Health educator Julia Martinez shares information about the Blue Door Neighborhood Center℠ with guests.
At the core of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico's community wellness initiatives in Albuquerque's South Valley is Blue Door Neighborhood Center℠, a vibrant hub where collaboration thrives.
The bilingual BDNC team work alongside local organizations and health care providers to offer access to essential resources and services that address community needs.
Angie Marentes, community affairs concierge, and Aldo Garcia, community outreach specialist, greet a Blue Door Neighborhood Center visitor.
The programming at BDNC is diverse and holistic. The Center collaborates with local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies, including The Sprouting Kitchen, MoGro Mobile Grocery and New Mexico Department of Health.
Residents can benefit from services such as the monthly Fresh Harvest Market, which provides no-cost bags of produce, cooking demonstrations led by registered dietitians and fitness classes facilitated by community instructors. Health education covers topics, including heart health, diabetes management, maternal and infant health, cancer and behavioral health awareness.
A community member receives a no-cost bag of fresh produce at Blue Door Neighborhood Center’s Fresh Harvest Market.
“Events and activities like the Fresh Harvest Market and cooking demonstrations not only promote nutritional awareness but also foster a supportive environment for better health outcomes,” says Fallon Bader, registered dietician at The Sprouting Kitchen. “It's inspiring to see that together we can make a meaningful impact on heart health, diabetes management and overall well-being."
Fallon Bader, registered dietician at The Sprouting Kitchen, engages BDNC guests during a healthy cooking demonstration.
In addition to health-focused programming, BDNC offers its facilities to nonprofits at no cost, further cultivating community collaboration. This inclusive approach ensures a range of voices and services are under one roof, addressing the multifaceted aspects of health and wellness.
BDNC’s health educator Julia Martinez is credited with developing these community connections.
Martinez began her career as a community health worker at the University of New Mexico, where she assessed patients' social determinants of health needs. She transitioned to community engagement health research and joined the Peace Corps. Stationed in Guatemala, she focused on maternal and infant health. Moved by that experience, Martinez trained as a doula and has attended nearly 20 births.
In her current role, Martinez relies on her experiences to develop and coordinate BDNC’s health education programming shaped by community feedback. Before the center's opening, she organized and facilitated listening sessions to identify services and resources the community desired.
“Our commitment to actively listening and adapting our programs truly embodies the essence of Blue Door Neighborhood Center," Martinez says. "We strive to create a welcoming space where everyone can learn, grow and collaborate, fostering a strong sense of community that uplifts and empowers all individuals.”