LAS CRUCES, N.M. – October 29, 2026 – Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) joined healthcare and community partners from across Southern New Mexico for the Project ECHO Partner Meeting at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico in Las Cruces. Representing HMS were Chief Executive Officer Dan Otero; Lynna Rowell, RN and Diabetes Educator; and Margarita Atencio, Community Health Worker.

The gathering provided an opportunity for HMS and regional partners to strengthen relationships and continue collaborative efforts focused on improving diabetes prevention, education, and access to care for communities throughout Southern New Mexico.

The Project ECHO Partner Meeting brought together representatives from healthcare and community organizations across the region. The meeting included HMS representatives alongside partners from organizations including Amador Health Center and other Southern New Mexico organizations.

For HMS, participation reflects the organization's continued commitment to addressing diabetes through a combination of clinical care, patient education, community outreach, and regional partnership.

“Improving diabetes outcomes in rural New Mexico requires more than the work of any one healthcare organization. It takes strong partnerships, shared learning, and a willingness to bring resources closer to the people and communities we serve,” said Dan Otero, Chief Executive Officer of Hidalgo Medical Services. “HMS is proud to work alongside Project ECHO and our community partners to strengthen prevention, education, early detection, and long-term support for people living with or at risk for diabetes.”

HMS's multidisciplinary representation at the meeting reflects the importance of approaching diabetes from several points along the continuum of care. Executive leadership, nursing and diabetes education, and community health work each contribute important perspectives as HMS works to connect patients with education, healthcare services, and community resources.

Margarita Atencio serves HMS as a Community Health Worker, and HMS planning materials specifically designated Margarita Atencio to represent the organization at the October 27th ECHO meeting.

“For HMS, partnerships like this are ultimately about access,” Dan Otero added. “Where someone lives should not prevent someone from receiving the education, preventive services, and support needed to manage diabetes and live a healthier life. By working together, we can build solutions that are practical, sustainable, and responsive to the realities of rural New Mexico.”

HMS remains committed to developing partnerships that improve health outcomes, reduce barriers to healthcare and health education, and strengthen the resources available to the rural and underserved communities of southwest New Mexico.

Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing comprehensive, integrated, and affordable healthcare services to the residents of Grant and Hidalgo Counties in southwestern New Mexico. HMS is committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves through accessible, high-quality, patient-centered care.