Cerebral Palsy Task Force | Center for Development & Disability| UNM Health System | Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

 

Cerebral Palsy Task Force

The CP Early Identification and Intervention Task Force works to increase awareness of the new clinical guidelines and help infants receive timely screenings. Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children. Early screening and detection connect children with interventions, and new guidelines say children as young as three to six months can be screened.

We are dedicated to sharing knowledge about CP and establishing best practices for diagnosis and care. We believe all infants at risk for CP should have access to opportunities for high-quality health care, education and community participation.

The task force meets regularly to discuss areas of improvement in CP care. These meetings include stakeholders from around the state. We welcome anyone from the community to join.

To attend a task force meeting contact Sandy Heimerl at sheimerl@salud.unm.edu.

Memorial Task Force

In 2019, the New Mexico CP Task Force received approval for a memorial bill from the state legislature. The new Memorial Task Force will include representation from:

  • Individuals with CP
  • Neonatologists and pediatric neurologists
  • Nurses
  • Occupational therapists
  • Parents of children with CP
  • Pediatricians
  • Physical therapists
  • Representatives from FIT and education
  • Representatives from health care facilities
  • Social workers
  • Speech language pathologists

The purpose of uniting these stakeholders is to understand the processes currently in place as well as to create a plan to move forward with early and accurate diagnosis and treatment for high-risk children.

Read the bill [PDF] to learn more about the Memorial Task Force.