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The 2025 Commitment to Community Healthcare Awards
On October 1, 2025, more than 300 members of the New Mexico healthcare community gathered at the NMHA Annual Meeting for the presentation of the 8th annual New Mexico Hospital Quality Awards. For eight decades, the Annual Meeting has been a place where hospital leaders come together to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and champion the advocacy needed to stretch scarce resources and deliver care where and when New Mexicans need it most.
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The Commitment to Community Healthcare Awards build on that legacy by strengthening and broadening the New Mexico healthcare community. Hospitals nominate local organizations who work with “hospital leaders, staff, and providers to close gaps in care, strengthen social safety nets, expand awareness of physical and mental health, promote public safety and address the root causes of illness and injury,” said NMHA’s Senior Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Manon Gouse. The 2025 winners are:
J.F. Maddox foundation, Nominated by Nor-Lea Hospital District
The J.F. Maddox Foundation is dedicated to innovating in education, community development and social services to enhance the quality of life in Lea County. They collaborate with various organizations, including Nor-Lea Hospital District, to implement impactful projects such as the Mobile Wellness Van, COVID-19 vaccination and infusion programs and the Nor-Lea Family Medicine Residency Program. These initiatives have significantly improved community health outcomes, including early detection of chronic illnesses, increased vaccination rates and the establishment of a local medical residency program. The Foundation’s efforts are driven by their core values of deep commitment, innovative problem-solving, compassion, data-driven decision-making and collaborative work.
Rio Grande ATP Inc., Nominated by Holy Cross Medical Center
Founded in 1978, Rio Grande ATP, Inc. has been a cornerstone in substance abuse treatment in Northern New Mexico for over 47 years, focusing on delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible treatment services to consumers and their families in Taos, San Miguel, Mora and surrounding counties. Their mission is to provide substance abuse treatment, behavioral health services, and access to supportive services to enable individuals to live productive, drug-free lives. Notable initiatives include the integration of SBIRT in Holy Cross Medical Center’s emergency department and the perinatal Medication-Assisted Therapy program, which have led to measurable improvements in community health, such as increased screenings, reduced hospital readmissions and improved birth outcomes.
Chavez County Health Council, Nominated by Eastern New Mexico Medical Center
The Chaves County Health Council (CCHC) is a volunteer group dedicated to improving the physical, mental and social well-being of all residents in Chaves County. They meet monthly to collaborate on various health initiatives, including maintaining a 211-information line, organizing an annual health fair, and engaging in long-term community health planning. The CCHC also plays a crucial role in managing the community-wide behavioral health committee and has been instrumental in responding to emergencies, such as the 2024 Ruidoso wildfires and the Roswell floods, by providing essential resources and support.
Blue Raven Transport, Nominated by Socorro General Hospital
Blue Raven, established in October 2021, is a family-owned business in Socorro, providing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation to community members in Socorro and Catron counties. Their mission is to reduce transportation barriers, ensuring equal access to healthcare services. They have partnered with Socorro General Hospital and other organizations to address transportation gaps, significantly improving access to care and health outcomes for underserved populations. Since March 2024, they have provided over 1,560 rides, enhancing follow-up care and compliance among patients.
Dr. Eric Ketcham, Nominated by Presbyterian Española Hospital
Dr. Ketcham has positively impacted patient lives across NM through a treatment-first approach to addiction medicine, breaking stigma and transforming patient outcomes. Dr. Ketcham serves as the Director of Clinical Implementation and Co-Director for Statewide Infrastructure Development with NM Bridge and an Emergency Physician and Addiction Medicine Specialist with Presbyterian Healthcare System. His efforts in 2025 include expanding the Addiction Medicine practice, securing grants, remodeling the former Española hospital ER for outpatient consults, and facilitating anti-stigma training for staff. Dr. Ketcham has also built a strong community support, engaged with media and policymakers, and advocated for affordable therapies, ensuring Española hospital’s commitment to fast-tracking the Renewal Clinic’s construction to meet grant requirements and provide timely treatment.
Cancer Warriors Las Cruces, Nominated by Memorial Medical Center
Cancer Warriors Las Cruces is dedicated to supporting individuals with cancer in Doña Anna County. Their mission is “to raise money, spread awareness, and provide invaluable resources for those navigating the tough terrain of cancer.” Cancer Warriors has partnered with Memorial Medical Center to launch the Mammo to Answers Expedited Diagnostic Program, designed to reduce length of time from mammogram to biopsy. Memorial Medical Center and Cancer Warriors Las Cruces have also partnered to provide Yoga for Healing and Balance for Strength classes to cancer patients and survivors.
Zuni Tribal Council, Nominated by University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH)
UNMH aims to provide exceptional care for every New Mexican through compassion, learning, and discovery. Recognizing the importance of language access in patient outcomes, UNMH has partnered with the Zuni I.H.S. and the Zuni Tribal Council to train Zuni-English medical interpreters. This initiative, launched in 2023, aims to improve health outcomes for the Zuni community by providing interpreter services via phone or video. The program includes tracking medical encounters, gathering feedback and ensuring that patients receive care in their preferred language. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to enhance care quality and accessibility for indigenous patients.