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Congratulations to our executive director, Denise Herrera, PhD, for being recognized as a prominent leader in Health Education by the University of Texas-Austin. The College of Education invited her to be the keynote speaker at the Alderson Lecture and Awards Ceremony as distinguished alumni. She spoke about the lessons she learned from her alma maters — University of New Mexico, University of Arizona and UT-Austin — and how that applies to her work today, including preparing her to lead during a global health pandemic because of the complex research she conducted as part of her doctoral program. “It was an honor to return to my alma mater. My message was about leadership. We all have the capacity to lead regardless of our title or education status.”

Con Alma Health Foundation seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director to help define its next chapter of development. Con Alma, a private health foundation based in Santa Fe, works to improve the health status and access to healthcare for all who live in New Mexico. A transformational leader, this individual must be at ease leading across all levels, while building partnerships and goodwill across New Mexico’s diverse communities and in service of Con Alma’s mission. To Apply: Review the  full job description  and submit your cover letter and resume by September 29, 2023.

This profile about one of our steadfast volunteers, Twila Rutter from Clovis, is the first in a series recognizing our volunteers and staff to show appreciation for the work they do and their commitment to improving health in New Mexico. Twila Rutter has had a unique and varied perspective of health in New Mexico – writing health grants for Curry County, coordinating the local Maternal Child Health Council, working at a home health care agency, overseeing health-care contracts, and serving as a dedicated volunteer of Con Alma Health Foundation. We have appreciated her presence in meetings and on the Grantmaking committee that makes recommendations on which nonprofits we should fund each year to improve health in New Mexico. She has honored us with her commitment, and now we’d like to take time to honor her. Twila grew up in Clovis, home to 38,000 people and near Cannon Air Force Base in Eastern New Mexico, where people’s conservative beliefs align closely with their Texas neighbor. She explored life outside of her rural hometown for several years — earning her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, living in Denver, and teaching English to Japanese stockbrokers in Tokyo. When she returned to Clovis, she earned her master’s from Eastern New Mexico University and delved into a career focused on health care and volunteer work that supports her community.  She has volunteered for the Clovis branch of the Salvation Army, the Curry County Public Library Board, and New Mexico Health Resources, where she learned more about New Mexico’s difficulties recruiting and retaining health-care professionals. “So many people have to go to Texas because we don’t have enough providers here, especially in our side of the state,” she said. “We need to do something to encourage providers to come to our state.” Her career writing grants for Curry County and working in home health care has given her a broad view of health in New Mexico; she understands challenges around health inequities, health-care access, and a lack of insurance payers. She served as regional vice president of Home Health Operations with Interim Healthcare and Hospice before recently assuming a new role overseeing insurance contracts as director of HealthCare Contracts for Empower Services, Interim’s management company. Twila’s life beyond work includes traveling to places like Paris and the Cayman Islands. She had considered leaving Clovis once her daughter, Tasan, started attending Texas Tech in 2020. Instead, Twila met and married a man who moved to Clovis to be close to his daughter and two grandsons. “Grandchildren rule the world,” she joked, noting that her parents returned to Clovis to be near Tasan years ago. In her time with Con Alma, she’s made friends with fellow Board members, appreciating that people come together from geographic and philosophical differences to focus on the health needs of New Mexico. “We’re all New Mexicans, and we all need health care,” she said. Thank you, Twila, for your commitment to Con Alma and your dedication to community service!

This profile about one of our steadfast volunteers, Nathan Padilla of Roswell, is the second in a series recognizing our volunteers and staff to show appreciation for the work they do and their commitment to improving health in New Mexico. Two monumental events in Nathan Padilla’s life– his struggles with a cocaine addiction and the birth of his son 24 years ago — led him to his purpose as founder, director and clinician of a substance abuse treatment center in Roswell. “I get back by helping others, by teaching them different ways to make change happen,” he said. “I do believe this is what I’m supposed to be doing.” The Roswell native is celebrating the 15th year of the nonprofit he founded, Embrace, which offers family parenting support and mental and behavioral health therapy to ages four and older. Services include the largest outpatient program and the only teen recovery program in a town of almost 50,000 residents in southeastern New Mexico. And his son – the reason Nathan got sober – is finishing his bachelor’s degree in psychology with the plan of achieving his master’s in social work so he can eventually take over Embrace. “When I had my son, that’s what told me I needed to change,” said Nathan, a LCSW and president of Con Alma Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Nathan raised his son, Nathan Anastacio Padilla, as a single father, devoting his life to family, behavioral health and community service. He gives back through his nonprofit and his volunteer work, supporting the Chaves County Health Council and Chaves County Behavioral Health Committee and as president of the New Mexico Addiction Education Network. Helping people overcome addictions is personal work for Nathan who struggled to find stability after his dad died when he was 14.  He started working a year later to help support his mom but, in his grief, gravitated toward unhealthy choices and drug use. When his son’s mother was arrested in the first month of baby Nathan’s life, he pledged to become a sober father. Today he has earned a master’s in social work, a bachelor’s in psychology and pre-med biology, and an associate degree in chemistry. In addition to behavioral health treatment, Embrace partners with the Roadrunner Food Bank to host a mobile food pantry, provides ongoing suicide awareness and training, offers free medical and psychiatric clinics, operates an outreach center for youth, and has worked with the GRADS program for expectant and parenting teens. He received a mentor award from GRADS in 2016. “I don’t think I can ever go to a store without seeing someone who says, ‘Hi and thank you.’” he said. His volunteer work with Con Alma has given him opportunities to reach New Mexicans in a broader way, helping choose grants that support people with issues that affect their quality of life, such as stable housing, domestic violence programs, suicide awareness and healthcare legislation for people exposed to radiation in New Mexico. “I saw the different needs of New Mexico and approaches for addressing those needs,” Nathan said. He believes Con Alma has made an impact with small and multi-year grants in all corners of the state. This year, the statewide foundation will distribute $1,000,000 ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 grants to support nonprofits in improving health in New Mexico. Nathan is working with board members and staff to plan a bigger impact with the $5 million Mackenzie Scott gift awarded to Con Alma. In the meantime, he and other family members are caring for his mom who has cancer and is living with him. He’s keeping up with the demand for behavioral health services in Roswell, noting that his work pressures him to be a role model in his community. “You got to walk a certain way, and it helps me be the best person I can be for my son and for my family and community,” he said. Congratulations to Nathan Padilla for embracing health and family and community. It’s our pleasure to work with him!

This year we are awarding a total of $1.8 million in grants, which includes $1 million to strengthen maternal health outcomes as well as $650,000 to work toward health equity in New Mexico. Con Alma Health Foundation will provide transformative grants to three nonprofits, along with technical assistance and capacity-building support. It will support organizations focused on perinatal care, workforce capacity, healthcare access, and overall maternal well-being – particularly in rural and tribal communities. Con Alma set aside $50,000 for one-time contributions to existing funds supporting maternal health in New Mexico. The $1 million investment comes from Con Alma’s $5 million gift from MacKenzie Scott. “We are grateful to MacKenzie Scott, whose generous funding enabled us to explore ways to deepen our impact and take action to address health needs in New Mexico,” said Con Alma Board member Terri Tewart, MSN, RN. “Maternal health is a critical issue that impacts not just women, but children, families and entire communities.” The 2023 grant recipients are: Project ECHO : $350,000 over two years to expand the Improving Perinatal Health (IPH) ECHO program, which provides training, technical assistance and mentorship to build the capacity of New Mexio’s healthcare workforce in rural and underserved communities Searchlight New Mexico : $300,000 over three years, focused on investigative journalism and health issues and solutions impacting New Mexico, including maternal health Think New Mexico : $300,000 over three years to hire a healthcare reform director who will lead advocacy efforts for public policies that will improve the health of New Mexicans “As a results-oriented think tank dedicated to improving the lives of New Mexicans, Think New Mexico develops and advocates for policy solutions to some of the most serious challenges facing New Mexicans,” said Think New Mexico’s Executive Director Fred Nathan, Jr. “Access to high-quality health care, including maternal health care, is a critical challenge for communities across the state. This grant will allow us to add to our team a local expert to develop innovative policy solutions to address that challenge and other health challenges facing New Mexico.” Con Alma’s investment in maternal health fulfills its ongoing commitment to the well-being of all New Mexicans, said Denise Herrera, Con Alma’s executive director. “We recognize maternal health is a complex and broad issue encompassing early childhood outcomes, systems change, and equity. By addressing these challenges through this special initiative, we believe this will make a meaningful difference in maternal health outcomes for women and their families.” In addition, Con Alma awarded $650,000 to work toward health equity in New Mexico, when everyone has equal opportunities to live a healthy life. Fundamental Needs is one of the 28 nonprofits receiving a $20,000 grant. “Funding from Con Alma Health Foundation will help Fundamental Needs empower youth to bring clean running water and electricity to families and elders on the Navajo Reservation,” said Justice Ramos, executive director of Fundamental Needs. Through Con Alma’s partnership with the Hospital Auxiliary for Los Alamos Medical Center, the Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group distributed $150,000 to nine organizations addressing health needs in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and northern Santa Fe counties. New Mexico Primary Care Training Consortium will receive $20,000 to train doctors to stay and practice in rural Rio Arriba County. “Medicos de El Centro and NMPCTC are committed to creating a high-quality Family Medicine Residency Program in northern NM,” said Dr. Nora Lamartine, program director of the Medicos de El Centro Family Medicine Residency Program. “Our grant funds will support recruitment of exceptional teacher physicians, behavioral health educators, and resident physicians who are passionate about improving the health of rural New Mexicans.” We congratulate our 2023 Grant recipients! Follow the links below to learn more about this year’s grantees from each category. Con Alma’s Statewide Grants , Supporting health systems strategies to address the needs of our diverse communities, and strengthening the capacity of New Mexico’s nonprofit sector (28 grants, totaling $650,000) Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group , Promoting the health and wellness of the people of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and northern Santa Fe counties through a partnership between the Con Alma Health Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary for Los Alamos Medical Center (9 grants, totaling $150,000)

Con Alma Health Foundation grants focus on ensuring that all New Mexicans have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to lead healthy lives. To that end, the Foundation awards grants each year to support nonprofits’ efforts to improve their communities’ health. (28 grants, totaling $650,000) We congratulate the 2023 Con Alma Health Foundation Grant Recipients! 100% Otero  ($25,000) to help eliminate childhood trauma in Otero County by ensuring that 100% of the 23,590 households have knowledge of and ready access to ten vital services needed to survive and thrive: food, housing, medical/dental care, behavioral health care, transportation, parent supports, early childhood learning, community schools, youth mentoring, and job training. Avenues Early Childhood Services  ($25,000) to create bilingual and culturally appropriate resources for teaching prenatal and early childhood dental hygiene. This project will help address language and cultural gaps among healthcare professionals in the McKinley County community. Centro Savila  ($25,000) to provide access to affordable, bilingual, and culturally and linguistically relevant mental health services and prevention programs to underserved populations in Bernalillo County. Community Engagement Center  ($25,000) to nurture leadership and community capacity building with transformational non-profits in New Mexico. The program will provide youth leaders with mentorship, community-based learning, and guidance into a career, service, or higher education pathways. Deaf Culture Center of New Mexico  ($25,000) to help launch a Deaf Entrepreneurial Program focused on creating an on-site Deaf Coffee Shop that will help people in this marginalized population learn career skills, earn a living wage and thrive as employed individuals. Funding will support operational capacity and outreach to deaf, deaf/blind, hard-of-hearing communities. Enlace Comunitario  ($25,000) to mitigate the harmful health effects of domestic violence through culturally specific wraparound services, recognizing that clients’ mental and emotional health are inextricably tied to other aspects of their holistic health, including financial and physical health. Fundamental Needs Inc  ($20,000) to help households on the Navajo Nation that lack running water to install off-grid water systems that include water tanks, solar water pumps and heaters, a sink to access the water, and greywater gardens to leverage every drop of their water. Gerard’s House  ($15,000) to create a short, two-part Spanish-language film addressing cultural stigmas about grief and the benefits of grieving for Latino and Hispanic program participants in Santa Fe, and to the general community statewide. Part one will include practices and information to prevent, reduce, and alleviate birth traumas. Part two will provide key information about grief to the broader Latino/Hispanic community. Healing Circle Drop-In Center  ($25,000) to reconnect and promote language, culture, and traditional practices for holistic wellness and growth in the recovery journey in the Shiprock area. Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign  ($25,000) to help create a plan in New Mexico that guarantees health coverage and controls costs. Healthy Native Communities Partnership  ($25,000) to help improve the health and well-being of Navajo people by increasing connections with healthcare services and wellness resources, and to improve self-efficacy in accessing healthcare and wellness services. IMPACT Personal Safety  ($20,000) to provide training for caretakers, educators, and other service providers on how to prevent harm and abuse for people with disabilities within their institutions. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center  ($25,000) to facilitate farmer success by offering critical spaces, technologies, and resources that assist Natives and local entrepreneurs to achieve economic opportunities and business success. Justice Access Support and Solutions for Health dba Casa de Salud  ($25,000) to support opportunities in changing local hospital policies to reduce the medical debt burden, help the state transform Medicaid into value-based care, build support and awareness around the State’s new plan to offer undocumented New Mexicans access to insurance in 2024, and to continue leadership on various statewide health councils. Mandy’s Farm  ($25,000) to complete the cycle of farm to table with persons with disabilities leading the planning of farming practices and food growth, and educating their peers and caregivers about nutrition and sustainable and ethical food growing practices. New Mexico CASA Association  ($20,000) to introduce restorative justice processes into the New Mexico Children’s Court system for child abuse and neglect cases. New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty  ($25,000) to provide analysis and advocacy to ensure Medicaid Forward is effectively studied, that community priorities are central to all program designs, and that residents have important information about new coverage options. This project will significantly expand access to affordable healthcare coverage, leading to transformational improvements in New Mexicans’ health and well-being. New Mexico Community AIDS Partnership  ($15,000) to provide professional training on gender affirming care to increase access to supportive, culturally appropriate care for transgender and nonbinary youth and adults throughout New Mexico, who currently lack access to supportive providers and experience intense stigma and marginalization. New Mexico Environmental Law Center  ($20,000) to support work with rural, frontline, low-income, Indigenous and other people of color in defending communities against environmental and health threats caused by the toxic legacy of uranium, especially in Northwestern NM. New Mexico Immigrant Law Center  ($25,000) to increase access to immigrant youth entering the healthcare or other critical workforce areas. One Generation  ($25,000) to strengthen food systems by improving healthy food access, food security, and economic opportunities for Native Americans, creating a network of prosperous, sustainable farm operations amongst Native and rural communities. Partnership for Community Action  ($20,000) to address challenges that hinder historically marginalized populations’ access to quality healthcare, economic opportunities, and overall well-being through an intersectional, multifaceted approach, including educational workshops, skill-building programs, community outreach, access to resources, and policy advocacy. Sandplay Therapists of America  ($25,000) to train and credential 24 Sandplay therapists of diverse backgrounds and employment settings through a “community of practice” model to increase access to care while also addressing clinical workforce development and retention. Scott’s House  ($20,000) to continue providing a critical piece of the continuum of care as the only hospice house in the region providing a free residence and free care for underserved elders at the end of their life in Central and Northern New Mexico. Silver Hill Access Point and Education  ($25,000) to establish and maintain three Community Health Vending Machines in Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, and Santa Fe stocked with Naloxone, sterile substance-use supplies, fentanyl test strips, condoms, pregnancy tests, HIV self-tests, personal health products and health literature. Southwest Women’s Law Center  ($25,000) to make transformative changes to improve the childcare system in New Mexico, ensuring equitable, accessible, high-quality, affordable, culturally relevant childcare with a diverse, well-paid, and well-supported workforce. Taos Health Systems  ($25,000) to support a data specialist in developing a new system for billing Medicaid for its Community Health Worker program –the first time an organization in the state will bill Medicaid for Community Health Worker services that ensure women in Taos, Colfax, Union, Harding, and Mora counties have access to perinatal care, other medical care and social services. Three Sisters Kitchen  ($25,000) to build capacity in the home health care workforce, ensuring high quality senior care and good jobs for home health aides by increasing healthy food access and support for healthy eating behaviors, strengthening networks of support, and creating and sustaining leadership opportunities for home health care providers.

Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group Promoting the health and wellness of the people of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and northern Santa Fe counties through a partnership between the Con Alma Health Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary for Los Alamos Medical Center (9 grants, totaling $150,000) We congratulate the 2023 Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group Grant Recipients! Cancer Foundation for New Mexico  ($15,000) to provide mileage reimbursement for patients traveling to Santa Fe for cancer treatment and help ensure access to cancer treatment regardless of a patient’s economic status or where they live. Inside Out  ($20,000) to provide hot, nutritious meals, hygiene kits, clothing, and camping gear when necessary. Clients will be assisted in acquiring ID, birth certificates and medically assisted treatment. They will have access to a computer lab, mail services, a monthly legal aid clinic, weekly acupuncture clinic, and daily educational groups, including life skills and conflict resolution. Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board  ($15,000) to provide at least four Youth Mental Health First Aid courses in Los Alamos County for 10-20 adults at each training. The program is available to any community member, including teachers, clergy, coaches and camp counselors. Many Mothers  ($15,000) for staff training in the use of perinatal/postpartum mood and anxiety disorder assessments conducted during home visits of potential clients in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties. Mesa to Mesa ($20,000) to provide staff and Board of Directors with capacity building training in a strategic and thoughtful manner that will increase their ability to assist those in need. New Mexico Primary Care Training Consortium  ($20,000) for partnering with Medicos de El Centro, the New Mexico Primary Care Training Consortium, and El Centro Family Health to continue developing a new Family Medicine Residency with the overarching goal of training doctors to stay and practice in rural Northern New Mexico communities. Santa Fe Recovery Center  ($20,000) to further advance the Therapeutic Child Care program which assesses children’s needs and assists women to develop parenting skills and establish healthy bonds with their children, support early childhood development and mental health, and end the cycle of generational trauma. The center will provide care for approximately 45 women and children from Rio Arriba, Los Alamos, and Northern Santa Fe counties. Scotts House  ($15,000) to expand outreach and services to rural communities in the tri-county area and address social determinants of health by increasing access to quality health care and providing a critical piece of the continuum of care for underserved elders at the end of their life. Scott’s House is the region’s only hospice house providing a free residence and care. Self Help  ($10,000) to refresh and leverage the Los Alamos Mental Health Access Project website, expanding access to critical mental health resources and support for Northern New Mexicans living in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and northern Santa Fe counties.

Lisa Patch , a director of health services for Alamogordo Public Schools, and Rayven Ward, a 13-year-old advocate from Rio Communities, are Con Alma Health Foundation’s health heroes this year for their actionable efforts to bring transformational change to their communities. “The review committee was impressed with Lisa’s leadership in bringing telehealth, grief and healing, employee wellness, and laundry services to Alamogordo Public Schools and surrounding areas,” said Denise Herrera, PhD, Con Alma’s executive director. “In our second year honoring a youth hero, we are inspired by Rayven Ward ’s passion, advocacy, and fundraising efforts to provide outdoor education and bring about community change.” Con Alma will donate $1,000 each to 100% Otero, a community partner focused on ensuring access to vital services, on behalf of Patch and Valencia County Community Gardens for its Outdoor Equity Project on behalf of Ward. Holly Noelle Chavez nominated the oldest of her four children because of her dedication to helping animals and people in need, protecting the environment, and supporting outdoor education. She’s a Teen Court attorney, a member of the Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, and Youth Move, an advocacy group, and she co-teaches two religious education classes as well as helps tutor kids involved with her mom’s H2 Academic Solutions business in Belen. “I think she’s amazing,” Chavez said. “For being only 13 and the things she’s doing, it’s exciting to see what she’ll do next.” Ward attributed her advocacy to a mentor who taught her the value of the environment at Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area. After a fire burned the area, Ward and her sister sold handmade art and donations to support Whitfield, and later did the same for the local animal shelter. Now her advocacy has broadened; she’s currently developing a proposal to help educate middle-school students about the dangers of fentanyl. “I like to inspire people that if they have excess money to give it to someone in need or buy a plant or something that can help the community,” she said. Cally Finnegan of Alamogordo nominated Patch for her “compassion, dedication and leadership” in ensuring services for students and families who need it most. “In times of uncertainty and change, creative thinkers find solutions to challenges. Lisa Patch, MSN, RN, NCSN, is one of those thinkers,” Finnegan wrote in her nomination letter. Patch coordinated several initiatives that have made a difference for students and families, such as a healing camp for grieving students and a “store” at school where families can get donated clothing, food, and necessary supplies. Her extensive partnerships expand her reach, including a school telehealth initiative and a partnership with MTC Prison Facilities that builds beds for students who don’t have one. During the height of the pandemic, Patch worked with Alamogordo schools to convert an RV into a mobile health unit that visited skateparks, ballfields and neighborhoods to provide support and resources for school and mental health. “Our goal has been to remove barriers to learning for every child in our district, so that each one can reach their full potential,” she said. Patch chose 100% Otero for her $1,000 donation “because they share the mission of working together to address areas families need to survive and thrive. In my 25 years here at Alamogordo Public Schools, I have seen the impact of having several different organizations come together with one goal, to help children. When we share ideas, hard work and resources we can change the lives and health of children and families and set them up for a successful and bright future.”

Change is a constant in the journey of growth and progress, and Con Alma Health Foundation is excited to unveil its transformative rebranding efforts. As a foundation deeply committed to fostering enduring health and well-being for all living in New Mexico, this rebrand represents a significant step forward in embracing change, amplifying our impact, strengthening our connections, and elevating our mission in the community. Central to our rebrand is the launch of our new website, designed to be a dynamic hub of information, resources, and engagement. With a modern and user-friendly interface, the website invites visitors to explore our initiatives, learn about our grant-making process, and stay updated on the latest news and events. The refreshed design reflects our commitment to accessibility, transparency, and community engagement, making it easier than ever for stakeholders to connect with us and be part of our journey. Accompanying our new website is a vibrant new logo that captures the essence of Con Alma Health Foundation’s mission and values. The logo features a dynamic symbol that represents unity, collaboration, and progress, embodying our belief in working together to create positive change. The color palette, inspired by the rich landscapes and cultural diversity of New Mexico, infuses warmth, energy, and inclusivity into our brand identity, resonating with our audience and conveying a sense of connection and empowerment.  Our rebrand extends beyond aesthetics to encompass a deeper reflection of our core values and vision. The choice of colors for our brand reflects our commitment to health equity, cultural competence, and community engagement. Each color represents a facet of our work and the diversity of experiences and perspectives we embrace. From the calming blues symbolizing access to healthcare to the vibrant greens representing collaboration and growth, every hue tells a story of resilience, compassion, and hope. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Con Alma Health Foundation invites our partners, stakeholders, and the community at large to join us in embracing change and driving impact. Through our rebranding efforts, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering communities, advancing health equity, and fostering a brighter, healthier future. Stay tuned for more updates, initiatives, and opportunities to engage with us as we continue our mission of shaping a healthier tomorrow, together.

Con Alma invites nonprofits that improve health in New Mexico to apply for grants to support their work. The Foundation provides grants to eligible nonprofits working to improve health and advance health equity. Our aim is to ensure that New Mexico’s diverse communities have fair opportunities to lead healthy lives. Our 2024 statewide grant cycle is now open, and will close Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. This year we will award up to $30,000 to nonprofits addressing the health and wellness of the diverse peoples of New Mexico. For guidelines and more information, please visit our Grant Making page HERE .

Con Alma invites nonprofits working to improve health in Northern New Mexico to apply for a grant. The Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group (NNMHGG), is a joint initiative of Con Alma Health Foundation and the Los Alamos Medical Center Auxiliary. The 2024 Northern New Mexico grant cycle opens Monday, June 10th, 2024 and closes Friday, July 12th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. The Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group awards up to $20,000 to nonprofits addressing the health and wellness of the diverse peoples of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and northern Santa Fe Counties (north of the City of Santa Fe). For guidelines and more information, please visit our Grant Making page by clicking HERE , and open the Northern New Mexico Health Grants drop-down message. In May 2002, the Los Alamos Medical Center was sold by Banner Health Systems, a non-profit corporation, to Province HealthCare, a for-profit corporation. Some proceeds from the sale of Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) were preserved to serve the unmet healthcare needs of the people of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and northern Santa Fe counties. Con Alma Health Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary for LAMC, working as the Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group (NNMHGG) distribute the investment income from those proceeds for grants that target the populations traditionally served by LAMC. To receive current grant-related communications, sign-up for ‘Grant Cycle Information’ updates by clicking HERE , and join us on social media.

In the wake of the devastating South Fork and Salt Fires by Ruidoso, a significant donation has been made to aid in the recovery and relief efforts for the affected communities. The Con Alma Health Foundation (CAHF) has pledged $7,500 to support of wildfire relief to those who have been severely impacted by the fires. This contribution will go towards immediate and emerging revitalization efforts, including shelter, necessities, clean-up efforts and providing support for basic needs. CAHF is collaborating with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. Linda Candelaria-Dodd, the executive director of the foundation, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time. “We are dedicated to helping our neighbors rebuild their lives after this tragedy. Our donation reflects the strength and unity within our community,” she stated. The foundation’s wildfire relief donation is expected to make an immediate and long-term impact, offering much-needed assistance and hope to those who have been displaced by the fires.”