Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is honored to announce that the Hidalgo County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Lordsburg Mayor and City Council, and the Grant County Board of County Commissioners each approved proclamations recognizing National Health Center Week (NHCW) and the important contributions Community Health Centers make to the health and well-being of New Mexico residents.

The proclamations coincide with the nationwide observance of National Health Center Week, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The 2026 theme, "Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most," highlights the role Community Health Centers play in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while responding to the unique needs of the communities they serve. Community Health Centers serve millions of Americans nationwide and remain a cornerstone of the nation's healthcare safety net.

For HMS, the local proclamations represent more than recognition of an organization. They symbolize a shared commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding access to care, and strengthening the communities of Hidalgo and Grant Counties.

"We are deeply grateful to the Hidalgo County Commissioners, the City of Lordsburg Mayor and Council, and the Grant County Commissioners for their recognition of National Health Center Week and their ongoing partnership in advancing the health of our communities," said Dan Otero, Chief Executive Officer of Hidalgo Medical Services. "These proclamations acknowledge the dedication of our employees, providers, board members, volunteers, and community partners who work every day to ensure healthcare is available to those who need it most."

Community Health Centers occupy a unique and important place within the American healthcare landscape. Unlike many traditional healthcare organizations, Community Health Centers are community-governed, mission-driven, and specifically designed to provide comprehensive primary care services regardless of a patient's ability to pay. They reinvest resources directly into patient care, prevention initiatives, and programs that address the social and economic factors influencing health.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HMS provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, family support, vision, transportation, and community outreach services across southwestern New Mexico. HMS is governed by a local Board of Directors that includes patient representatives, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs and priorities of the communities it serves.

National Health Center Week also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the broader Community Health Center movement. According to national health center data, Community Health Centers provide care to millions of patients across the country while serving as trusted sources of healthcare in rural, frontier, and underserved communities. Their commitment to accessibility, prevention, and whole-person care continues to make a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families nationwide.

"HMS has been privileged to serve the residents of Grant and Hidalgo Counties for decades," Otero added. "We are proud to be part of a national network of Community Health Centers while remaining deeply rooted in the local communities we call home. The support expressed through these proclamations reaffirms the value of our mission and inspires us to continue building healthier communities for generations to come."

HMS extends its sincere appreciation to the elected officials of Hidalgo County, the City of Lordsburg, and Grant County for recognizing National Health Center Week and for their continued commitment to the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

About Hidalgo Medical Services

Hidalgo Medical Services is a private, non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center serving communities throughout Hidalgo and Grant Counties in New Mexico. HMS provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, family support, vision, community health, and other essential services designed to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of the individuals and families it serves.