Care Van Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM), a strong supporter of collaborations to address health care needs in New Mexico, implemented the Barbara Richardson "Para Tu Salud" Care Van program in January 2006 to help improve health outcomes for all New Mexicans. The Care Van is a 29-foot mobile health clinic with three stations, including an inner room with an examination table and sliding doors for privacy and an area for a laptop and printer.

The Care Van initiative is a community partnership program. BCBSNM provides the program at no cost to support the outreach efforts of partnering organizations. BCBSNM staffs the program with a full-time coordinator who oversees the schedule, drives the van to service sites, and provides basic logistical support. The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) Public Health Division is BCBSNM’s primary partner and uses the Care Van to improve outreach to underserved rural communities throughout New Mexico.

Who Can Schedule the Care Van?

The DOH, BCBSNM accounts, BCBSNM provider groups, and nonprofit community groups can request the Care Van to provide community health education and outreach services. BCBSNM cannot provide any direct medical services; therefore, potential partners are responsible for making arrangements to provide medical services by licensed providers.

Suitable requests include basic medical/dental services; community health education; and children's health initiatives such as immunizations, flu shots, healthy child assessments, and dental screenings. Requests are evaluated in accordance with BCBSNM criteria and responses are sent within five working days.

Contact Us

For more information or to check the calendar and request the Care Van for an event or project, please contact the BCBSNM Care Van coordinator by phone at (505) 816-4105 or e-mail.