We are pleased to share highlights from the All-member meeting, February workgroup sessions, upcoming events, technical assistance and funding opportunities in this month's newsletter.

February All-Member Session

On February 26th, we held our All-member meeting which featured presentations from Connect Doña Ana, YesNewMexicoConnect, Findhelp and New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils. You can watch the recording of this session using this link.

We asked participants to share what stood out to them most from the session. Here are a few of their responses:



• A shared vision and work to help New Mexicans. 
• Inspired by the ShareNM team.
• I've attended various meetings of NMSDOH and am amazed by all the work that has been done and how its growing. 
• I take away from this meeting how many people and organizations are dedicated to creating a thriving NM!
• It is moving to see all of the progress over time, thanks to the dedication of strong leaders and committed members who follow through.

Workgroup Sessions

Last month several of the Collaborative workgroups reconvened for the first time this year. We are pleased to share workgroup highlights below.

Data Technology and Standards (DTS): The February DTS workgroup session focused on identifying CLRS metrics for success in New Mexico. In 2025, the Collaborative as a whole informed the YesNMConnect logic model. As a continuation of this effort, the DTS workgroup is in communication with the UNM PRC team to identify ways the workgroup can support an evaluation plan for YesNMConnect. Workgroup members noted the importance of a statewide approach to evaluation that includes data from all systems in use throughout the state. One workgroup member shared: "I am also thinking about % of referrals matched to Tribal or indigenous providers/ orgs, % of referrals closed with Tribal or Indigenous providers/orgs, % of traditional healing services provided, % of cultural and native language access offered or used, % of cultural and native translation offered or used, average time to meet with tribal or indigenous providers, % of Native or Indigenous referrals declined and why."

Tribal Health Systems (THS): The series that the THS workgroup created, Rooted in Resilience - Healing the Circles within Indigenous Social Drivers of Health concluded on February 26th. Below, we share a few of the participants' reflections:

• So many knowledgeable people involved in this series to learn from and share their wisdom. Each ISDOH was unpacked to a deeper level and revealed new insights. 
• We all brought our individual knowledge experiences and backgrounds into this space. We engaged in meaningful conversation that will help us expand this important way of life to our workspace.
• It was an eye opener that we are doing culturally based work that impacts SDOH and didn't realize it. It great to learn from other relatives during the series.

At the upcoming THS session on Wednesday, March 18th, we will review the latest version of the ISDOH Framework and begin to develop a dissemination plan.

You can watch Sessions 2 and 3 by visiting the NMSDOH-C Publications Page.

Community Engagement (CE): At the February session, the CE workgroup approved the new welcome letter, All-member session invite letter and discussed strategies for community engagement within the Collaborative. You can view the approved welcome letter here.

*Reminder* NMSDOH-C is now offering monthly drop-in hours

Drop-in hours provide an opportunity to connect outside of Collaborative workgroup sessions and all-member meetings. This is a time for sharing ideas, asking questions and building relationships. Our first drop-in hour will take place on March 27th from 10-11:00 am MT. Please use the Teams information below to join.

themes from Drop in hour

Join the meeting

Meeting ID: 228 495 638 763 06

Passcode: en2PF9gs



New Mexico Social Care Summit

Presented by YesNMConnect and Findhelp.

🗓️ When: April 15, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:30 pm | Albuquerque, NM

The New Mexico Findhelp and YesNMConnect State Summit, convened by Findhelp in partnership with the New Mexico Health Care Authority, brings together state leaders, agencies, health plans, providers, and community partners to advance a shared vision for a more connected system of care. YesNMConnect—New Mexico’s statewide closed-loop referral initiative led by the Health Care Authority—serves as the foundation for strengthening cross-sector collaboration and coordinated service delivery.

The summit will highlight how aligned goals, integrated systems, and community partnerships improve access to services, strengthen local support networks, and elevate community-driven solutions. Together, this work reflects a statewide commitment to shared accountability, collaboration, and collective impact.

Key Topics

• Collaborate Across Sectors | Learn how counties, health plans, and providers are advancing shared accountability and collective impact through aligned goals and funding models.
• Advance Interoperability | Discover new approaches to integrating systems and data to streamline referrals, reporting, and care coordination.
• Shape the Future of Community Engagement | Participate in discussions on how government and community leaders can work together to drive local solutions that meet the states most pressing needs.
• Join a Growing Network | Be part of a movement to build a unified, connected social care ecosystem that empowers organizations and residents alike.

This Summit is designed to provide actionable best practices, real-world success stories, and opportunities to collaborate with peers who are driving change across the region. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, community-based organization, policymaker, or social care innovator, this event offers a unique chance to connect, learn, and lead together.

New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils Advocacy Update

Dear County & Tribal Health Councils and Community Partners, 

On behalf of the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils, the 33 County Health Councils and the 10 Tribal Health Councils, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support during the 2026 NM Legislative Session which was critical in enlisting legislative support for sustaining the current base funding ($4M) to ensure this critical function of public health continues to serve communities statewide...

Now Accepting Requests for FREE Technical Assistance for 2026 

Seven Directions is offering free technical assistance in 2026 for Indigenous‑focused organizations working to strengthen Substance Use, Mental Health, and Indigenous Public Health Systems programming.  

Whether you’re seeking individualized coaching, a facilitated team conversation, a focused webinar, or virtual/in‑person workshops, we partner with you through a supportive and relational process grounded in Indigenous facilitation and Motivational Interviewing approaches. If your team could benefit from tailored support, resources, or a thought partner, we’d love to work with you.

We bring a flexible, decolonizing approach to our work and can support efforts such as:

• Creating culturally grounded evaluation plans and data collection tools, including surveys, interview guides, and reporting templates
• Integrating Indigenous Social Determinants of Health (ISDOH) into strategic plans, programs, and evaluation efforts
• Facilitating team visioning and planning conversations to strengthen prevention and public health programming. 



Our Indigenous‑led team connects your community with the expertise, tools, and creative support you need while centering Indigenous values, culturally safe dialogue, and your role as the expert in your own community. 

If you are interested in learning more or setting up an initial conversation to see if our offerings meet your needs, simply fill out our quick TA Request form or reach out directly to our team via Angie Gaffney: iamgaff@uw.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

Medicaid Food Security Partners Program -

Request for Proposals

Share Our Strength and HealthBegins are launching the third cohort of grant funding for the Medicaid Food Security Partners Program.

Share Our Strength will be funding four state-based organizations or coalitions to pursue the creation or implementation of state Medicaid regulatory or administrative changes that promote promising food and nutrition security policy initiative(s), with a special focus on strategies that promote SNAP and WIC enrollment among children and families.

Grantees will receive $100,000 for an 18-month period as well as full cohort learning opportunities and individualized technical assistance. Please note: this funding is not intended for direct service/direct food provision or benefit application assistance. Preference will be given to candidates with the necessary relationships, strategy, and positioning to reasonably achieve success.

The Medicaid Food Security Partners Program is an initiative of the National Medicaid Food Security Network.

Application Deadline: April 17 at 11:59 PM ET/8:59 PM PT.