Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Department of Health has proposed a $243.9 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $42.8 million increase over its current funding, according to a news release from the agency. The proposal addresses critical needs, rising operational costs and workforce challenges statewide.

“Our proposed budget reflects our commitment to providing care, addressing staffing challenges, and expanding behavioral health and nutrition programs for New Mexicans,” said Interim NMDOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie.

Budget Highlights

Behavioral health expansion

• $4 million to operate a 28-bed drug and alcohol treatment facility at the Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
• San Miguel County has allocated $2.5 million to renovate the state-owned building, with patient admissions expected in April 2025.

Operational costs

• Nearly $3 million to offset rising costs for utilities, medical supplies, travel, and other services essential to patient and resident care.

Staffing and salary adjustments

• $7.7 million to address unfunded state-mandated salary increases and federally funded positions.
• $5.2 million to implement new salary schedules aimed at improving recruitment and retention of qualified staff.

Food insecurity initiatives

• $2.6 million to expand the WIC & Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, increasing access to fresh, locally grown food for 30,000 New Mexicans, up from the current 13,000 participants.

Additional program funding

• $275,000 for Tribal engagement and outreach.
• $200,000 for disease intervention initiatives.
• $525,000 to maintain clinical services for diagnosing and treating syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases.

The department’s focus remains on addressing pressing health challenges, ensuring continuity of care, and strengthening its workforce to meet the state’s needs, the release stated.