In a significant step toward enhancing the well-being of students and families, Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is excited to announce a new partnership with Animas Public Schools to provide comprehensive behavioral health services to the Animas community. HMS has had a clinic on the school campus for many years. We opened our new clinic at 1356 State HWY 9 over a year ago to serve our patients in a new, more modern facility. The mission of HMS is to provide comprehensive, integrated, and affordable healthcare for our community.

This collaboration aims to ensure that students have access to essential behavioral health resources, promoting their academic success and personal development. The services offered will include individual counseling therapy, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and family support programs, all designed to address the diverse needs of the community by highly qualified Behavioral Health Therapists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.

Jeff Gepahart, Superintendent of Animas Public Schools, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, " Schools are asked to do more now than ever before. This would be impossible without partnerships like this one with Hidalgo Medical Services. It makes it possible to effectively provide our students and the community valuable resources like this in rural New Mexico."

The behavioral health services will be available to students across all grade levels and community members, with a focus on early intervention and prevention. Trained professionals from HMS will work closely with school staff to identify and address the unique needs of each student, fostering a holistic approach to education and well-being.

Dr. Dan Otero, CEO of Hidalgo Medical Services, shared their excitement about the partnership: "Expanded access to care is the first step in improving health outcomes for the citizens in Hidalgo County. We are proud of our community partnerships and look forward to serving the area more effectively in the future through this new partnership."

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Animas Public Schools to prioritize the behavioral health and well-being of its students. It aligns with the district's mission to provide a comprehensive education that addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student.

For more information about the new behavioral health services, please contact HMS at 575-800-1HMS (1467) to schedule an appointment. HMS now offers online check-in, so once the appointment is created, you can complete the registration and consent process when convenient for you and before the appointment time.

Animas Public Schools is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students in the Animas community. Our mission is to foster academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Hidalgo Medical Services is a nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Hidalgo and Grant counties. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HMS offers a wide range of services, including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services, family support, and senior services. With a focus on accessible and affordable care, HMS strives to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.