CDD Rural Early Access to Children’s Health (REACH)
What is CDD REACH?
CDD REACH was established in 2003 at the Center for Development & Disability (CDD), University of New Mexico, as the telehealth outreach arm of the CDD. The program delivers distance education, clinical services, and consultation via interactive video conferencing to areas where services are not readily available. For more information on the REACH Telehealth Program, contact Phyllis Shingle at 505-272-8726, or e-mail pshingle@salud.unm.edu
CDD REACH reaches out to the state through:
- Video-teleconferencing to connect with communities around the state, in order to provide access to quality care for families and children with special health care needs in previously underserved areas of New Mexico
- Facilitates the connection of families and clients to developmental care and early intervention service providers not available in their areas
- Supports training and continuing education for health and developmental service providers throughout the state in developmental disabilties and pediatrics
What needs in the state does CDD REACH serve?
Telehealth Technology addresses access issues that confront rural health care providers and families:
Workforce Shortages:
- One primary healthcare physician per 1,459 people (NM Health Policy Commission Workforce Profile, 2005).
- Providers for those with DD are in short supply in rural areas (Peebles & Pederson, 2005)
- In NM 27 counties are classified as Health Professional or Mental Health Professional Shortage areas (HPSA or MHPSA)
- Rural providers can often feel isolated, with inadequate access to education
Cost in money and time in travel:
- Children with special needs and their families who need specialist support
- Rural providers who want the latest best-practice training and / or licensure upgrades
- Rural providers can often feel isolated, with inadequate access to education
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Videoconferencing technology brings services to families and providers when they want it and where they live.
“My child has Down syndrome. One trip to Albuquerque for a medical visit costs us over $500 in mileage, time off from work, and motel costs.”
- Jane Pierce, parent, Carlsbad
