Region 5 News

Press Release 02.02.10

Management of HIV/AIDS Services in Southwestern New Mexico to Move to Dept. of Health

(Las Cruces) -- The New Mexico Depart-ment of Health announced today that it will ensure people continue to receive HIV/AIDS services through the Las Cruces Public Health Office.  La Clinica de Familia notified the Department of Health that they are opting out of their contract to provide services in ten counties in Southwestern New Mexico. Management of HIV/AIDS services will move to the Dept. of Health effective March 1.

Ray Stewart, regional director of public health services in the ten county region affected by the change, said patients will not be without services during the transition and the Department of Health is well equipped to manage the services. Stewart said there will be dedicated space and staff to accommodate the new program at the Las Cruces Public Health Office, 1170 North Solano. There are public health offices in each of the ten counties that offer HIV counseling, testing and referral. 

“Public health is a perfect fit to manage services for people with HIV/AIDS and we are committed to making a smooth transition from La Clinica de Familia,” Stewart said.  “Our nurse specialists and disease prevention staff have a lot of experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS and we are confident that we will provide the highest quality of care.”

The Department of Health will provide care coordination for medical and support services.  The Department of Health will ensure uninterrupted access to supportive services and reimbursement vouchers. People can remain with their present medical providers since most patients have public or private insurance. The Department of Health will ensure a smooth transition by sending letters to patients, staffing a bilingual helpline to respond to patient questions and concerns and collaborating with La Clinica de Familia to move medical records to the Department before March 1. 

“Public health staff from Las Cruces will also collaborate with our staff in the nine counties outside Dona Aña County so that clients are better served regardless of their place of residence,” Stewart said. 

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The new public health services for HIV/AIDS will be located at the Las Cruces Public Health Office and will be staffed by two nurses and a benefits counselor.  Stewart said existing staff from other professional disciplines will also contribute to the overall operations of the Health Management Alliance Network.

Clients can call Travis Leyva at 575-528-5031 for more information. 

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