SW New Mexico News

Las Cruces Public Schools hosted the New Mexico School Nurse Association (NMSNA) Annual Conference this week. The three-day event took place at Centennial High School, where school nurses from across the state gathered to discuss various topics, including partnerships between nurses and the New Mexico Alliance for School-Based Health Care, nursing strategies, and drug recognition education.

The conference featured numerous guest speakers from New Mexico who are currently employed in the healthcare sector as well as those working alongside healthcare professionals in Doña Ana County.

NMSNA's mission is to advance the quality of school health services and health education throughout New Mexico. The association aims to promote high educational and professional standards for school nurses.

On the second day of the conference, several school nurses were recognized for their significant contributions to their schools. The award winners included:

- **NMSNA Recognitions Award**: Marissa Saiz, Carlos Gilbert Elementary School, Santa Fe Public Schools

- **Marlene McDowell Award**: Tasia Nabahe, BSN, RN, Kirtland Central High School, Central Consolidated School District

- **Community Service Award**: Donzlynn Worthington, BSN, RN, Moriarty Elementary School, Moriarty-Edgewood School District

- **Horizon Award**: Andrea Rice, BSN, RN, Cielo Azul Elementary School; Laci Fachini MSN, RN, Route 66 Elementary/Edgewood Middle School

- **School Nurse of the Year**: Michele Wright, BSN, RN, Chamisa Elementary School, Los Alamos Public Schools

- **Nurse Administrator of the Year**: Myrna Barbee-Lee, BSN, RN, NCSN, Santa Fe Public Schools