Lordsburg, NM — As Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) marks 30 years of service to the people of Hidalgo and Grant Counties, the HMS Board of Directors wishes to directly address recent public concerns and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the patients, staff, and communities it serves. 

In recent weeks, HMS has been the subject of misleading public allegations. “While we take all concerns seriously, we want to be clear: these claims are not based on fact and do not reflect the quality, professionalism, or integrity of this organization or its workforce,” said Dan Otero, DBA, Chief Executive Officer of HMS. “All relevant records have been made available to regulatory agencies; we continuously work to recruit and retain the best talent to serve our rural community; and we are careful managers of our community’s health and social services needs, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.” 

“We stand firmly behind HMS and its mission,” said Carmen Acosta, Chair of the HMS Board of Directors. “HMS serves thousands of patients in this region and has done so with distinction for three decades. We are confident in the organization's ability to continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care to our community.” 

“HMS has always welcomed and fully complied with audits and reviews conducted by regulatory and funding agencies,” Acosta continued. “We remain transparent and accountable to those entities legally authorized to oversee our operations.” 

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), HMS provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and social support services to thousands of individuals annually—regardless of ability to pay. Over 70,000 visits per year are made to HMS facilities by some 14,000 patients. The work at HMS is guided by the principles of accessibility, integrity, and community trust. 

Operationally, HMS remains strong and focused. “Our teams continue to provide uninterrupted care every day,” said Dan Otero, DBA, Chief Executive Officer of HMS. “We are grateful for our staff’s dedication and the community’s trust as we move forward.  

As part of its 30th anniversary, HMS will host a series of community-focused celebrations and outreach events to honor its history and reaffirm its future. “These events are an opportunity to thank our staff, celebrate our partnerships, and connect with those we serve,” said Acosta 

“We ask for continued trust as we move forward,” added Acosta. “Together, we will rise above distractions and remain focused on what matters most: the long-term health and well-being of the people we serve.”