UNM Health Social & Environmental Responsibility | Albuquerque, New Mexico

UNM Health Social & Environmental Responsibility

As New Mexico’s health care leader, we have a vital responsibility to all our communities and to all those we serve.

Not only do we strive every day to fulfill our mission of delivering high-quality, accessible health care to all New Mexicans, all of us at UNM Health—UNM Hospital Lomas Campus, UNM Hospital Sandoval Campus, the UNM Medical Group, Inc., and the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center—also strive to lead in social and environmental responsibility.

 

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Arts-in-Medicine

The Arts-in-Medicine program’s goal is to enrich the hospital experience for patients, families, and staff through music and art. Research shows music and art can decrease stress levels and trigger a relaxation response. Learn more here.

  • Local musicians regularly come and play at various UNM Health locations.
  • Artwork from local artists and elementary through high school students is displayed on the walls throughout various UNM Health locations. 
  • The Arts-in-Medicine’s partnership with Rio Rancho Public Schools allows student art to be rotated every three months.

 

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Clinical Stewardship

High-quality patient care inevitably requires a variety of tools and materials. Our team members ensure that these medical resources and any waste produced from their areas are handled responsibly. UNM Health: 

  • Follows all recycling protocols for disposable medical devices.
  • Partners with the University of New Mexico to salvage batteries, paper, aluminum, and plastic.
  • Donates medical devices to residency programs at UNM Health Sciences Center to advance learning opportunities.
  • Participates in a sharps container reuse program.

 

Community Engagement

Fostering relationships and building trust with our communities is crucial to achieve positive health outcomes. The Community Engagement team builds partnerships and hosts outreach opportunities to help achieve health care equity and access for all New Mexicans. Learn more here.

  • Community engagement events – often offered in bilingual settings – are held throughout the year, such as free health screenings and cancer informational sessions, vaccine clinics, and emergency blanket giveaways.
  • Major community events include The Lobo Cancer Challenge, Hoops 4 Hope, UNM Children’s Hospital Radio-Thon, and Lobos Love Pink.   
  • Listening sessions are held across the state that allow community members to share their thoughts and opinions about their experiences and how we can improve.   

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Everyone is welcome at our clinics and sites regardless of race, ethnicity, or identity. We strive to create an inclusive atmosphere that promotes well-being for all of New Mexico’s diverse communities. Learn more here.

  • Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign since 2013 for providing high-quality care to the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Every year, DEI trains more than 500 employees on different topics. Additionally, leadership teams have been trained in Diversity and Cultural Humility.
  • There are currently 12 DEI focused trainings that aim to increase awareness around providing better care to the LGBTQ+, Antiracism, Implicit Bias, and Deaf and Deaf+ (e.g. patients who are both deaf and blind) communities.
  • UNM Health’s workforce closely reflects the ethnic and racial diversity of New Mexico: approximately 47% Hispanic, 36% White, 6% American Indian/Alaska Native, 3% Asian, 3% Black, and 2% Other.

 

Economic Impact

UNM Health plays a significant role in the local economy, providing jobs that allow employees to support their families and contribute to the economic well-being of all our communities.

  • UNM Health is one of the largest employers in New Mexico, employing over 7,500 staff members.
  • UNM Health’s annual labor income is over $800 million.
  • UNM Health’s annual output is over $2 billion.

 

Employee Engagement & Benefits

Our greatest indispensable resource is our workforce. The Employee Engagement team exists to serve and empower staff members who make our mission a reality every day.

  • Winner of the Family Friendly Business Award nine years consecutively, which recognizes organizations that are distinguished leaders in implementing family-friendly practices in the workplace.
  • Annual events that highlight and recognize the impact of our employees, including Doctor’s Day and Healthcare Workers Week.
  • Recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the 150+ Top Places to work in health care in 2024.
  • Employee and clinician engagement and culture of safety surveys are conducted every 18 months.

 

Employee Well-Being

Health care workers often experience high levels of stress and exhaustion. A full-time Employee Well-Being team is committed to creating positive interactions and opportunities with our staff so that they can better care for our patients. UNM Health:

  • Promotes and supports well-being efforts with a focus on building a culture of wellness, efficiency of practice, and individual resilience.
  • Provides mental health resources to staff and well-being support to teams.
  • Creates dedicated spaces, activities, and events to encourage respite and exercise during the workday.
  • Promotes work-life balance, such as encouraging the limitation of work communications to within business hours.

 

Environmental Sustainability

UNM Health actively participates in initiatives that protect the natural environment, decreases our carbon footprint, and limits waste. We do our part to keep the natural environment healthy, which will help future generations of New Mexico residents stay healthy. Learn more here.

  • Since 2006, all new hospital and clinic buildings have been certified to at least the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard, promoting environmental and human health.
  • UNM Health has electric vehicle charging in its main hospital parking structure and easy access to alternative transportation and bicycle infrastructure for staff and patients.
  • Waste reduction and recycling and reuse programs include a sharps management service that uses reusable containers and the recycling of medical equipment.
  • Harmful chemical use is minimized and chemicals are used in an environmentally responsible way through our careful disposal of waste pharmaceuticals, laundry practices that utilizes nonylphenol ethoxophate (NPE)-free detergent, and use of environmentally responsible housekeeping supplies.

 

Health Literacy

The Health Literacy Office (HLO) aims to improve how health information is communicated to our patients. We have a responsibility to ensure patients can easily find, understand, and use health information and systems to get the care that they need and make informed decisions about their health care and well-being. Learn more here.

  • Nationally recognized by the CDC as the only resource in NM for health literacy. (Health Literacy Activities by State | Health Literacy | CDC).
  • Since 2016, the HLO has created a yearly average of 240 health literate, reader-friendly documents including informed consent forms.
  • Staff are trained to use Plain Language and Teach Back when talking to patients and their families, which are communication tools proven to ensure better patient-provider understanding, improve patient safety, and encourage patients to take an active role in their care.

 

Interpreter Language Services (ILS)

Speaking with your team of health care providers in your language is both empowering and welcoming. UNM Health offers free language services, available 24/7, to our patients and visitors who prefer a language other than English. Our interpreters are accessible in-person, by phone, and by video. Learn more here.

  • Professional medical interpreters are available in four languages: Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, and Navajo.
  • Employees can complete the required medical interpreter training in addition to serving in their primary role.
  • The professional staff medical interpreter team provides over 50,000 medical interpretations every year.

 

Native American Health Services (NAHS)

We have served New Mexico’s pueblos and tribes since our inception. We honor this heritage through compassionate and high-quality health care and customer service to our Native American patients. Learn more here.

  • We conduct annual outreach to the tribal communities to meet with tribal and health care leaders in Native American communities.
  • All new employees learn about our unique and important relationship with Native American communities.
  • On average, there are 6,000 Native American specialty care visits per month.