New Mexico Scientific Laboratory Division Dedicates New State-of-the-Art Facility


SILVER SPRING, MD--(Marketwire - October 1, 2010) -  The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is proud to announce the dedication of the new comprehensive New Mexico public health laboratory. On September 29, 2010, the New Mexico Scientific Laboratory Division dedicated their beautiful, state-of-the-art facility which will double their space and greatly expand testing capabilities.

"This new laboratory is the crown jewel of state government," said Arturo L. Jaramillo, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico General Services Department.

A LEED-certified green facility, this cutting edge laboratory boasts accreditations by numerous agencies. For the first time, the New Mexico public health laboratory will have onsite training facilities. Agreements have already been finalized with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to do Laboratory Response Network (LRN) training, the Food and Drug Administration for their dairy analyst training, and the University of New Mexico law school to teach new judges the scientific methods of DWI testing.

"It takes a special laboratory to help shape the future -- a specially equipped facility staffed with highly qualified and trained experts, one like the laboratory here," said APHL's Executive Director, Scott Becker who attended the dedication. "Who knows -- this new space could uncover the clues of some of our most pressing public health issues."

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the New Mexico public health laboratory. From its origin in 1920 with one visionary employee in a one-room facility, the new building will house state-of-the-art clinical, environmental and forensic analytical services in support of public health across the state and nation.

Press tours of the new public health laboratory will take place on Friday, October 1, 2010.

The Association of Public Health Laboratories is a national non-profit located in Silver Spring, MD, that is dedicated to working with members to strengthen governmental laboratories with a public health mandate. By promoting effective programs and public policy, APHL strives to provide public health laboratories with the resources and infrastructure needed to protect the health of US residents and to prevent and control disease globally.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Michelle M. Forman
Senior Media Specialist
240.485.2793