A Note from the Executive Director | | |
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
In fact, we are coming TO you in the next few months with in-person regional meetings, new resource newsletters, and great new tools and trainings! As we shift from SBHC Awareness month, we are turning to an emphasis on technical assistance. If you work in an SBHC, please join us for one of the four upcoming meetings in April and May (see flyer with registration links below). Wherever you are in the state, join us in ABQ, Espanola, Las Cruces or Ruidoso, to learn and share from each other and from partners!
Read on for more training and technical assistance opportunities. And if you are a behavioral health provider in a school, please consider signing up for the new "Clinical Connector" newsletter described below. This collaborative resources is the brainchild of our Behavioral Health Consultant, Sheena Moe, and is a great opportunity to learn and share best practices for BH in the school setting.
Wishing you a healthy and lucky month!
Nancy Rodriguez, nancy@nmasbhc.org
| | School-Based Health Care Awareness Month | | |
Thank you for celebrating the successes of our SBHCs, especially highlighted in the month of February. You are the reason our state's youth have improved access to health care services. Thank you to all our SBHC sponsors, staff and supporters for your unwavering commitment and dedication. It truly takes a village. We appreciate you in February and every month!
See the NM Governor's Proclamation to celebrate February as SBHC Awareness month. You can also view the Senate Memorial or view the reading on the Senate Floor declaring February 10, 2026 as School-Based Health Care Day in the Senate
| | |
March 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.
| | | | |
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 due on
April 10, 2026.
This opportunity supports medical sponsors ready to move planning or special project ideas forward in response to student and community needs.
APPLY NOW
| | | 2025 SBHC Directory Update & Survey | | |
New Mexico School Health ECHO sessions have returned for 2025-2026. Sessions are on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 12:00 PM MST.
March 2026 Sessions:
March 10th
March 24th
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.
| | | Professional Development Needs | | |
What professional development topics do you need to support your SBHC work in 2026?
2025 has come and gone; we just finished Head to Toe in November. When you think about educational content that would help you in your day-to-day work, what topics do you need? What would help you? Complete our very short survey to help us craft our 2026 opportunities.
Consider behavioral health, primary care, sexual and reproductive health, or other relevant topics. Your input will help shape professional development offerings in the coming year. While we cannot guarantee all topics will be covered, this feedback helps elevate requests coming from SBHCs across New Mexico.
Click Here to Complete Survey
| | 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.
| |
NM Lions Operation KidSight &
SBHC Partnership Opportunity
| | |
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.
| | | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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 | | |
Below is a recently published UnitedHealthcare 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? | | Western Community Schools Convening | | |
Join Community School champions from across the West to build community and share best practices for Community School strategies in schools, communities, and across states. This convening is open to anyone who is currently engaged or interested in the Community School strategy.
The convening will take place from 12:00pm to 4:00pm MST on March 11, and include panels, breakout sessions, and shared learning. The planning team will share more details, including session descriptions, soon.
Reserve your spot for this free virtual convening today!
| | 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:
Taos
Deming
Socorro
Tucumcari
Carlsbad
Shiprock
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (MT)
-
Course Type: Adult course supporting adults
- Location: Healing Circle Drop In Center - Mesa Rd, Shiprock, NM 87420
-
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.
| | |
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
| | |
Community Violence Training -
Empowering Resilient Youth
| |
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.
| | SBIRT Research Opportunity | | |
You are invited to participate in a research project entitled “A Pilot Evaluation of a Brief Web-Based Training Module on Adolescent SBIRT for Pediatric Primary Care Providers in New Mexico.”
This project is a pilot evaluation of a brief, web-based training designed to support pediatric health care providers in delivering Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services for adolescents. The study will gather information from providers regarding their impressions of feasibility and satisfaction with the training webinar as well as its impact on provider knowledge, comprehension, and perceived competence in utilizing SBIRT clinical skills and techniques.
Participants will receive $100 for completing the study which should require approximately two hours of time. We would greatly appreciate your participation in the pilot study to help us gauge the usefulness and relevance of this training for pediatric health care providers in New Mexico.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please send an e-mail to SBIRTtraining@salud.unm.edu.
| | |
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 | | |
Improving Contraceptive Care for People With Disabilities
March 26th - 10-11:30 AM
CLICK TO REGISTER
UCSF Bixby Center's Beyond the Pill program and New Morning are pleased to bring you this interactive virtual training.
This training will review contraceptive considerations related to co-occurring conditions and medications commonly used by people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Through interactive case studies, we will discuss caregiver roles, consent, menstruation and exam accommodations. We will also explore how the medicalization of disability can contribute to ableism, stigma and reproductive coercion. Participants will explore an alternative model and receive resources for implementing changes in their practice.
IUD and Nexplanon Trainings
Santa Fe IUD Clinical Skills Practicum
Monday, March 9th - 1 – 3 PM
Presbyterian Santa Fe Med Center- CR SFMC 508 Farmer's Mkt-Teaching Kitchen
4801 Beckner Road Santa Fe, NM 87507
CLICK TO REGISTER
Clinician trainers from the Contraception Mentoring Program will conduct a 2-hour practicum on IUD skills. We will use pelvic simulator models to practice inserting and removing different types of IUDs. Our clinicians will also review managing challenges related to IUDs and will be happy to answer any questions related to LARCs during or after training. Participants will receive 2.0 CME credit hours at no cost.
The Paragard manufacturer recently released a new inserter and is phasing out the longstanding inserter model over the next few months. We will be training on how to use the new Paragard inserter!
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
| | March Health Awareness Activities | | Support NMASBHC this year! | | | | |
