Serving Los Alamos & Rio Arriba Counties
As a part of the United Way of Northern New Mexico’s Behavioral Health(y) Community
Initiative, United Way of Northern New Mexico hosted a training, facilitated New
Mexico State Police Sergeant Kiersten Harzewski for local law enforcement and public
safety officials. “United Way continues to look for ways to help our communities by
providing services and resources pertaining to mental and behavioral health,” said
Kristy Ortega, Executive Director of United Way of Northern New Mexico. “Our hope is
to do 1-2 of these training’s per year for those who serve in Los Alamos and Rio Arriba
Counties,”; Ortega said.
Sergeant Harzewski has been in Law Enforcement for 23 years and is currently a
member of the State Police Crisis Negotiation Team. “I’m interested in helping officers
understand how to hand people with Mental Health Concerns,” said Harzewski.
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety is an eight-hour course specially designed for
police officers, first responders, corrections officers and other public safety
professionals, helping them better understand mental illnesses and addictions and
providing them with effective response options to deescalate incidents without
compromising safety. – nationalcouncil.org
“Mental Health First Aid is a necessary component for modern day law enforcement,”
said Cpl. Robert Stephens, who is the current School Resource Officer at Los Alamos
Middle School. Along those same lines, participant Detective Matt Lyon (Los Alamos
Police Department) stated, “Mental Health First Aid is a must for law enforcement in
today’s society.”
Also in attendance was Animal Control officer Debra Kramer. “It helps us be more
understanding to what others are going through and why.” She was particularly
interested in this course and how it applies to folks who have pets in our community.
“This course will make it easier for departments to get their first responders trained in
Mental Health and Crisis Awareness, and how to effectively managed both,”said
Corporal James Keane, LAPD.
For more information on this course and the United Way of Northern New Mexico
Behavioral Health(y) Community Initiative, please contact Kristy Ortega at
kristy@unitedwaynnm.org or visit us on the web at http://www.unitedwaynnm.org
Over $1 million was requested by 47 nonprofit organizations serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba residents. United Way of Northern New Mexico’s (UWNNM) Community Action Fund Grant Cycle concluded with the funding of $628,420 to 29 local nonprofits. United Way’s funding will reach residents that are to be born this year to those needing assistance in … Continue reading
“We rely on United Way of Northern New Mexico for their expertise and knowledge of community organizations that are making a difference on the ground every day.” said Kathy Keith, LANL Community Programs Office. Continue reading
In 2016, United Way of Northern New Mexico changed the way fundraising was measured. Roughly about $50 a year provides services for residents in Community Action funded programs. A goal of 12,200 residents, or $610,000, was set as the fundraising goal. Investors, both personal and business, responded generously and $631,306 is available for Community Action … Continue reading
United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) has started 2017 being actively involved in community discussions around behavioral health. On January 19, UWNNM joined Los Alamos Public School’s (LAPS) Healthy School Initiative to host a Department of Health (DOH) presentation on ‘Risk Factors for Suicidal Behaviors among Youth.’ This presentation was open to the public … Continue reading
The United Way of Northern New Mexico Behavioral Health Initiative (BHI) Group is working to provide resources, raise awareness and normalize behavioral and mental health issues in Los Alamos. With in-depth research and discussions of strategy and advocacy, the group deals with issues ranging from improved crisis intervention to statewide concerns and insurance policy. The group has met for … Continue reading
Andy Fox of CB Fox presents check to Kristy Ortega of United Way of NNM. photo credit Arin McKenna, Los Alamos Monitor
David Jolly and Metzger’s Hardware present check for United Way of Northern New Mexico
In Times of Need, Services are Available.
Resources for mental health first aid
2009 to present
