Hidalgo and Grant Counties – May 18, 2026 – Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is proud to highlight the continued success and growing impact of its Transportation services, which have already provided more than 750 patient rides and helped 547 patients access essential healthcare services across Grant and Hidalgo Counties since launching on December 8, 2025.

Transportation barriers remain one of the most significant challenges facing rural communities, often preventing patients from attending appointments, receiving preventative care, or maintaining continuity of treatment. HMS launched its transportation service to help eliminate those barriers and ensure patients can safely and reliably access medical, dental, behavioral health, and mobile clinic services.

From December 2025 through April 2026, HMS provided transportation services for 547 patients ranging in age from 10 months old to 88 years old. The program served 224 male patients and 323 female patients, reflecting the broad need for transportation assistance across the communities HMS serves.

Patient ridership has steadily increased every month since the program began:

• December 2025: 55 rides
• January 2026: 140 rides
• February 2026: 168 rides
• March 2026: 192 rides
• April 2026: 203 rides

HMS exceeded its original monthly ridership goal of 170–175 rides in both March and April, demonstrating the growing demand for transportation services throughout southwest New Mexico.

“Transportation can often be the deciding factor in whether a patient is able to receive care,” said Dr. Dan Otero, HMS CEO. “We have seen firsthand how these services are helping patients attend important appointments, stay engaged in their healthcare, and access services they may not otherwise have been able to receive. The continued growth of this program reflects the real need that exists within our communities.”

The HMS Transportation Program currently operates two state-licensed Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) vans, including one dedicated to Grant County and one dedicated to Hidalgo County. Both vehicles are fully equipped to accommodate patients using wheelchairs, power chairs, and mobility scooters, helping ensure accessibility for individuals with varying mobility needs.

In addition, all HMS transportation drivers are fully trained in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation and maintain certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. Both transportation vans are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to further support patient safety during transport.

“HMS understands that access to healthcare begins with the ability to physically get to an appointment,” said Lacey Brown – Contreras, HMS Chief Compliance Officer. “For many patients in rural communities, transportation challenges can delay care, worsen chronic conditions, or prevent them from seeking treatment altogether. This program is helping remove those barriers and improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

HMS remains committed to addressing barriers to care and strengthening access to high-quality healthcare services throughout southwest New Mexico.

For more information about HMS Transportation Services, please call 575-800-1HMS (1467) or visit hms-nm.org.

Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) has provided high-quality, patient-centered primary care, behavioral health, dental, and community-based services to southwestern New Mexico for over 30 years. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HMS is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families through accessible, affordable, and compassionate care. 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).