New Mexico Heroes of Health
2010 Inaugural Class
Each of these New Mexico Heroes of Health are improving health in our state.
Con Alma Health Foundation thanks them for the impact they make and for the progress they inspire. Please read about each of them, in the words of the person who nominated them for this recognition.
Robert Benon
Mary Louise Romero-Betancourt
Sen. Jeff Bingaman
Arturo Gonzales
Monica Leyba
Larry Martinez
Pat Montoya
Win Quigley
Dolores E. Roybal
Fred Sandoval
Cynthia Simonetti
Dr. Eliseo Torres
Dr. Bert Umland
Facundo Valdez
Dr. Alfredo Vigil
Robert Benon, Nurse Practitioner
Teen Health Centers, Presbyterian Medical Services
Nominated by Larry A. Martinez
Director, North Central Region, Presbyterian Medical Services
Robert Benon, Nurse Practitioner
Teen Health Centers, Presbyterian Medical Services
Nominated by Larry A. Martinez
Director, North Central Region, Presbyterian Medical Services
Robert Benon is the backbone of the Teen Health Centers at Santa Fe and Capital High Schools. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the health care needs of students are met, often exceeding 25 patient visits per day. He is a true hero of health care.
Mary Louise Romero Betancourt, Director, Intensive Monitoring Program, Juvenile Justice, First Judicial District
Nominated by Fred Sandoval, Director
Income Support Division, NM Human Services Department
Mary Louise Romero Betancourt is a community advocate and youth specialist whose unique and charismatic approach to working with youth has demonstrated that power of one. Singe handedly she has worked with hundreds of youth in Santa Fe and transformed their lives by helping divert youth from juvenile justice involvement and emotional harm. Her assets and strengths approach is totally youth driven and centered and her ability to transform youth behavior has won her the admiration and trust of the community. She is an instrument of change and wellness also having overcome her own limitations by how she role-models for youth and her egalitarian style which is moving, motivating and heart-felt.