Santa Fe Standard

October is Community Health Workers Month, and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has issued a proclamation to honor the contributions of community health workers in the state. Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth), expressed gratitude, stating, “This month gives us the opportunity to thank community health workers for their vital contributions to healthcare across New Mexico.”

On October 29 and 30, community health workers (CHWs) from across New Mexico will gather at Santa Ana Pueblo for their third annual conference. The event will focus on learning, training, and fostering a supportive CHW community under the theme "CHW/Rs Changing the Landscape of New Mexico!"

Community health workers and representatives have been active in New Mexico for many years but were formally recognized as part of the healthcare system only in 2014. There are currently over 500 CHWs in the state.

Devona Quam, Director of the Office of Community Health Workers for NMHealth, praised these professionals: "New Mexico's community health workers and representatives are frontline champions, providing essential support to our communities." She noted that their work helps reduce healthcare costs and improve chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma while lowering rehospitalization rates.

This year marked a significant development with the approval of a Medicaid Reimbursement model by the Centers for Medicaid Services. This model allows CHWs and CHRs to bill Medicaid for services like health education, navigation, and clinical support—expanding access to these providers throughout New Mexico.

For more information about community health workers' roles within healthcare systems nationwide, visit the National Association of Community Health Workers.