The funding will support 18 organizations providing healthcare and social services to low-income residents

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces City Council approved $600,000 in healthcare grants for 18 nonprofit organizations Monday following a divided vote over the funding package.

Council approved the resolution 4-2 during its May 4 meeting, with Mayor Eric Enriquez, Mayor Pro Tempore John Muñoz and Councilors Johana Bencomo and Michael Harris voting in favor. Councilors Cassie McClure and Bill Mattiace voted against the measure. Councilor Becky Corran recused herself because she serves on the board of one of the organizations receiving funding.

The grants come from the city’s Health Care Fund, which City Council approved last August to provide up to $600,000 annually to nonprofit organizations offering healthcare and supportive services to low-income and indigent residents.

According to the city, the grants are awarded through a competitive application process on a two-year funding cycle, with continued funding tied to program performance. Applications were reviewed by the City Health and Human Services Advisory Committee.

Each organization will receive $33,333 in funding.

Organizations approved for funding include Amador Health Center, Casa de Peregrinos, Families & Youth Inc., Jardin de los Niños, La Casa Inc., Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, New Mexico Legal Aid, Roadrunner Food Bank and Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach, among others.

The May 4 meeting and all City Council meetings can be viewed on the City's YouTube channel.