Enchantment State News

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced that 26 rural health care providers in New Mexico will receive a total of $40.6 million from the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund. This funding is part of the $46 million allocated during the 2024 legislative session.

Last fall, four rural health care organizations were awarded $5.4 million for their ability to quickly implement services.

"Every New Mexican deserves access to quality health care close to home," stated Gov. Lujan Grisham. "My administration is committed to supporting and strengthening the health care provider network. By reducing financial barriers for rural providers, this fund will expand access to care and positively impact the health of New Mexicans."

The funds will support various services across the state, including behavioral health, primary care, and maternal and child health care. These services include autism diagnostics, urgent care, mobile crisis response, diabetes clinics, among others.

"This funding empowers us to deliver essential healthcare services to the residents of Lea County," said Nichole Chambers, CEO of the Guidance Center of Lea County. "This support allows us to address the unique needs of our rural population, improve health outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of our community."

Qualified Medicaid providers offering services such as primary care, behavioral health, maternal child health services, and specialty care were eligible for these funds.

Rural health providers nationwide face challenges like geographic isolation and financial strain that hinder access to critical healthcare services. Gov. Lujan Grisham remains committed to enhancing rural healthcare infrastructure in New Mexico.

Projects funded by region include:

- Multi-Region: Behavior Change Institute will open an autism diagnostic clinic in Chaves County with telehealth expansion statewide.

- Northwestern Region: Changing Women’s Initiative plans maternal child health clinics in Cibola and McKinley Counties.

- Northeastern Region: Family Practice Associates of Taos will expand primary care in Taos County.

- Southwestern Region: Border Area Mental Health Services aims to expand behavioral and youth services in Doña Ana County.

- Southeastern Region: The Guidance Center of Lea County is set to expand autism services in Lea County.

For more information on this year's funding recipients or about the New Mexico Rural Health Care Delivery Fund visit https://www.hca.nm.gov/primary-care-council/.