Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) continues its long history of providing comprehensive, integrated, and affordable healthcare services in the southwest region of New Mexico. Originally established in 1980, HMS began its long history as a National Health Services Corps site. In 1995, with Rural Primary Health Care Act funding, the organization, in collaboration with the leadership of local Hidalgo County representatives and citizens, HMS began its expanded services into the region as a Federally Qualified Health Center, also known as a Community Health Center.

HMS provides primary care, behavioral health, dental, family support, and senior services to over 15,000 unduplicated patients and clients annually. With over 70,000 annual visits provided by over 46 licensed providers and 175 dedicated associates, HMS is a critical safety net healthcare system. The organization operates 22 locations in Hidalgo and Grant counties, with 15 clinical sites, five senior centers, and two administrative locations to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for the citizens in the region.

Primary care services are currently provided with medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician associates. These professionals deliver comprehensive family medicine services in both rural and frontier locations throughout the region and are supported by nurses, medical assistants, operations staff, and laboratory and radiology technicians. “HMS primary care services ranked in the top five for the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Uniform Data System (UDS) quality outcomes in New Mexico in 2022,” according to Dr. Dan Otero, HMS CEO. According to Isaac Saucedo, HMS Chief Medical Officer, “I am extremely proud to work side-by-side with the dedicated primary care providers and the clinical and support staff to serve our community.”

Behavioral health services are provided by a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, therapists, counselors, substance abuse counselors, and community support workers. “The behavioral health team at HMS are the most caring and compassionate team I have had the honor to work with over my career. They care deeply for their individual patients and they are committed to serving their community,” stated Dr. Teresa Arizaga, HMS’ Chief Behavioral Health Officer and Medical Director. In addition to psychiatry services, therapy, addiction medicine, and counseling services, the Behavioral Health Services division provides comprehensive community support services, psychosocial rehabilitation services, and comprehensive care coordination delivered by care coordinators and peer support workers.

Comprehensive dental services are provided in both Hidalgo and Grant counties, delivered by five dentists, one hygienist, and a support team of certified dental assistants. “I started with HMS less than a year ago, and I am extremely impressed with the quality of dental services provided at HMS as well as with the dedication of the dental team to make a difference to improve the oral healthcare of our citizens in our region,” stated Alicia Barragan, HMS Dental Director.

The importance of individuals having a support system goes beyond the medical, dental, or behavioral health visit for complete health and quality of life. Integrated care is a significant component of the HMS Family Support Services. Our Community Health Workers (CHW’s) staff work alongside health providers to address issues in the patient’s home environment that might hinder health outcomes. The CHW staff provides a wide range of services addressing social determinants of health and chronic stress issues, often affecting patient health outcomes. Various other social services are provided, including support to our senior citizen population and community outreach. The FSS staff can assist our patients with our on-site sliding fee discount program and insurance enrollment. The sliding fee program can offer significant discounts and assures access to health care for all with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additional services include child safety seat education and distribution, community resources such as SNAP and utility assistance, the Imagination Library program, and much more. “We are proud of our CHW team and that we can serve our communities with various needs by working with their healthcare providers. Our goal is to better serve our patients in all aspects,” stated Gretchen Cannon, Chief Financial and Information Officer.

HMS partners with both Hidalgo and Grant County governmental agencies, as well as the New Mexico Area Agency on Aging (AAA), to provide services that include congregate meals, home delivered meals, and transportation to approximately 380 seniors each month. Additionally, the HMS Compassion for Seniors program provides financial resources beyond services provided through the AAA programs to ensure their quality of life and safety during daily living.

HMS is a comprehensive healthcare delivery system that expands services beyond traditional medicine. From primary care, insurance enrollment, and senior services to assisting new parents with car seat access and safety, these services would not be possible without the support of each of the HMS team members. The HMS Leadership Team and Board of Directors extends its gratitude to all HMS employees and departments to include medical, behavioral health, dental, nursing, family support, senior services, administration, finance, operations, human resources, patient financial services, facilities and maintenance, information systems, and security services. We also extend our gratitude to the citizens of both Hidalgo and Grant counties for putting your trust in HMS as your preferred healthcare provider over the last 29 years.  

HMS serves over 15,000 unduplicated patients with over 70,000 visits annually at its 18 locations within Hidalgo and Grant counties. HMS is a Federally Qualified Health Center Grantee under 42 USC 245b and a deemed Public Health employee under 42 USC 233 (g)-(n). Visit HMS at http://hms-nm.org or call 575-800-1HMS (1467).