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County says it ended Wellness Equity Alliance contract; orders transition of school-based clinics with short extension
Summary
Bernalillo County announced it terminated its contract with Wellness Equity Alliance for school-based health services and is negotiating a transition; county staff said an extension was allowed so services continue through a planned handoff to partners, with an interim date of Dec. 18, 2025 mentioned by the provider.
Bernalillo County officials told the Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 23 that the county has terminated its contract with Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) for school-based health services and is coordinating a transition with Albuquerque Public Schools and other partners.
County Manager Chavez told the commission the contract was ended after “thoughtful consideration and due diligence” and that the county and WEA are discussing a transition process. During public comment, multiple WEA representatives thanked the commission for a short extension and said the extension will allow an orderly transfer of services.
Why it matters: WEA and affiliated providers operate mobile school-based clinics that deliver primary and behavioral health care to Albuquerque Public Schools students, a population county speakers said includes many uninsured or underinsured children. County leaders emphasized continuity of care while the county arranges an alternative provider or model.
What was said: Brandon Smith, practice manager for Healthy Out New Mexico (Wellness Equity/Wellness Equity Alliance), described families who lack health insurance and thanked the commission for an extension that preserved services while a transition is arranged. Dr. Tyler Evans, who identified himself as an adult infectious disease and addiction medicine physician and as CEO and chief medical officer for “Wellness Inc. And Alliance,” said the county allowed a 120-day extension to Dec. 18, 2025 to enable an orderly transfer.
Dr. Dale Alverson, a pediatric provider on the mobile school-based clinics, and Selena Law, WEA clinical supervisor, told commissioners that the clinics reach students who otherwise could not access primary care and that continuity was their chief concern.
County response: County Manager Chavez said the termination followed review and due diligence and reiterated the county’s intent to work with APS and community partners “to explore new and innovative ways to continue to deliver health care services to our school-aged children.” Chavez said the county was discussing a transition process with WEA.
Distinguishing discussion and action: The county statement says the contract was terminated; the county manager described ongoing transition talks. WEA representatives said the county authorized a limited extension to allow an orderly transfer; the transcript records that extension as part of public comment and the provider’s account.
What’s next: WEA representatives said they expect to transition services by Dec. 18, 2025. County staff said they will coordinate with APS and other community providers on next steps. The commission did not take a separate, recorded vote at the Sept. 23 meeting specifically authorizing the transition timeline.
Ending note: Commissioners and public speakers stressed the importance of uninterrupted access to school-based health services for children who lack other coverage.
