11/07/2024

Molina Healthcare of New Mexico gifts literacy machine to local elementary school

Las Cruces, N.M., Nov. 7, 2024 - Last week, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico ("Molina") celebrated the unveiling of a new literacy vending machine at Arrey Elementary School during its Red Ribbon Week celebration.

The literacy vending machine is the first of its kind at Arrey Elementary and will be stocked with both English and Spanish language books to encourage reading and learning among students.

"Molina's mission is to improve the health and lives of our members and communities by delivering high-quality health care and needed resources," said Dr. Darcie Robran-Marquez, Chief Medical Officer, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico. "We know reading comprehension, particularly at an early age, is a contributing factor to lifelong health literacy. We're thrilled to contribute the literacy vending machine to support students' overall well-being."

According to the National Library of Medicine, "Patients with lower literacy had poorer health outcomes, including knowledge, intermediate disease markers, measures of morbidity, general health status, and use of health resources. Patients with low literacy were generally 1.5 to 3 times more likely to experience a given poor outcome."

"We are thankful for Molina's donation of the literacy vending machine to support our students at Arrey Elementary School," said Nichole Burgin, superintendent, Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools. "We know reading proficiency is the foundation of academic success. When students struggle to read, their overall school performance suffers, leading to long-term effects on their confidence, general health, and future opportunities."

About Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid and Marketplace programs in New Mexico. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

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