A Note from the Executive Director | | |
Do you ever wish for boring? I confess I have been lately. The last month has been a harder one than I might have imagined for the school health field. Between an ideologically-driven media misinformation attack on the school-based health centers in NM and cuts and closures of SBHCs, March brought challenges that NMASBHC had not foreseen. The extra strategizing, communicating, and serving has sometimes felt like a drain.
In reflecting upon how best to approach those challenges, however, I was forced into a reframing. There were days that I thought I wanted to world to calm down, but more than that I have been struck by the power of community. Every problem faced by our field has proven how dedicated the folks who work in school-based health care truly are. It also has shown me how many individuals and organizations are willing to lend their strength to our movement. When the healthcare of kids is at risk, good people rise to provide support. While we can't solve every problem to our satisfaction, I am filled with hope and energy by the spirit of community. I hope knowing there are so many champions of our field inspires you too! If you work in an SBHC, I encourage to join us for one of the four upcoming regional meetings. I believe you will feel that same spirit there as well!
Wishing you community!
Nancy Rodriguez, nancy@nmasbhc.org
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April 2026 features the Las Cruces High School SBHC staff, sponsored by La Clinica de Familia. Thank you for submitting photos for the calendar!
If you haven't received a copy and wish to request one, please reach out to NMASBHC!
Special thanks to United Healthcare Community Plan for sponsoring this year's calendar.
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NMASBHC’s Regional School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Meetings bring together providers, staff, and community partners for meaningful collaboration, shared learning, and timely updates impacting SBHCs across New Mexico.
This time, NMASBHC and our partners are coming to you!
We’re hosting meetings across the state to make it easier for your full SBHC team to participate, connect, and engage in discussions that matter most to your work.
REGISTER NOW
| | | Level 3 SBHC Planning & Special Project Grants | | | | |
The FY27 Level 3 SBHC Planning and Special Projects grant application is now open.
Applications are extended to
April 24, 2026.
This opportunity supports medical sponsors ready to move planning or special project ideas forward in response to student and community needs.
APPLY NOW
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New Mexico School Health ECHO sessions are on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 12:00 PM MST.
April 2026 Sessions:
April 14th
April 28th
You can visit the iECHO for slides, videos, recordings and resources from past presentations.
After registering, you can view past content and get notifications for upcoming sessions.
| | | NMASBHC Youth Advisory Group | | |
The Youth Health Advisory Group supports youth to advance health care access for their peers, share expertise on health-related topics and give important youth voice to the field of school-based health care. Participants will engage in activities and projects that can provide critical input to the development and delivery of services, and advocate for SBHC services across the state.
If you have youth that might be interested, please encourage them to apply and complete the application. For any questions, visit our website or contact Wilma at wilma@nmasbhc.org.
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NM Lions Operation KidSight &
SBHC Partnership Opportunity
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New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight, Inc. is a 501c3 organization, working to establish and maintain a sustainable program to provide annual eye screenings and follow-up eye exams and treatment, if needed, for all young children in New Mexico. The program also is working with local and national partners to provide additional avenues to help youth and families increase access to eye exams and glasses.
NMASBHC is partnering with the program to increase access for students and families served by their SBHCs. SBHCs can request a frames kit for the Spare Pair program to have in your site. This increases access to the frames that can be ordered through the program. If your SBHC is interested in participating in this program that provides free glasses to patients, please email Wilma at wilma@nmasbhc.org.
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We are excited to announce the launch of The Clinical Connector, a new "From the Field" newsletter created to connect New Mexico School-Based Health Centers and highlight the behavioral health work happening across our state.
The Clinical Connector is a space for SBHCs to:
- Share real-world experiences and successes.
- Highlight innovative behavioral health practices, programs, and partnerships.
- Stay informed about resources, tools and training opportunities
- Learn from one another and strengthen connections across New Mexico’s SBHC network.
| | Save the Date! Kelly Jo Paint and Sip Fundraiser: Wednesday, May 6th | | |
Join us on Wednesday, May 6th
for a Paint and Sip Fundraiser
at Kelly Jo Designs by Wine.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Proceeds will benefit NMASBHC.
| | | Head 2 Toe 2026 - Call for Presenters | | | | |
Deadline:
April 3, 2026
Conference Dates:
November 3 - 5, 2026
Location:
Albuquerque Convention Center
| | SBHCs and Education Outcomes, 2014-19 | | |
Apex has been working on a statewide study to analyze SBHC utilization and NM PED academic data. Results are available for the time period from 2014-2019. You can find this report and other past year reports on the NMASBHC website.
If you have any questions about the data, please communicate with Kristin Oreskovich at Kristin.Oreskovich@doh.nm.gov.
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The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) and Medical Assistance Division (MAD) will be launching Turquoise Claims, a new Medicaid claims management system which will go-live in December.
Turquoise Claims will replace the current Medicaid claims management system (Omnicaid) and the NM Medicaid Provider Web Portal. You will find Turquoise Claims on the YES.NM.GOV website and log in to access the Provider/PED Enrollment system.
HCA plans to schedule demonstrations in local communities. Please check the website for updated information.
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NM Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility
Determiner Training
| | If you have staff that need the training, please contact HSD at the email address below to indicate the need to register for training. Contact at HSD.PEDeterminers@hca.nm.gov or call (505) 476-7151. | | |
Value Added Benefits are additional services or benefits that Managed Care Organization (MCO) offer for their members. It is important to communicate with your MCO for these services.
The flyer has a list of some of these benefits for SBHC Youth and their families.
| | | Investing in New Mexico's Healthcare Workforce | | |
UnitedHealthcare published the article titled “Investing in New Mexico’s Healthcare Workforce.” This piece highlights UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico’s ongoing efforts to address health challenges in our state—particularly in Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care—by investing in and supporting our local healthcare workforce.
School-Based Health Centers play an important role in our communities and these initiatives help address gaps for our students and families.
Link: https://www.uhccommunityandstate.com/content/state-profiles/new-mexico-profile/investing-in-new-mexicos-health-care-workforce
| | Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico Resources | | Are your patients feeling stressed, anxious or discouraged? Perhaps Learn to Live can offer support. | | Here are some patient education resources for birth control options. | | |
Are your patients returning after that quick sick visit?
Don't miss an opportunity to offer a comprehensive well care, even during a sick visit.
| | Clinic Resources, Training Opportunities and Community Announcements | | Do You Want To Do On-Site Health Testing? | | Mental Health First Aid Trainings | | |
Through the collaborative efforts of the New Mexico Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Awareness, the New Mexico Peer Coalition, Presbyterian Health Plan, and many dedicated community partners, there are a series of in‑person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings across the state.
These trainings are designed to build community capacity, strengthen support networks, and equip adults with practical tools to help others experiencing mental health challenges. We invite you to participate and to share this opportunity widely within your networks.
Upcoming Training Opportunities:
Socorro
Tucumcari
Carlsbad
Shiprock
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (MT)
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Course Type: Adult course supporting adults
- Location: Healing Circle Drop In Center - Mesa Rd, Shiprock, NM 87420
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Registration: https://MHFA-Shiprock-2026.eventbrite.com
More Locations Coming Soon
Additional trainings are planned for: Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Chimayo, Portales, Las Vegas, Ruidoso, Kirtland Air Force Base, and more. Find additional trainings here.
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Make-A-Wish NM grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our goal is to spread hope and joy as much as possible with these children and their families during these trying times.
Data shows that each year 163 children in New Mexico are diagnosed with a critical condition that can qualify them for a wish. Our mission is to grant wishes for every eligible child in New Mexico. With that said, our NM chapter is seeing a big drop in referrals.
A wish begins with a referral and that can start with YOU! Help us grant more wishes by submitting referrals and sharing our contact information with those interested in learning more!
Scan the QR or go to md.wish.org to find information on what types of diagnosis may qualify (Other conditions may be considered if life-threatening comorbidities place the child’s life in jeopardy and will be reviewed case by case) and how to submit a referral.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions and do not hesitate to share my information with others.
Adela Sena – Community and Medical Outreach Coordinator – asena@newmexico.wish.org – 505.888.9474
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Community Violence Training -
Empowering Resilient Youth
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The University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine and Adolescent Health Initiative has shared a training module that explores community violence, trauma, trauma-informed care, youth engagement and youth-adult partnerships, and how school-based health centers can foster partnerships with youth to address community violence.
Access the Community Violence Training Module HERE.
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Please share widely to help raise awareness about pathways for reporting prescription denials for short acting contraception!
Sign up for the NMASBHC mid-monthly reproductive and sexual health update, That Time of the Month! Each month you will get the latest and greatest updates, trainings opportunities, and resources direct from Jen to your inbox. Sign up here!
If you need immediate support or technical assistance regarding sexual and reproductive health care feel free to email me at Jen@nmasbhc.org.
| | Contraception Mentoring Program Trainings | | |
IUD and Nexplanon Trainings
IUD Pain Management
April 13th - 12-1 PM
CLICK TO REGISTER
Join us for a virtual event to learn about effective pain management techniques related to IUDs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and comfort. Participants will receive 1.0 CME credit hour at no cost.
Please email Andrea Andersen at aanderse@salud.unm.edu to get connected with registration for an IUD and Nexplanon training or to request future training in your area.
| | School Professionals Oral Health Toolkit | | |
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Trainings for Providers and Professionals
NM-ABC trainings are all free of charge, with CME/CEUs provided. NM-ABC is a partnership between the UNM Center for Development and Disability and the NM Department of Health. NM-ABC provides training, consultation and resources related to youth mental health for providers across New Mexico.
- Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Screening and Interventions
- Youth Suicide: Screening and Safety Planning
- Non-Suicidal Self Injury: Screening and Interventions
- Helping Children and Youth Cope with Loss and Grief
- Adolescent Substance Use: Screening and Interventions
- Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth
- Brief Intervention Techniques with Children and Youth
- ADHD Diagnosis and Management
- SSRIs and Pediatric Patients: Best Practices
- Youth Returning Home from Inpatient and Residential Stays: Bridging the Transition
- Tips from a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know
For more information or to schedule a training, please contact NM-ABC program manager Amy Glass at aeglass@salud.unm.edu
| | | 1-833-SW Nurse - NMDOH Helpline | |
CALL: 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773)
OR TEXT: NMDOH (66364)
New Mexicans can call or text the NMDOH helpline to speak to a nurse about:
- Health assistance
- Vaccine scheduling
- Help finding a provider
- Reproductive health services
- Animal bites, food-related illness, infectious disease
| | April Health Awareness Activities | | |
Ready. Set. Action!
This year's theme for National Public Health Week calls on us to look back at the progress we've made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future.
Priority Topics for 2026 Include:
Government Partners
Scientific Advancement
Community Leadership
You Partner with Public Health
Learn more about how to get involved here!
| | Support NMASBHC this year! | | | | |
