Taylor Ranch Community Center Hosts Second Annual Health Event and Clothing Drive
Dec. 20, 2022
The City of Albuquerque and Representative-elect Cynthia Borrego teamed up for the second annual Health Fair and Clothing Drive at Taylor Ranch Community Center. This event highlights community partnerships to support public health for the housed and unhoused this winter. The Taylor Ranch community has been collecting socks, jackets, and hygiene items since early December for shelter residents. Donations will be accepted through the end of the year. The Roadmap to Health bus, created by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), was on site to provide free cholesterol and biometric health screenings.
“Our community is at its healthiest when we are working together. The Health Fair and Clothing Drive was a wonderful opportunity for people to come together to not only support people experiencing homelessness, but also to have a better understanding of their own personal health,” said Family & Community Services Director Carol Pierce.
To multiply the impact of the clothing drive, Rio Grande Credit Union donated $1,000 to the Westside Emergency Housing Center. This is especially important as the need for warm clothing and supplies is greatest during the winter months.
“Supporting our neighbors in need – from youth, individuals and families is at the core of everything we do, “said Mike Athens, President / CEO of Rio Grande Credit Union. “We are grateful to partner with the City of Albuquerque, the Westside Emergency Housing Center, Representative-Elect Cynthia Borrego and all the community-minded individuals who have taken the time and interest in this initiative to ensure donations are directed where they can have a significant impact.”
"Roadmap to Health has traveled across the country bringing critical health screenings and information to communities. We are honored to visit Albuquerque for the second time this year. Access to health information is an important tool to fight chronic disease," said Priscilla VanderVeer, PhRMA spokeswoman.
"I am so grateful to PhRMA, the Rio Grande Credit Union, and the City of Albuquerque, for coming together to bring an amazing health event to my State Legislative District 17,” said Representative-Elect Cynthia Borrego. “The health services offered by PhRMA will give individuals without health insurance an opportunity to access free care before the holidays, and the extra warmth and love for our unhoused community will help endure our cold New Mexico winter weather.”