Silver City, NM – Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is expanding diabetes prevention, education, and wellness efforts across southwest New Mexico through strong partnerships with the University of New Mexico (UNM) ECHO Program, New Mexico State University (NMSU) Extension Service, and local community organizations. HMS CEO Dan Otero serves on the UNM Community Advisory Panel for the $10.8 million dollar, multi-year research project Diabetes and Multiple Chronic Conditions (E4DMMC). This research is helping advance initiatives that promote health equity and improve care for individuals living with or at risk for diabetes.

HMS partnered with UNM ECHO to host a Community Health Worker Diabetes Specialist Training Program, resulting in 26 Community Health Workers from southwest New Mexico earning state certification. These newly trained specialists are expanding access to diabetes education, community resources, and support services throughout the region, specifically for resident in rural border counties.

Through these collaborations, HMS also launched "On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes," a community-based program that provides practical tools for prevention and self-management. Participants receive health screenings, learn strategies for healthy eating and physical activity, and gain the knowledge needed to make lasting lifestyle changes that support better health.

These efforts build upon existing local resources, including Silver City's VDEX diabetes support program, creating a stronger network of care and additional opportunities for community members to improve their health and well-being.

"Statewide and local collaboration and partnerships are key to improving health outcomes in rural communities," said Dan Otero, CEO of Hidalgo Medical Services. "By working together, we are bringing more education, resources, and support closer to home and helping people take charge of their health."

Through these ongoing partnerships, HMS remains committed to improving access to care and creating lasting progress in diabetes prevention and chronic disease management throughout Grant and Hidalgo counties.

For more information about upcoming diabetes education classes or other HMS services, contact Lynna Rowell, RN, at 575-574-2216.

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).