME AND Dr. Ravi Bhasker Dr. Eileen Comstock, Dr. J. Hernandez Dr. Leslie Johnson,
PHONE NUMBER: (505) 835-2940 (505) 835-0705 (505) 835-8364 (505) 835-0705
LOCATION IN 200 Neel Ave. NW SW of Socorro U.S Highway 60 SW of Socorro
COMMUNITY Socorro, NM 87801 West
DOES THE
PHYSICAN/CLINIC
OFFER ANY Yes X No Yes X No Yes X No Yes X No
FREE/DISCOUNTED
CARE FOR INDIGENT
PATIENTS?
DOES THE PHYSICAN
OR CLINIC Yes No X Yes X No Yes No X Yes X No
CURRENTLY HAVE A
RELATIONSHIP WITH Part of the group of Part of the group of
ACS (i.e., refers patients, doctors serving on doctors serving on
volunteers, etc.)? Socorro Unit Council Socorro Unit Council
If so, what is the nature of
the relationship?
OTHER INFORMATION — — He is new in —
town.
March 31, 2008 77
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NAME: Dr. Beth Kirkhart Dr. Robert Markwell Dr. Norman Reid Dr. Audrey Vega Dr. Valerie Young
TYPE OF PRACTICE: Internal Medicine Family Practice Family Practice Family Practice Family Pediactrics
ADDRESS: 200 Neel Ave. NW 1204 U.S. Highway 60, 1204 U.S. Highway 60, 200 Neel Ave. NW 200 Neel Ave. NW
Socorro, NM 87801 Socorro, NM 87801 Socorro, NM 87801 Socorro, NM 87801 Socorro, NM 87801
CONTACT NAME Dr. Beth Kirkhart Dr. Robert Markwell Dr. Norman Reid Dr. Audrey Vega Dr. Valerie Young
AND PHONE (505) 835-2940 (505) 835-0705 (505) 835-0705 (505) 835-2940 (505) 835-2940
NUMBER:
LOCATION IN 200 Neel Ave. NW SW of Socorro SW of Socorro 200 Neel Ave. NW 200 Neel Ave. NW
COMMUNITY Socorro, NM 87801 Socorro, NM 87801 Socorro, NM 87801
DOES THE
PHYSICAN/CLINIC
OFFER ANY Yes X No Yes X No Yes X No Yes X No Yes X No
FREE/DISCOUNTED
CARE FOR INDIGENT
PATIENTS?
DOES THE PHYSICAN
OR CLINIC Yes No X Yes X No Yes X No Yes No X Yes No X
CURRENTLY HAVE A
RELATIONSHIP Part of the group of Part of the group of
WITH ACS (i.e., refers doctors serving on doctors serving on
patients, volunteers, Socorro Unit Council Socorro Unit Council
etc.)?
If so, what is the nature
of the relationship?
OTHER — — — — —
INFORMATION
March 31, 2008 78
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Appendix C: Simplified SCOPE Resource Guide
. Alphabetical Listing
B
A Beers, Duane H. D.M.D.
200 Manzanares Ave
Aces Personal Care Service Socorro 835-3662
838-4858
Bhasker Medical Clinic
Adult Basic Education 200 Neel, Socorro
239 Garfield, Socorro 835-2940
835-4125
Birthright of Socorro
Alamo Alcoholism Program 801B School of Mines Rd,
854-2610 Socorro
P.O. Box 1531
Alamo Baptist Church 800-550-4900
Alamo Reservation 835-4236
854-2228
Boys and Girls Club of
Alamo Navajo HeadStart Socorro
Program 105 Francisco de Avondo,
854-2694 Socorro
P.O. Box 45
Alamo Navajo Health Center Socorro 838-4716
Highway 169, Magdalena
854-2626 Bratzel, Ginger Dds Llc
828 Highway 60, Socorro
Alamo Navajo Schools 835-1851
C
Highway 169, Alamo
Reservation
854-2635
Alamo Senior Citizen Center Casa Alegre
Alamo Navajo Reservation P.O. Box 1009, Socorro
854-2664 835-8367
Ambercare Home Health and Center for Hope Professional
Hospice Counseling
204 – B Neel, Socorro 703 Memory Lane, Socorro
838-1503 838-2620
http//:www.ambercare.com
Cheryle’s Therapeutic
Massage
American Legion Post 47
th 134 NM 408, Socorro
200 N 5 St., Socorro
835-3801
835-0843
Child Find
Apostolic Grace United
Socorro, 835-8949
602 S California, Socorro
864-1444
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El Puente Del Socorro
Children, Youth and Families 610 Franklin, Socorro
(CYFD) 835-0928
Child Welfare Services/Adult
Protective Services Epiphany Episcopal Church
104 6th St. SE, Socorro 908 Leroy Place, Socorro
835-2716 To report abuse: 835-1818
1-800-832-1321
EvenStart Program
Church of Jesus Christ of 239 Garfield, Socorro
Latter Day Saints 835-8949
El Camino Real, Socorro
835-0570 Eye Associates of New Mexico
801 California, Socorro
Church on the Rock 835-2980
510 California, Socorro
835-2769
Community Action Program F
303 California, Socorro
835-0899 Families First
214 Neel, Socorro
Cooperative Extension 835-0971
214 Neel, Socorro
835-0610 Family Christian Center
Highway 60 & Fowler, Socorro
835-0185
Family Fellowship Church
D 703 Memory Lane, Socorro
838-2620 or 835-2620
Desert Herbals First Baptist Church of
200 School of Mines Rd., Magdalena
Socorro 835-4787 Magdalena 854-2389
Disabled American Veterans First Baptist SBC
200 N 5th St., Socorro 203 Spring, Socorro
835-0843 835-0041
DWI Council First Presbyterian Church
519 Hwy 85, Socorro 304 McCutcheon Ave., Socorro
838-2208 835-0942
E
Four H
214 Neel, Socorro
835-0610
Eagles Club
1111 N California, Socorro
835-9952 G
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Gospel of Hope Holiness
Mission
J
706 10 St., Magdalena
854-2924 Jehovah’s Witnesses
922 Ake Ave., Socorro
Gwen’s Massage Therapy 838-2049
722 N California, Socorro
835-2777 Juvenile Probation and Parole
835-2121
H K
HeadStart Program
239 Garfield, Socorro Kitchen Creations
835-0008 214 Neel, Socorro
835-0610
Heritage Program for Senior
Adults Knights of Columbus
107 Faulkner St., Socorro 517 Highway 60, Socorro
835-8780 835-1852
L
Heritage Home Healthcare
Services
112 Manzanares Ave., Socorro
838-4359
La Leche League
Hope Lutheran Church 305 School of Mines Rd.,
Across from Library on Leroy, Socorro 838-3901
Socorro 835-9648
La Vida Felicidad
Human Services Department 514 Park, Socorro
Income Support Division 838-0515
1014 N California, Socorro
835-0342 Lincare, Inc.
115 N California, Socorro
835-0859
I Literacy Volunteers of America
408 Park St., Socorro
Ideas for Cooking and 835-4659
Nutrition
214 Neel, Socorro Lucero, Marian T DDS
835-0610 824 US Hwy 60
Socorro 835-2342
Independent Living Resource
M
Center
120 Plaza, Socorro
835-2486
Islamic Center of Socorro MADD
1208 El Camino, Socorro P.O. Box 1202, Socorro
835-3217 838-3900
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New Mexico State University-
Magdalena Area Medical Socorro County Career Center
Center 239 Garfield, Socorro
801 10th St., Magdalena P.O. Box 1249
854-3161 835-4782
Magdalena Community Church
Magdalena 854-2364
O
Magdalena
Emergency – 911 Oates, C Bonner DDS
City Marshall 854-2493 210 Neel Ave N W
Fire/Ambulance 854-2201 Socorro 835-1623
Police 854-2293
Magdalena Municipal Schools
854-2241
P
Magdalena Samaritan Center Positive Outcome
nd
2 Street, Magdalena 210 Garfield, Socorro
838-1100
854-2288
Magdalena Senior Center Public Health Office
214 Neel, Socorro
202 Spruce, Magdalena
854-2589 835-0971
Masonic Lodge Puerto Seguro
519 Hwy 85, Socorro
912 Leroy Place, Socorro
838-1025
835-1601
Maternal Child Health (MCH)
1202 Highway 60 West,
Socorro 835-8709
Q R
N S
New Mexico Department of Saint Paul’s United Methodist
Labor Church
109 Faulkner, Socorro 1000 Goad, Socorro
835-0067 835-1372
New Mexico GRADS San Miguel Church
239 Garfield, Socorro 403 El Camino Real, Socorro
835-1785 835-2891 or 835-1620
New Mexico GRADS Dads SCOPE Health Council
239 Garfield, Socorro P.O. Box 696, Socorro
835-1785 835-2444
New Mexico State Police Society of Friends
Emergency – 911 94 Hope Farms Rd., Socorro
Non-Emergency - 835-0741 835-0013
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Socorro Medical Associates
Socorro Baptist Temple 1204 US Hwy 60, Socorro
H & Fairground Rd., Socorro 835-0705 or 835-1140
835-3306
Socorro Mental Health (SMH)
Socorro Church of Christ 1200 Highway 60 West,
1001 El Camino Real, Socorro Socorro 835-2444
835-2272
Socorro Parks and Recreation
Socorro Civic Center/ – Finley Gym
Swimming Pool 202 McCutcheon Ave, Socorro
1004 El Camino Real, Socorro 838-7537
835-3091
Socorro Police Department
Socorro Community Health Emergency – 911
Center Non-Emergency - 835-1883
1300 Enterprise, Socorro
835-4444 Socorro Public Library
401 Park St., Socorro
Socorro Consolidated Schools 835-1114
700 Franklin, Socorro
835-0300 Socorro Senior Center
1410 Ake Ave., Socorro
Socorro Cooperative Nursery 835-2119
School
304 McCutcheon Ave., Socorro Socorro Seventh-Day
835-1336 Adventist Church
218 Garfield St., Socorro
Socorro County Housing 440-9587
835-0196
Socorro Storehouse Food
Socorro Fire Department Pantry
Emergency – 911 519 HWY 85
Non-Emergency - 835-3969 P.O. Box 688, Socorro
854-2762
Socorro Foster Grandparent
and Senior Companion Program Socorro Taxi Service
1410 Ake Ave., Socorro 606 N California, Socorro
838-4886 835-4276
Socorro General Hospital
1202 Highway 60 West,
Socorro 835-1140
T
Socorro General Hospital Teen Court
Home Health Care/Hospice
519 Highway 85, Socorro
West Highway 60, Socorro 838-0911
835-8343
Tresco, Inc.
Socorro Good Samaritan 211 Park, Socorro
Village
835-0204
1203 Highway 60 West,
Socorro 838-4141
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Trinity Christian Fellowship
1403 El Camino Real, Socorro
838-9000
U
V
Veguitas Senior Center
304 Las Nutrias, Veguitas
861-2860
Vista Montano Apartments
301 Otero Ave., Socorro
835-0500
Vocational Rehabilitation
508 N California, Socorro
835-4243
W
Women, Infants and Children
(WIC)
214 Neel, Socorro
835-0977
Women’s Opportunities for
Wellness (WOW)
838-0104
XYZ
March 31, 2008 84
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Appendix D: Community Satisfaction Survey
March 31, 2008 85
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March 31, 2008 86
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