Empowering Communities for 85 Years: BCBSNM's Committment to a Healthy New Mexico
June 25, 2025
This year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico marks a significant milestone by celebrating its 85th anniversary. For over eight decades, BCBSNM has been dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of New Mexicans through programs and services that positively impact communities statewide.
BCBSNM traces its roots to 1940 when Hospital Service Inc. became New Mexico Blue Cross and Surgical Services Inc. became New Mexico Blue Shield. The two companies merged in the 1970s to become Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico.
Today, BCBSNM is one of the state's largest health benefits providers serving more than 700,000 members through employer group coverage, individual and family market plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. In 2023, the company contributed more than $470 million in economic impact to the state.
BCBSNM and Utopia Dental collaborated to provide no-cost dental screenings in the Care Van at a refugee health event in 2024.
Throughout the years, BCBSNM continues to expand its efforts to address social and economic factors that influence New Mexicans' health. BCBSNM demonstrates the commitment with efforts like the Care Van® mobile health program, Blue Door Neighborhood Center℠, Blue Impact℠ major grant program and expanded Special Beginnings® maternal and infant health initiative.
BCBSNM's mobile health clinic expands access to care
Since its inception in 2006, the Care Van program has been a lifeline for underserved people, particularly in rural and frontier communities. In 2024, the team of Care Van coordinators, in collaboration with local health care providers and community health organizations, traveled nearly 40,000 miles to bring no-cost health screenings, vaccinations and educational resources to over 16,000 people in 53 New Mexico towns. The program's expansive reach illustrates BCBSNM's commitment to reducing health care barriers, ensuring that essential services are accessible where people live and work.
"BCBSNM's Care Vans address health care disparities head-on, providing screenings and services that many would not otherwise receive,” says Care Van coordinator Thomas Butler. “We’re not just identifying health issues. We're empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier lives.”
Blue Door Neighborhood Center enhances health resources in Albuquerque's South Valley
In August 2024, BCBSNM opened Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Albuquerque's South Valley, a welcoming space dedicated to health and wellness. The center collaborates with local health care providers and community organizations to offer no-cost resources, services and programming aimed at addressing chronic health conditions and providing maternal and infant health and behavioral health support. Since opening, the center has hosted over 240 classes, workshops and events and visited by over 1,000 guests.
Health educator Julia Martinez shares with guests information about the Blue Door Neighborhood Center.
“Our commitment to actively listening and adapting our programs to meet the needs of community members truly embodies the essence of Blue Door Neighborhood Center," says center health educator Julia Martinez. "We strive to create a welcoming space where everyone can learn, grow and collaborate, fostering a strong sense of community that uplifts and empowers all individuals.”
Community giving strengthening connections across New Mexico
BCBSNM’s commitment to residents' well-being extends further through its community investments. In 2025, the Blue Impact grant program awarded over $800,000 to 15 nonprofits across the state in its effort to address social determinants of health. These grants empower organizations focused on key areas such as nutrition, economic opportunity and locally defined health solutions, enabling them to provide services that contribute to better health outcomes.
“Social and economic factors can greatly affect an individual’s ability to achieve and maintain good health,” says BCBSNM President Janice Torrez. “Our Blue Impact grant program strengthens local resources and support systems, ultimately helping New Mexicans lead healthier lives.”
A volunteer picks tomatoes at Fraction Farms, a Blue Impact grant recipient that provides produce to Albuquerque-area food banks.
BCBSNM’s community investments extend beyond the Blue Impact grant program. In 2023 and 2024, the company gave:
- The University of New Mexico College of Nursing $1.6 million to establish an endowed faculty professorship and provide scholarships to nursing students.
- The New Mexico State University School of Nursing $1 million to train nurses and social workers to practice in rural New Mexico.
- The New Mexico Medical Foundation $500,000 to expand New Mexico’s physician workforce.
Special Beginnings improves health outcomes for moms and babies
In 2024, BCBSNM committed additional support and resources to improve maternal and infant health in New Mexico, recognizing the rates of deaths and adverse health outcomes remain high.
“Improving maternal and infant health outcomes in underserved and rural communities in our state is a top priority,” says Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, BCBSNM’s chief medical officer and vice president of health care delivery.
Under the initiative, BCBSNM is leveraging the knowledge, experience and talents of 10 statewide community organizations and clinical partners.
“Through our enhanced focus on maternal and infant health care, we’re working to create better opportunities for healthier, happier children and families across New Mexico,” Shankar says.
BCBSNM is dedicated to continuing its mission of improving New Mexico's health outcomes by continuing to invest in innovative programs and fostering meaningful connections.
