SILVER CITY, NM – 10/26/2026 – Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is pleased to announce the opening of Bridges to Care, an initiative designed to expand access to comprehensive behavioral health services for individuals and families throughout the communities HMS serves. Bridges to Care is located at 1000 N. Hudson St., Silver City, NM 88061.

Bridges to Care represents another step in HMS's ongoing commitment to addressing the behavioral health needs of the community by providing accessible, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

The program will offer services focused on psychiatry, therapy, and substance use support, with plans to introduce Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services soon. These services are designed to support individuals experiencing a variety of behavioral health challenges while promoting overall health and well-being.

 “Access to quality behavioral health care can be life-changing, providing individuals and families with the support and resources needed to navigate challenges and build healthier futures," said Shelly Verma, Hidalgo Medical Services’ Chief Behavioral Health Officer. "Through Bridges to Care, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and empowerment, ensuring that every person who seeks help feels supported in taking the next step toward improved mental health, resilience, and overall well-being."

Bridges to Care will offer services through Peace Chukwuma, PMHNP-BC, Patti Hamilton, LCSW, Gretchen Lopez, LMSW, and Shelly Verma, PMHNP-BC, further strengthening access to behavioral health care in the communities HMS serves.

"At HMS, we recognize that behavioral health is an essential component of overall health," said Dan Otero, Chief Executive Officer of Hidalgo Medical Services. "The opening of Bridges to Care reflects our continued commitment to identifying the needs of our communities and expanding services that make a meaningful difference. We are proud to take this important step toward improving access to behavioral health care."

As Bridges to Care continues to grow, HMS remains committed to expanding access to integrated, person-centered behavioral health services and strengthening the continuum of care for the communities it serves. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to health equity, HMS seeks to ensure that every individual has access to the resources, support, and compassionate care needed to achieve lasting wellness and an improved quality of life.

“We envision a future where no one faces behavioral health challenges alone and every individual has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Bridges to Care is more than a program; it is a promise to our communities that hope, dignity, and compassionate care will always be within reach. Together, we are building stronger pathways to wellness, empowering lives, and creating healthier communities for generations to come.”

– Shelly Verma, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Hidalgo Medical Services

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.