Chicanos Por La Causa Discusses Medicaid Application and Community Impact in Albuquerque

During the Albuquerque City Council meeting on September 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around community support initiatives and public safety concerns.

Joe Segredo, market president for Chicanos Por La Causa, highlighted the organization's longstanding commitment to New Mexico, emphasizing their role in providing essential services such as Head Start programs and community action agencies. Segredo announced plans to apply for Medicaid reimbursement, aiming to enhance their support for local residents. "We hope to have it within, I'm going to say, hopefully within 2 months," he stated regarding the application process.

Lily O'Leit, a nurse educator at UNM, spoke passionately about the partnership between her students and Gateway West, a homeless shelter. She praised the shelter's efforts in creating a safe environment for medically vulnerable residents and urged continued funding to improve housing services. "The better services that we're able to provide for housing really is gonna decrease our hospitalizations," she noted, linking housing stability to better health outcomes.

The meeting also took a somber turn when Melinda Montoya shared a personal tragedy, recounting the loss of her daughter, Kayla, who was killed while crossing a marked intersection. Montoya's heartfelt testimony underscored the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety measures in the city.

These discussions reflect Albuquerque's ongoing efforts to address community needs and enhance public safety, with city leaders urged to prioritize funding and initiatives that support vulnerable populations.