Who We Are
The New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition was created to enhance and promote family and professional direct care workers, supporting their professional development and advancing issues of importance to the field of long-term and direct care. A caregiver is anyone who serves persons who are elderly and/or disabled.
The Coalition’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life for direct caregivers. The Coalition provides the space and opportunity for family and professional caregivers to define and advocate on topics of importance to them--be it higher wages, better benefits and workplace supports, or training and education needed for improving their own professional development and that of the field. Through the Coalition, direct caregivers convene to enhance and promote the professionalism and image of direct caregivers, supporting professional development and workplace issues.
The New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition is led by individuals who share common causes, common needs, and common goals with everyday caregivers living in New Mexico. The Coalition has a Board of Directors consisting of both family and professional caregivers that are representative of the state’s geographic areas as well as the range of occupation within the field.
Join now and become a part of the positive changes coming to the field of direct care in New Mexico. There are many benefits to enjoy by becoming a member.
The services caregivers provide are needed now more than ever. Demographic trends indicate a growing gap between the number of people likely to need care and those most likely to provide care. Personal and home health care aides are the second fastest-growing occupation in New Mexico, with a 58 percent increase projected between 2006 and 2016. This projected occupational increase means that by 2016, 6,190 jobs will be added to New Mexico’s workforce alone. To meet the growing demand, improved conditions are essential to the field.
High job turnover in the field of direct care occurs as a result of worker shortages, low wages, few to no benefits, little training and little recognition for work performed. Both caregivers and the elderly and/or disabled persons they care for suffer the effects.
By joining the movement of the New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition, you can take pride in knowing you will be part of the positive changes coming to the field of direct care in New Mexico.