AGP Executive Report

New Mexico Governor Race: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination and will face Republican Gregg Hull in November, setting up a high-stakes general election to replace term-limited Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. U.S. Senate: Write-in candidate Larry E. Marker captured the GOP Senate nomination, while Sen. Ben Ray Luján fended off a Democratic challenge. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data ranked Silver City Care Center No. 2 in Grant County for Q1 2026, with an overall rating of 2/5 and reported fines. Public Health Threat: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in South Texas, a major livestock risk that could affect food production; officials are moving to contain and eradicate. Air Quality & Safety: Albuquerque saw a dust storm from a departing plane after NWS warned of blowing dust, a reminder to watch visibility and respiratory impacts during severe weather. Water Contamination Help: USDA agreed to provide up to $1M for post-fire drinking water repairs/treatment in Mora and San Miguel counties. Health Care Workforce Signal: A national study highlighted nurse shortages and burnout pressures, with Louisiana among the worst—an issue New Mexico communities will be watching.

NM Public Health Alert: The New Mexico Department of Health reported a 16th measles case this year tied to a federal inmate at the Luna County Detention Center, with possible exposure at the Las Cruces U.S. District Court building (May 27, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.); NMDOH is urging vaccination and offering helpline guidance for anyone with symptoms. Tobacco & Vaping Shift: NMDOH says adult cigarette use is at its lowest in years (down to 11.7% in 2024) while vaping rises (8.2%), warning e-cigarettes are not a safe swap and urging quitting help ahead of World No Tobacco Day. Health Care Costs: A new U.S. maternity billing approach starting in January would move away from bundled payments to separate charges for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services—raising concerns about higher and less predictable pregnancy costs, including input from UNM OB-GYN leaders. Addiction Training: Porch Light Health launched Porch Light Health University, a new online education platform aimed at expanding practical addiction medicine skills for clinicians. Water Safety Funding: After the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent heavy-metal contamination findings, USDA is offering up to $1 million for repairs or treatment systems for affected northern NM households.

Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): Several New Mexico facilities posted their Q1 2026 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services scores, offering a mixed picture for long-term care. Red Rocks Care Center (McKinley County) and Belen Meadows Healthcare & Rehabilitation (Valencia County) both earned 4-star overall ratings with no fines or penalties reported. Socorro Wellness & Rehabilitation (Socorro County) also scored 4 stars, again with no fines or penalties. Lower scores and penalties: Santa Fe Care Center (Santa Fe County) received a 1-star rating and faced three fines totaling $59,072 plus three penalties. Taos Healthcare scored 2 stars. Artesia Healthcare & Rehabilitation (Eddy County) earned 1 star. Laguna County exception: Laguna Rainbow Nursing Center (non-profit) was the only non-profit nursing home in Cibola County and scored 2 stars, with one fine and one penalty. Health Policy & Access (election): In the New Mexico governor primary, Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination, pitching lower costs and expanded access to healthcare—setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Gregg Hull.

New Mexico primary voting logistics: Bernalillo County says Election Day for the June 2 primaries runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 74 voting centers, with UNM’s Student Union Building also serving as a site and same-day registration available. Medicaid policy shake-up: Dr. Oz says the Trump administration will clamp down on about $2B in federal healthcare funds tied to illegal immigrants and tighten Medicaid work exemptions for “able-bodied” adults. Measles alert in Luna County: NMDOH is investigating a new measles infection linked to a federal detainee at the Luna County Detention Center, prompting exposure guidance for people who visited the Las Cruces courthouse May 27. Smoking vs vaping trend: NMDOH reports adult cigarette use fell from 15% (2022) to 11.7% (2024) while vaping rose from 7.3% to 8.2%. Immigration detention medical neglect: A national investigation and lawsuits describe detainees across many states alleging serious medical neglect, including untreated infections and delayed medications. Subpoenas in NM Epstein probe: A state Truth Commission issued its first subpoenas, seeking records from federal and state institutions tied to alleged failures around Epstein’s New Mexico ranch. Addiction care expansion: Renew Health is expanding online addiction counseling/telehealth services across New Mexico.

Measles Alert: New Mexico reported its 16th measles case of the year after a federal inmate at the Luna County Detention Center tested positive; NMDOH says people may have been exposed at the U.S. District Court in Las Cruces (100 N. Church St.) May 27, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., and urges anyone with symptoms to call the helpline before seeking care. Rural Hospital Policy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch highlighted Senate passage of a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, aimed at helping rural hospitals test Medicare payment models to stay financially stable and keep care accessible. Public Health & Safety: Investigators ruled a fatal Las Cruces explosion was an accident after an acetylene cylinder ignited in a vehicle trunk; carbon monoxide alarms had triggered earlier that morning. Workforce & Care Access: Bernalillo County is moving ahead with plans to buy the former VCA Animal Hospital and convert it into a Northeast Heights animal care center with adoption services and low-cost vet care. Health Costs: A WalletHub report ranks New Mexico 3rd highest for the share of income spent on health care, at 9.07%. Community Health Coverage: The state’s primary day also includes a governor race that could shape future health and safety priorities.

Public Health & Tobacco: New Mexico’s adult smoking fell from 15% (2022) to 11.7% (2024), but vaping rose from 7.3% to 8.2%, with officials warning e-cigarettes still carry cancer and brain, heart, and lung risks. Workforce & Access: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, keeping Medicare payment tests alive for rural hospitals facing thin margins and staffing shortages. Local Tragedy, Ongoing Investigation: Human remains found in Carson National Forest were identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing since June 2025; police say a handgun was found nearby, but the cause and manner of death are still pending. Autism Care Market Watch: Apara Autism Center, with sites including New Mexico, is reportedly headed to auction, as investors look for growth in the board-certified behavior analyst workforce. Environmental Health: New Mexico is at the center of a growing PFAS “forever chemicals” reckoning tied to military base contamination, with state officials pursuing legal action.

Health Access & Food Security: Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market is using Sun Bucks (Summer EBT) and “Triple Up” to stretch SNAP dollars—families can get $3 for produce for every $1 in benefits through Aug. 31, aiming to reduce summer food insecurity for kids. Public Health & Livestock: New Mexico livestock officials are bracing for the New World screwworm, a parasite spreading across Mexico and Central America that can infest animals and drive up meat prices; the state is ramping up monitoring and quarantine as the federal government works to sterilize flies. Community Health & Care: A New Mexico primary election forum highlighted juvenile crime as a major issue, with Democratic candidates pointing to behavioral health resources and overhauling CYFD—framing youth safety as tied to mental health support. Local Health & Safety: New Mexico State Police identified remains found in Carson National Forest as missing Taos woman Melissa Casias; authorities say a handgun was found alongside the remains, and the medical examiner will determine cause and manner of death. Policy & Cost Pressures: A report on Medicaid work requirements says even states that support them are cutting other essentials like health care and education as budgets tighten.

Medicaid & access: A coalition of governors, including New Mexico, is pushing back on a Trump Medicaid mandate, warning that states face major system and eligibility overhaul problems that could leave eligible people losing coverage. Digital safety & harm: A bipartisan coalition of groups is urging state attorneys general to hold “nudify” apps accountable, arguing app stores are enabling nonconsensual sexual deepfakes. Public health & animals: Screwworms are spreading near the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting new monitoring and quarantine steps that could hit livestock and raise meat prices. Local health news: A nine-year-old Belen boy, Hunter Rael, returned home to Albuquerque after two heart transplants and months of recovery. Community health & policy: Op-eds highlight how pharmacists can help patients manage medication costs and how social media rules and enforcement are increasingly tied to student mental health. Safety & care in detention: Civil rights groups sued ICE over alleged inhumane conditions at Camp East Montana, citing medical neglect and outbreaks. Missing person update: New Mexico State Police identified remains found in Carson National Forest as missing Taos woman Melissa Casias.

Immigration Detention Oversight: Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, sued ICE over alleged inhumane conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, citing deaths, a measles outbreak, and dozens of detention-standard violations. Medicaid Implementation Pressure: Gov. Tina Kotek led a multi-state pushback against a federal Medicaid mandate rollout, warning states face major system and eligibility changes without clear guidance—raising the risk of people losing coverage. Rural Hospital Funding: Senators advanced a bipartisan bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five more years, keeping Medicare payment tests alive for rural facilities, including New Mexico hospitals. Tobacco Use Trends: NMDOH reported smoking is down statewide, while vaping is up, and renewed access to quit coaching and free nicotine replacement through 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Health Care Access & Safety: UMC opened a new dual helipad to speed critical patient transfers across West Texas and eastern New Mexico. Public Health & Tech: A lawsuit settlement over social media addiction claims in Kentucky disclosed payments totaling about $27 million across major platforms, with teacher training included only in YouTube’s deal. Local Health & Community Support: Albuquerque’s guaranteed basic income pilot reported early gains for families, including reduced financial strain and some moves toward homeownership. Workplace Violence: Federal charges were filed after inmates allegedly assaulted a correction officer at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, including a reported tasing. Data Center Water Debate: Oracle and partners defended Project Jupiter’s water plan in Doña Ana County, saying it won’t use public drinking water for cooling or fuel cells.

Water & Health: Partners in eastern New Mexico are expanding free playa restoration to help recharge the Ogallala Aquifer, improve water quality, cut erosion, and strengthen drought resilience for rural communities. Tobacco Use: NMDOH reports smoking is down (15% in 2022 to 11.7% in 2024) while vaping is up (7.3% to 8.2%), and highlights quit support through 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Care Access & Transfers: UMC Health System opened a new dual helipad to speed safer critical patient transport across West Texas and eastern New Mexico, including a mini ambulance for transfers. Public Health & Money: Albuquerque’s guaranteed basic income pilot says participants are saving more and relying less on friends and family, with some moving toward homeownership and vehicle access. Workforce Shortage: A national look at persistent large-animal veterinary gaps points to rural pay, hours, and isolation as major barriers. Local Health & Safety: Las Cruces investigators are probing a fatal duplex explosion and fire; one person died and neighbors were displaced. Community Support: A benefit concert in Albuquerque is raising medical funds for Peelander-Z members hurt in a crash.

Medicare Scam Alert: New Mexico officials are warning residents about scammers targeting people as updated Medicare cards with new numbers roll out nationwide, urging beneficiaries to watch for calls asking for payment or personal details and to use the Senior Medicare Patrol for help. Medical Isotope Supply: Eden Radioisotopes has applied to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a medical isotope facility near Eunice, aiming to boost domestic production of Mo-99 used in thousands of daily imaging procedures. School Safety & Mental Health: Community leaders across New Mexico met for a Navajo Nation-focused School & Community Safety & Harmony Summit, with sessions on mental health supports, emergency preparedness, and stronger school-family partnerships. Health Coverage Pressure: National reporting highlights Americans dropping or losing Obamacare coverage for nonpayment and cost reasons, with states seeing sharp declines as premiums rise. Public Health Through Culture: A Borderlands Health piece argues “culture heals,” framing community connection and shared practices as public health infrastructure.

Youth addiction and treatment access: Serenity Mesa Recovery Center highlights rising teen drug use in New Mexico, saying local adolescent treatment options have long been inadequate. Mental health and policing: Family members of 23-year-old Jose Armas in Albuquerque say he was in a mental health crisis and that officers didn’t respond properly before a fatal shooting. Homelessness and health/housing strain: A new state report finds homelessness rose sharply, with Bernalillo County doubling and Albuquerque up 83%, driven by housing costs and funding gaps. Medicaid spending snapshots (NM communities): New data show growth in multiple categories, including Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment in Farmington ($6.07M in 2024), Durable Medical Equipment in Socorro (+12.5%), and Vision Services in Santa Fe (+35.1%). Care system leadership: Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services named Maridel Acosta-Cruz as its new CEO. Public health policy and safety: Attorney General Jay Jones joined opposition to the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken protections for children online. Drought emergency: Corrales declared a local drought emergency, citing severe fire danger and public health risks.

Physician Shortage Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expanded New Mexico’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, boosting physician awards to $75,000 a year (up to $300,000 total) for a four-year service commitment, aiming to close critical care gaps across the state. Correctional Health Disruption: Doña Ana County is scrambling to replace a detention-center health provider after YesCare/Corizon filed for Chapter 11 and missed payroll, raising the risk of service interruptions as the county looks for a new contract. Nutrition as Medicine: New Mexico programs are rolling out “produce prescriptions,” including FreshRx, to help patients with diet-related conditions get fresh fruits and vegetables alongside nutrition education. Home & Hospice Oversight: The New Mexico Association for Home & Hospice Care backed efforts to crack down on Medicare fraud but warned regulators to avoid unintended harm to compliant providers and patients. Public Health Costs: A national map highlights how nursing home costs are climbing fast, with labor shortages and aging driving higher price tags. Substance Use Trends: National overdose deaths fell again in 2025, though some Western states are seeing deadly surges.

Doctor Shortage Fix: New Mexico expanded its Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, boosting help for doctors and other licensed health workers to up to $300,000 total if they commit to four years in-state. Correctional Health Disruption: Doña Ana County is scrambling after YesCare filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, raising the risk of medical services ending at the detention center within a week. Behavioral Health + Police Response: A family of a man shot by Albuquerque police says officers could have handled a suicidal crisis differently, arguing they should have prioritized help over force. Youth Nicotine Strategy: Lawmakers reviewed New Mexico’s approach to youth nicotine addiction and called for a more streamlined statewide plan to prevent addiction. Wildfire Preparedness: Santa Fe County issued an open-burning prohibition in unincorporated areas due to high fire risk, as wildfire season ramps up. Health System Access: Lovelace and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico reached a four-year deal to avoid coverage disruption. Community Wellness: The YMCA opened a new Westside Albuquerque facility behind Cottonwood Mall, aiming to bring fitness and programs closer to families.

Doctor Shortage Push: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expanded the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, boosting physician debt relief to $75,000 over four years (up to $300,000 total) to help close critical care gaps across the state. Youth Nicotine Plan: Lawmakers asked for an “overall strategy” to curb youth nicotine addiction, reviewing how the state’s Tobacco Settlement funds and DOJ retailer enforcement fit together. Housing & Homelessness: A Legislative Finance Committee report says homelessness is rising in New Mexico despite major spending, with Bernalillo County’s unhoused population doubling from 2022 to 2024. Care Access & Coverage: Lovelace and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico reached a four-year deal to avoid coverage disruption. Food Support: New Mexico is among states rolling out Summer EBT/SUN Bucks in June to help families cover groceries during school breaks. Local Health News: UNM Health began offering a new thumb joint replacement procedure, aiming to restore motion and stability for arthritis patients. Community Wellness: The YMCA opened a new Westside Albuquerque location near Cottonwood Mall, adding fitness and child care options.

Drought & Wildfire Readiness: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statewide drought declaration as wildfire risk climbs and river flows drop, ordering fireworks bans and water-saving steps while directing counties to prepare for worsening extreme weather that can also strain public health. Doctor Shortage Push: The state expanded New Mexico’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, boosting physician debt relief to $75,000 a year for four years (up to $300,000 total) to help fill critical care gaps in 32 of 33 counties. Online Kids Safety Fight: New Mexico’s AG joined a coalition urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Meta in Court: A New Mexico judge wrapped a second phase of the state’s Meta trial and asked both sides to be “pragmatic” as closing statements are due June 12. Local Health Coverage Stability: Lovelace Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico reached a four-year in-network deal, averting a coverage disruption for about 79,000 Lovelace patients. Public Safety: Albuquerque police arrested a man accused in a downtown shooting that killed his girlfriend.