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New Mexico Department of Health outlines local services and pilot programs to Curry County commissioners
Summary
Region director Jimmy Masters and Clovis nurse supervisor Debbie Ulibarri briefed the commission on Department of Health programs serving Curry County, including Children’s Medical Services, WIC, immunizations, harm reduction, syringe exchange, HIV/AIDS services, and a new MOUD pilot.
The commission heard a comprehensive overview from New Mexico Department of Health Southeast Region staff about the services available to Curry County residents, from preventive programs to specialty pediatric outreach.
Jimmy Masters, the region director, said public health’s mission is "to ensure health equity" and described how the centralized state Department of Health operates regional offices to deliver services. Masters outlined Children's Medical Services (care coordination and specialty pediatric clinics serving birth–21), the WIC supplemental nutrition program (pregnant and postpartum women and children up to age five or six under forthcoming guidance), immunization services and Vaccine for Children, vital records, and infectious-disease programming including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment referrals.
Masters also described harm-reduction services that the department supports—sterile-syringe exchange, naloxone training and distribution, fentanyl-test-strip access, and overdose-prevention work. He noted a new Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) offering in public-health offices, including a pilot for on-site injectable medication at the Portales site and expanded MOUD availability across Southeast Region health offices. He said MOUD is offered together with referrals for counseling and other behavioral-health supports.
Debbie Ulibarri, nurse supervisor at the Clovis Public Health Office, was introduced as the local contact for Curry County services and scheduling; Masters encouraged the commission to request periodic county-level data briefings and said the Department’s website nmhealth.org lists local office hours and services.
What’s next: Masters offered to return periodically with county-specific data if commissioners want regular briefings on program uptake and local health metrics.
