Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) proudly celebrated National Health Center Week 2026, joining community health centers across the nation in recognizing the critical role health centers play in improving access to affordable, high-quality health care while honoring the patients, employees, and communities they serve.

Throughout the week of August 3-7, 2026, HMS hosted a variety of activities across Hidalgo and Grant Counties designed to celebrate the organization's mission, recognize employees, engage patients, and strengthen community connections.

A highlight of the week was the successful National Health Center Week Open Houses held at the HMS facility in Lordsburg and at the Community Health Center campus in Silver City. Community members, patients, staff, local leaders, and partners gathered to learn more about HMS services, tour facilities, and celebrate the organization's continued commitment to delivering comprehensive health care throughout southwest New Mexico.

The open house events showcased the breadth of HMS programs, including primary medical care, behavioral health services, dental care, vision services, community outreach programs, school-based health services, medical and dental mobile units, transportation, and other integrated care offerings designed to improve the health and well-being of the region's residents.

"National Health Center Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being performed every day by our dedicated employees and to recognize the trust our patients place in us," said Dan Otero, Chief Executive Officer of Hidalgo Medical Services. "Our health centers exist because of the communities we serve. We are grateful for our patients, our dedicated workforce, and our community partners who help us fulfill our mission of improving the health and quality of life for the people of Hidalgo and Grant Counties."

As part of the celebration, HMS hosted an Employee Appreciation Lunch and Ice Cream Social, delivering treats and appreciation gifts to staff members across all HMS locations. The event recognized the commitment and compassion demonstrated daily by employees who provide care and support services to thousands of residents throughout the region.

Additional National Health Center Week activities included themed dress-up days, staff scavenger hunt, patient appreciation initiatives, and a patient gift basket raffle.

Patients also received personalized appreciation cards expressing HMS's gratitude for allowing the organization to partner in their health care journey.

National Health Center Week is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to raise awareness about the essential role community health centers play in providing access to care regardless of insurance status, income, or ability to pay.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HMS serves residents throughout Hidalgo and Grant Counties through a network of clinics and service locations offering comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, substance use treatment, school-based health, and community support services.

About Hidalgo Medical Services

Hidalgo Medical Services is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of our community with compassion and excellence. HMS is a Federally Qualified Health Center 330 Grantee under 42 USC 245b and a deemed Public Health Service Employee under 42 USC 233(g)-(n).