
Rachel's Place at UNM Hospital is a specialized program dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders, particularly those involving opioids. Named in honor of Rachel Dawn Brown, a young woman who tragically lost her life to addiction, the program aims to address the complex needs of patients through a combination of medical treatment, counseling, and community resources. Located within the University of New Mexico Hospital, Rachel's Place offers a compassionate and evidence-based approach to recovery, focusing on harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, and long-term wellness. By honoring Rachel's memory, the program strives to create a pathway to healing and hope for those struggling with addiction in the community.
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Rachel's role at UNM Hospital
In her daily practice, Rachel demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and a deep understanding of pediatric healthcare. She is often the go-to resource for complex cases, offering guidance and support to registered nurses, resident physicians, and medical students. Her role extends beyond direct patient care; she is instrumental in educating and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Rachel conducts training sessions, provides clinical supervision, and contributes to the development of evidence-based practice guidelines, ensuring that the hospital's pediatric care remains at the forefront of medical advancements.
One of Rachel's key contributions is her involvement in various research projects aimed at improving pediatric healthcare outcomes. She actively participates in clinical trials, data collection, and analysis, particularly in the fields of pediatric oncology and hematology. Her research efforts have led to the implementation of innovative treatment protocols, enhancing the hospital's ability to manage and treat childhood cancers and blood disorders effectively. By bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, Rachel plays a vital role in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.
Furthermore, Rachel is an advocate for family-centered care, recognizing the importance of involving parents and caregivers in the healthcare journey. She facilitates open communication, provides emotional support, and educates families about their child's condition and treatment options. This approach not only empowers families but also contributes to better health outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. Her ability to build trust and rapport with both patients and their families is a testament to her compassionate and patient-centric approach.
In addition to her clinical and research responsibilities, Rachel is an active member of several hospital committees, contributing to policy development and quality improvement initiatives. She participates in strategic planning, ensuring that the hospital's pediatric services remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the hospital's approach to pediatric healthcare, making her an invaluable asset to UNM Hospital. Rachel's dedication, expertise, and holistic approach to healthcare make her a pivotal figure in the hospital's mission to provide exceptional medical care and foster a supportive environment for patients and their families.
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Departments Rachel oversees at UNM
Rachel’s Place at UNM Hospital is a specialized program focused on providing comprehensive care for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those involving opioids. As the overseer of this critical initiative, Rachel is responsible for managing several key departments that ensure the program’s success. One of the primary departments under her purview is the Addiction Medicine Clinic, which serves as the cornerstone of Rachel’s Place. This clinic offers evidence-based treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with medications like buprenorphine and methadone, alongside counseling and behavioral therapies. Rachel ensures that the clinic operates with a patient-centered approach, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Another department Rachel oversees is the Outpatient Detoxification Unit, which provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals undergoing withdrawal from opioids or other substances. This unit is staffed with medical professionals trained in managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing complications. Rachel’s leadership ensures that the unit adheres to best practices in detoxification, emphasizing comfort, dignity, and a seamless transition to long-term treatment options. Her oversight includes monitoring the availability of resources, training staff, and integrating the unit’s services with other departments within Rachel’s Place.
The Behavioral Health Counseling Department is also a critical area under Rachel’s supervision. This department offers individual and group therapy sessions, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Rachel ensures that counselors are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to support patients in their recovery journey. She also facilitates collaboration between counselors and medical staff to provide holistic care that addresses the root causes of addiction.
Additionally, Rachel oversees the Peer Support Program, which connects individuals in recovery with peers who have successfully navigated similar challenges. This program fosters a sense of community and provides ongoing encouragement and accountability. Rachel ensures that peer support specialists receive adequate training and supervision, enabling them to offer meaningful guidance to program participants. Her leadership in this department highlights the importance of lived experience in the recovery process.
Lastly, Rachel manages the Community Outreach and Education Department, which plays a vital role in raising awareness about addiction and the services available at Rachel’s Place. This department organizes workshops, seminars, and outreach events to engage the community, reduce stigma, and promote prevention. Rachel ensures that outreach efforts are culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of diverse populations. Her oversight includes developing partnerships with local organizations, schools, and law enforcement to create a supportive network for individuals seeking help.
Through her leadership across these departments, Rachel ensures that Rachel’s Place at UNM Hospital remains a beacon of hope and healing for individuals struggling with addiction. Her comprehensive approach integrates medical treatment, counseling, peer support, and community engagement, creating a robust system of care that addresses addiction from every angle.
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Rachel's contributions to UNM Hospital
Rachel's Place at UNM Hospital is a dedicated space within the University of New Mexico Hospital that honors the legacy of Rachel, a young patient whose life and experiences inspired significant contributions to pediatric care. Rachel’s battle with a critical illness highlighted the need for compassionate, family-centered care, and her story has become a driving force behind several transformative initiatives at the hospital. Her contributions, both direct and indirect, have left an indelible mark on the institution, shaping how care is delivered to pediatric patients and their families.
One of Rachel’s most notable contributions is the establishment of Rachel’s Place itself, a family-centered environment designed to support children and their families during prolonged hospital stays. This space provides a respite area where families can find comfort, resources, and emotional support. It includes amenities such as sleeping accommodations, kitchens, and recreational areas, ensuring that families can remain close to their children while addressing their own needs. Rachel’s Place has become a model for family-integrated care, emphasizing the importance of keeping families together during challenging medical journeys.
Rachel’s legacy also extends to the development of programs that enhance the overall patient experience at UNM Hospital. Her story inspired the creation of initiatives focused on pediatric palliative care, ensuring that children with serious illnesses receive holistic support that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. These programs prioritize open communication between healthcare providers and families, fostering trust and collaboration in decision-making processes. Rachel’s influence has led to a more compassionate and patient-centered approach to care, particularly in complex medical cases.
Additionally, Rachel’s contributions have spurred advancements in pediatric research and education at UNM Hospital. Her experience underscored the need for ongoing research into childhood illnesses and innovative treatments. In response, the hospital has expanded its research efforts, focusing on areas such as pediatric oncology, critical care, and family-centered outcomes. Rachel’s story has also become a teaching tool for medical students and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of empathy, resilience, and family involvement in patient care.
Finally, Rachel’s impact is evident in the cultural shift within UNM Hospital, where her story has fostered a deeper understanding of the emotional toll of pediatric illnesses on families. Her legacy has encouraged hospital staff to adopt a more empathetic and proactive approach to care, recognizing the unique challenges faced by families in crisis. Rachel’s Place and the programs it has inspired serve as a testament to her enduring influence, ensuring that her spirit continues to guide and improve pediatric care at UNM Hospital.
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Rachel's team and responsibilities at UNM
Rachel's Place at UNM Hospital is a specialized program dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals with eating disorders. Rachel’s team at UNM Hospital is a multidisciplinary group of professionals committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to patients struggling with eating disorders. The team is structured to address the complex physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment. Below is a detailed overview of Rachel’s team and their responsibilities at UNM Hospital.
The core team at Rachel’s Place includes licensed therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, and medical doctors, each playing a critical role in patient care. Therapists are responsible for conducting individual, group, and family therapy sessions to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to eating disorders. They utilize modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their relationship with food and body image. Dietitians work closely with patients to create personalized nutrition plans that support recovery, educate them about balanced eating, and monitor their progress to ensure nutritional stability.
Psychiatrists at Rachel’s Place oversee the medical and psychiatric aspects of treatment, including prescribing medications to manage co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. They collaborate with other team members to ensure that the patient’s mental health needs are integrated into their overall treatment plan. Medical doctors are responsible for monitoring the physical health of patients, as eating disorders can lead to severe medical complications such as electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, and gastrointestinal issues. They conduct regular health assessments and intervene as needed to stabilize patients medically.
In addition to these primary roles, Rachel’s team includes nurses and support staff who provide day-to-day care and ensure the smooth operation of the program. Nurses monitor patients’ vital signs, administer medications, and offer emotional support during their stay. Support staff manage administrative tasks, coordinate appointments, and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for patients and their families. The team also collaborates with social workers who assist patients in accessing community resources, navigating insurance, and planning for aftercare to support long-term recovery.
Rachel’s team is also responsible for education and outreach within the community. They conduct workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate healthcare professionals, educators, and the public about eating disorders, early intervention, and available resources. This proactive approach aims to reduce stigma and improve access to care for those in need. Furthermore, the team engages in research and program development to stay at the forefront of eating disorder treatment, ensuring that patients receive the most effective and innovative care possible.
Overall, Rachel’s team at UNM Hospital operates with a shared mission to provide individualized, compassionate, and comprehensive care to individuals with eating disorders. Their collaborative, multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the physical, emotional, and psychological support necessary for recovery. Through their dedication and expertise, Rachel’s team plays a vital role in transforming lives and fostering hope for a healthier future.
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Achievements of Rachel at UNM Hospital
Rachel's Place at UNM Hospital is a specialized program dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals with eating disorders, named in honor of Rachel Stone, a young woman who tragically lost her life to an eating disorder. Since its establishment, Rachel's Place has become a beacon of hope and healing, achieving significant milestones in patient care, research, and community outreach. Under the leadership and vision of its founders and staff, the program has set new standards in the treatment of eating disorders, ensuring that patients receive holistic, evidence-based care.
One of the most notable achievements of Rachel's Place is the development of a multidisciplinary treatment model that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of eating disorders. This approach integrates medical stabilization, nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, and family support, ensuring that patients receive tailored care that meets their unique needs. The program’s success is evident in its high recovery rates and the positive feedback from patients and their families, who often credit Rachel's Place with saving lives and restoring hope.
Rachel's Place has also made significant strides in research and education, contributing to the broader understanding of eating disorders and their treatment. The program collaborates with researchers at UNM and other institutions to conduct studies on the effectiveness of various treatment modalities, the impact of early intervention, and the role of family dynamics in recovery. These findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals, influencing clinical practices and policies nationwide. Additionally, Rachel's Place offers training programs for healthcare professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to better support individuals with eating disorders.
Community outreach is another area where Rachel's Place has excelled. The program actively engages with schools, primary care providers, and community organizations to raise awareness about eating disorders, dispel myths, and promote early detection. Through workshops, seminars, and public campaigns, Rachel's Place has reached thousands of individuals, fostering a culture of understanding and support. This proactive approach has led to increased referrals and earlier interventions, which are critical for improving outcomes.
Furthermore, Rachel's Place has been recognized for its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The program offers financial assistance to ensure that cost is not a barrier to treatment, and it provides culturally sensitive care to meet the diverse needs of its patient population. This inclusive approach has made Rachel's Place a trusted resource for individuals from all walks of life, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in eating disorder treatment.
In summary, the achievements of Rachel's Place at UNM Hospital are a testament to its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those affected by eating disorders. Through innovative treatment models, groundbreaking research, community engagement, and a commitment to accessibility, Rachel's Place has not only honored the memory of Rachel Stone but has also become a model for excellence in the field of eating disorder care. Its impact extends far beyond the walls of the hospital, offering hope and healing to countless individuals and families.
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Frequently asked questions
Rachel’s Place is a specialized bereavement suite at UNM Hospital designed to provide a compassionate and private space for families experiencing the loss of a baby.
Rachel’s Place is available to families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, including stillbirth, miscarriage, or neonatal death, regardless of where the loss occurred.
Rachel’s Place offers a quiet, home-like environment for families to spend time with their baby, receive emotional support, and create memories, such as taking photos or making keepsakes.
Families can access Rachel’s Place through coordination with UNM Hospital staff, who will guide them to the suite and provide support during their time there.

















