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I Need a Safe Life

ARCA provides services to individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and their families on a statewide basis through The Prader-Willi Syndrome Project for New Mexico - the only full time professional project of its kind in the country. The Project was established in 1991 with funding from the NM Department of Health.

PWS is a life-threatening genetic developmental disability that effects the functioning of the hypothalamus, a brain structure.  Among the results of this disability are muscle weakness, a lack of the satiety signal to stop eating, learning issues, behavior problems, lack of sexual maturation and, if not managed correctly, morbid obesity from which people with PWS can and do die.
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ARCA’s PWS Project provides specialized consultation and services to 60+ individuals and their families.  Services include identification and referral, PWS specific case management, individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy, training and consultation on the medical, behavioral and emotional supports necessary for people with PWS.  The Project attempts to develop programs in local communities around the state for each individual.  These include programs for home, school, and place of employment. The Project works to ensure that all people in the lives of the individual are educated about PWS and its management.
 
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Project for the State of New Mexico is to identify individuals with PWS and to assist these individuals and their families in finding services that will promote their health and allow them to choose and achieve their life goals and fully experience community life.

Project Director  -  Michelle Harmon
Project Nutritionist  -  Loretta Pacheco, MSN, LN
Project Case Coordinator  -  Catherine La Roque, M.Ed.

For more information, please contact The Project at (505) 332-6868 or statewide at 1-800-794-7970. E-mail to claroque@arc-a.org.

Current Medical Issues – Power Point Presentation
Schools & PWS – Power Point Presentation


For more information, please contact Catherine LaRoque at (505) 332-6868.