New Mexico advocates rally at The Roundhouse

Annie Gilbert, a family nurse practitioner who owns her own medical clinic in Rio Rancho, stood in front of a large crowd of supporters in the rotunda at the New Mexico Capitol and talked about the importance of Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML).

Gilbert talked about the need for balance in home and work life as it relates to staying healthy. As a business owner, she shared her concern and care for her nine employees and how she wanted to be able to support them if they had a medical issue, had a newborn baby or needed to care for a sick loved one.

Gilbert was one of three New Mexico board members and seven American Heart Association advocates who talked to legislators in favor of PFML on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The AHA gathered with advocates from numerous other state organizations – just more than 100 overall – to tell their stories to lawmakers.

“It’s important for me to be able to support my staff, “ Gilbert said. “I need them to be healthy and know that if they need time off for a personal illness or a family issue, they have that capability without worrying about their job.”

Gilbert talked about a patient needing hip replacement surgery who is out for 12 weeks unpaid because her job doesn’t have PFML and how it could prohibit the person from retiring on time.

The seven AHA advocates met with 10 different senators and representatives during the day, sharing the key messages about PFML.

During the various meetings, board member Alexandra Pedersen-Green talked about families in hospice torn between going to their job or caring for a parent. She specifically referenced one young woman who asked her every day if that was the day her mom would die as she needed to work to retain her job.

Board member Shayai Lucero talked about how her family was stretched thin financially as she recovered from a heart attack and was unable to work.

Overall, the day of advocacy was a resounding success as it demonstrated the power of advocates uniting to change the future of health by speaking out and speaking up to advance policies that are improving lives and creating healthier communities.

You can read more about the event here and you can see more photos and spread the word about supporting Paid Family & Medical Leave by sharing our Facebook posts.